Winter running advice

Try a mask that is open between the lower nose and the eyes; that way, you can pull it down when you feel colder or pull it up when you feel warmer.

For the hands, try a thick Polarfleece mitten. If you need more because of wind, get one with a windproof shell. Asics makes them, among others. If you're desperate, a plastic bag from bread, muffins, etc. will do nicely until you can find the right ones.

I have some common ailment whereby the blood vessels in my fingers don't always fill properly in the cold - so my hands freeze.

Accordingly, I actually run in downfilled, northface, mountaineering mitts. It isn't awesome, but my hands stay warm.

Mittens are a lot warmer than fingered gloves. You'll inevitably get cold hands if your core temperature is allowed to drop, so make sure that you have sufficient layers for the conditions and wear a knit cap to keep your head warm.

You might try a balaclava on your head. You will get ice from condensation if you try to breathe through the fabric, but it's better than getting frostbite.

And why in god's name did you leave Vancouver for Ottawa?

I wear two pairs of gloves--the first is a regular pair of 'running gloves' which I wear underneath a pair of mittens. If my hands start getting too warm and sweaty, I take off the mittens and stick them in my pockets. Simple, cheap, effective. It was 17 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, and my hands were fine.

Put Petroleum Jelly on your cheecks, nose, and eyelids. It blocks the wind and cold.

And people here in Connecticut complain because they need indoor tracks to run on in the winter!

I've been running in the dark this week at about 30 degrees F with winds around 20 mph. My hands tend to get the painful feeling you describe from around the 5-15 minute mark. It then goes away and returns around the 1 hour mark when I'm maybe beginning to feel the effects of dehydration and my body isn't keeping its temperature as well.

Thanks for some of the suggestions in here. Even though I don't have it as bad as the OP, I've learned a few things.

Citizen Runner wrote:

Mittens are a lot warmer than fingered gloves. You'll inevitably get cold hands if your core temperature is allowed to drop, so make sure that you have sufficient layers for the conditions and wear a knit cap to keep your head warm.

You might try a balaclava on your head. You will get ice from condensation if you try to breathe through the fabric, but it's better than getting frostbite.

I second the balaclava. You can usually pull it down just below the mouth so you don't get gross frosties.

I prefer really thick wool socks to mittens, also. You don't need your thumbs while running.

Finally, I wear a crappy old nylon rain jacket that is no longer waterproof as an outer layer to cut the wind. It makes a huge difference.

At one point many years ago, I would run at 5:00 am and the temp would quite often be in the single digits. Everything would be cold. I began to note on my watch the point at which I didn't feel cold. i.e. when my hands "warmed up." It always fell within a few seconds of 8:30. From this, I inferred that my warm -up time for races should be 8:30 and include a few strides. Seemed to work for me and others I've suggested it to. this "warm-up" period varied between 5:15 and 12:00.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've tried running with an adjustable balaclava but my hands and face are completely numb after about 25 mins so it is impossible to feel for the edges of the balaclava and adjust it.

I'm going to try the petroleum jelly tomorrow on my cheeks and around my jaw. Your comment reminded me of something that I read about cold water swimmers--that they spread goose fat or petroleum jelly all over their bodies. I saw a winter biker today wearing a folded "doo-rag" across his face with the base at the bottom of the nose and the point between his eyes. This might work combined with vaseline.

I am also going to try mitts ASAP. Is it less effective to wear gloves under the mitts? I think it might also be a circulation problem, like someone else mentioned, rather than a cold problem per se since the gloves I'm wearing are pretty heavy duty. We'll see.

Thanks again for all the suggestions--super helpful. Keep 'em coming if you got more.

And to whomever asked, I lost my job in Vancouver and had to move for work. It's a great city and I'm enjoying it...it's just COLD!

i've heard that wearing latex gloves underneath your gloves is pretty effective

Also if your gloves are to snug they prevent blood flow to the fingers.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442627188&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302883734

I would use the above and cut out room for your mouth. Use ample face protection like petroleum jelly or dermatone.

Also some running glasses will help with the wind and shield your face. Check out native eyewear.

Grow a full beard.

Thanks. I'll look for that at MEC. I thought about growing a beard but I just started a new job and have to be clean-cut...for a while at least.