At -10 wind chill, what’s the limit on how long it is safe to be out running regardless of how well you dress?
Is there a risk to lungs at that temperature, for example?
At -10 wind chill, what’s the limit on how long it is safe to be out running regardless of how well you dress?
Is there a risk to lungs at that temperature, for example?
Until you bonk.
I’ve run in -20s Fahrenheit air temp. You do need to really gear up, but I would say there isn’t anything inherently risky if you are properly dressed.
My lungs felt no problem. The lungs used to get trashed racing indoor.
If you are going out in the really cold stuff, pay special attention to the wind and let someone know your plan or stay in a crowded area. If you slipped and were knocked out or got injured it would not take long in relatively light running clothes to die.
Some suggestions are traction aids, wind protection for your junk, and sunglasses or clear glasses over your eyes. I’ve never liked breathing through a fleece neck warmer, but I know some people like how it slightly warms the air coming i and and protects the tip of your nose as well.
superdupershoes wrote:
At -10 wind chill, what’s the limit on how long it is safe to be out running regardless of how well you dress?
Is there a risk to lungs at that temperature, for example?
No risk to the lungs, forget the windchill, what is the actual temp? Do you think there is a lung wind chill factor. The air warms on the way through the trachea, it is not blowing through at 40 mph. People are so soft these days.
It’s -37C with the windchill where I am now.. I think you’ll be alright.
superdupershoes wrote:
At -10 wind chill, what’s the limit on how long it is safe to be out running regardless of how well you dress?
Is there a risk to lungs at that temperature, for example?
The idea of there being a "a risk to the lungs" from cold temperatures is a nonsensical old wives' tale that needs to die.
I remember television weather forecasters spouting this crap during Winters when I was a child. I've trained regularly in below zero temperatures ( actual air temps, not wind chill temps) during Northeast Winters, and never had any issue with respiratory system discomfort due to cold air.
As another poster noted, people are so soft nowadays.
xbcnxnc wrote:
If you are going out in the really cold stuff, pay special attention to the wind and let someone know your plan or stay in a crowded area. If you slipped and were knocked out or got injured it would not take long in relatively light running clothes to die.
This is the real safety factor. If the ground is clear and you can keep running, you can stay warm. If it's icy and you have to slow down, that gets a lot harder. Traction aids aren't perfect. If you go out on a run by yourself, slip and get a concussion/break a bone, you might die. I know someone who came close to dying and lost a finger to frostbite doing something similar. It's like running at 106 F, just at the other end of the scale: it's possible to stay safe if you prepare, but the margin for error shrinks a lot. Run in daylight, let someone know your route and expected return time, and stick to well-traveled areas.
The coldest I have run in is -20F. Hat and gloves of course, but I felt nothing special with my lungs, and my nose didn't freeze. Sweat pants over shorts...or I suppose you could do shorts over sweat pants...point is two layers there.
Slipping in extreme cold isn’t likely. Often the surface in extreme cold is better. I did suffer a temperature related airway injury from extreme cold. I ran a 5 miler in zero Fahrenheit with a bad upper respiratory infection. I lost my voice for a week or so. The ENT surgeon said my vocal cords were susceptible to injury due to denuded epithelium
Nanook Of The North wrote:
superdupershoes wrote:
At -10 wind chill, what’s the limit on how long it is safe to be out running regardless of how well you dress?
Is there a risk to lungs at that temperature, for example?
The idea of there being a "a risk to the lungs" from cold temperatures is a nonsensical old wives' tale that needs to die.
I remember television weather forecasters spouting this crap during Winters when I was a child. I've trained regularly in below zero temperatures ( actual air temps, not wind chill temps) during Northeast Winters, and never had any issue with respiratory system discomfort due to cold air.
As another poster noted, people are so soft nowadays.
Any source confirming this?
I can see how low-intensity running is not an issue but I wouldn't want to do higher intensity running or racing in extreme cold.
Hardloper wrote:
Nanook Of The North wrote:
The idea of there being a "a risk to the lungs" from cold temperatures is a nonsensical old wives' tale that needs to die.
