How to run in cold weather

Watch this video tutorial to learn how to run in cold weather. Don't let frigid temperatures keep you from your regular run. If you're properly prepared, you'll be fine.

WARNING: Not dressing properly for cold weather can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

Step 1. Wear the right fabrics

Wear clothing made of fabric that wicks moisture away from your body, like polypropylene. Avoid cotton, which holds onto moisture. Fleece hats and gloves or mittens are a good choice because they allow skin to breathe, preventing your scalp and hands from getting too sweaty.

Step 2. Lay it on thick

If the temperature is between 0 and 20 Fahrenheit, wear two or three tops under a windproof jacket, wind pants over insulated tights, and a hat and gloves. If it dips below 0, add another top, another bottom, a pair of glove liners or an extra pair of mittens, and wrap a scarf around your mouth.

Step 3. Protect your feet

Wear running shoes with Gore-Tex uppers – they’ll keep out any wetness – and thick socks made of anything but cotton, which can cause blisters by absorbing moisture.

Step 4. Warm up inside

Before you head outside, do something inside that gets your blood flowing but doesn’t make you sweat, like walking up and down the stairs a few times.

Step 5. Run like the wind

If wind is a factor, start out running into the bluster and end your run with the wind at your back. That way, the wind won’t give you a chill after you’ve worked up a sweat.

Step 6. Divide and conquer

On extremely cold days, consider dividing your normal run into two sessions so you’re not outdoors as long.

Step 7. Beware of black ice

Beware of roads that look wet but may, in fact, be covered with ice.

Step 8. Be a quick-change artist

Change out of sweaty clothes as quickly as you can after your run so you don’t get the chills.

FACT: Unprotected skin starts to freeze at 28 degrees Fahrenheit.