Can You Go Running In Winter?

Most people who like to stay at a healthy weight encourage exercise into their regiments, but even if you’re looking to lose weight or just stay active, activities like running can be a wonderful use of your time!

That said, in most of the northern hemisphere, the winter is well and truly upon us. Cold temps are rolling in, rain is here, and dark nights have followed. That means your regular running schedule, at least if you prefer it outside, might be limited.

Of course, there’s nothing that should stop you from throwing on a pair of comfortable white gym leggings and setting your own pace on the treadmill, but there are still ways to do this outside if you’d prefer. With that in mind, please consider:

Reflective Gear

Reflective strips on jackets or shoes can help you shine like a Christmas tree if a car comes around the bend, and that can keep you safe during low visibility. It’s especially important if you’re running on country or less developed roads. The nice thing about modern running gear is that it often comes with built-in reflective details that look totally normal in daylight too, so you can buy for the best of both worlds.

Pass-Through Earbuds

Music is great for running, but wearing earbuds can sometimes impede your observation, which isn’t good in winter when the wind can howl and visibility might be lower. Special pass-through earbuds you might have seen around actually serve a really practical purpose – they let you hear your surroundings while enjoying your playlist so you get the best of both worlds Some people prefer running without music in winter, but if you enjoy that extra motivation, these earbuds can help you stay aware of approaching cars or other runners, but don’t let that make you complacent – always be on the lookout for hazards as you run.

Running When Others Are Present

Winter running tends to feel nicer when you’re not the only one out there. While in summer you might wake up with energy to get out there early morning and run at your own pace with no one around, in winter, the darkness can make you a little less safe. When visibility is low, being around the general public is safer. You could join local running groups that meet at specific times or plan your runs around when your neighborhood tends to be busier. Morning runs often coincide with dog walkers so you can still greet the day at an early time, just planned with more deliberateness.

Having a few different routes mapped out also helps, as you might want a shorter loop for those really cold days or a route that passes by busy shops if you’re running solo. The main thing is knowing where you’re going so you can focus on enjoying your run rather than wondering about your next turn or feeling unsure about traffic flows.

With this advice, we hope you can continue to go running in winter. Just make sure you keep shoes with good traction and grim so you don’t slip!