I remember television weather forecasters spouting this crap during Winters when I was a child. I've trained regularly in below zero temperatures ( actual air temps, not wind chill temps) during Northeast Winters, and never had any issue with respiratory system discomfort due to cold air.
As another poster noted, people are so soft nowadays.
Any source confirming this?
I can see how low-intensity running is not an issue but I wouldn't want to do higher intensity running or racing in extreme cold.
The source is my own experience. I've done road races at 5 minutes per mile in temperatures below 10 Fahrenheit, and I've also done cyclocross races in similar conditions. Never had any respiratory discomfort at all from any of that.
For intense activity, -4F/-20C. This is limit used by ski federations for holding events.
Kenaneeser Beckelay wrote:
It’s -37C with the windchill where I am now.. I think you’ll be alright.
Did you run outside in that weather?
Make sure you have a phone plan on your watch to make emergency phone calls or run with your phone. If for any reason, you are stuck mid-run unable to continue running or even brisk walking, you can get dangerously hypothermic real quick.
When dressed properly, the air already warms up by the time it reaches your lungs, so that’s a non-issue. The body’s HVAC is central and prioritizes the core including lungs over extremities when it gets unsustainably cold.
Gloves and socks are key. Traction can be important. Wind can be the make or break factor. If possible, try to run a loop close to your start and/or end point, just in case an extremity gets extremely cold or you slip and hurt yourself.
Don't be a hero. Pass if you're feeling off or the conditions are extremely poor. An injury or set back is never worth it.
There's also some evidence that suggests running in extreme cold can negatively impact the immune system, at least short term. Again, don't be an idiot.
Again, don't be an idiot or a fool. Being labeled "soft" is better than suffering an avoidable injury.
Done many longer runs in extreme cold. Wool socks help a lot. I also wore my summer shorts under everything to give extra protection.
I also wore an extra layer over my stomach that I pinned on to shirts with safety pins. I found my stomach got very cold, but an extra long sleeve shirt caused me to sweat too much. On longer runs moisture is an issue. Sweat too much and you freeze. Better to be mildly chilly the first few miles.
Never an issue. Coldest I ran in was 28 below and did 11 miles.
The cold did always slow me a lot though.
aerosmith wrote:
forget the windchill, what is the actual temp?
windchill is mostly important for frostbite risk to exposed skin.
Warm core temperature is the overall important thing, or the peripheral blood vessels contract to slow heat loss, then extremities can get frostbit anyway.
I don't think I could stop my hands and feet from getting cold in subzero F temperature. Why run in those conditions, you'll get no valuable workout
Ran in -33 air temps this morning in northern MN. Only went 5 miles. I’ve done several runs in -30+. I’d like to think I’m hardier than most, but -30 is pretty tough. Lots of layers, but the cold finds a way in. No issues, but ready to be done at the end of it. Tried to run a sub 6 mile for the hell of it during it. I also think your lungs freezing is B.S, but -30 definitely takes your breath away when you try to speed up. Very refreshing morning.
Tommy2Nuttz wrote:
Kenaneeser Beckelay wrote:
It’s -37C with the windchill where I am now.. I think you’ll be alright.
Did you run outside in that weather?
Yes. 1 hour. I usually wear two sets of tights and underwear or underwear, one tights and sweats. For up top, depends on how warm of jackets you have. I’ll usually do two long sleeve shirts and jacket. Or one long sleeve a sweater and jacket. Toque, socks on hands and then mitts. Or mini gloves with proper gloves over. Neck warmer to pull over most of the face. Two pairs of warm socks. That’s about all you need. It’s not bad when you’re out there. Most important thing to take care of is the pecker.
I wore wool socks, boxer briefs, half tights, long tights, running pants, base layer shirt, 1/4 zip shirt, running jacket, underarmor hooded sweatshirt, balaclava face mask, stocking hat, 2 pairs of mittens. Hands and upper body too warm, knees and face got a bit cold. 4 layers on the bits and pieces is crucial!!