Winter Running: Conquering the Cold Without Compromise

You won’t need us to tell you but winter is very much upon us. We know some runners hold their hands up in defeat, heading indoors to use a treadmill to get their miles in. That’s perfectly fine, any sort of running is better than no running at all.

However, we know there is a foolhardy bunch (insert your own term if you prefer) who never compromise when it comes to running. If you are an endurance runner or you get your thrills from off-road racing, winter is tough, but it isn’t an insurmountable challenge.

At Ready Sweat Go, we pride ourselves on being ready to run at any time of day, or any season of the year. We know you are the same, which is why we have some tips for endurance runners in winter.

The right clothing is essential

We aren’t going to give you fashion tips, but the right clothes are about more than fashion and how good you look! If you’re going off-road, you face rugged and wet terrain, so you need clothes that can withstand the elements.

A good pair of trail running shoes, with significant grip, is essential. If you don’t have a pair, maybe have a word with Santa, because you need shoes that offer stability and traction on uneven surfaces.

We’re also firm believers in layers, ideally with moisture–wicking materials. You need your clothes to do different tasks at this time of year, which means keeping you warm and dry, but also making sure you and your skin can breathe.

As a final fashion tip, these items are non-negotiables at this time of year:

• Hat
• Gloves
• Waterproof jacket
• Have at least one item of clothing that has a reflective material

Take the time to plan a route and check the conditions

Preparation is vital in virtually every aspect of life, although we appreciate some people love to escape. A lot of the joy of off-road running is the spontaneous feel to it, so we know planning a good run in advance goes against the grain for some runners.

However, in winter, we advocate a safety first approach. This means researching the area you are running in, looking at the weather forecast, planning a route and searching for known hazards or issues.

At this time of year, a route looks and feels very different to how it does in summer so even if you have raced this way before, double-check what you are letting yourself in for.

As an extra precaution, inform someone of the route you plan to take, and when you expect to be home by. Hopefully that is a major over-reaction, but if you need help, you’ll be glad you took this step.

You don’t need to break your personal best

We get it, you run so you’re competitive, and this means you always want to do your best. However, in winter, you have to accept that running is more challenging. When trails are slippery and you face more uneven terrain, it makes sense to take things slower than normal. If you are uncertain, slow down or even stop, it’s all about maximising the overall benefit and utility of a run, not pushing yourself to new highs.

Quick safety tips

The above guide covers most things, but here are some extra tips that will provide you with added confidence when running in winter:

• Have a mobile phone, as fully-charged as possible
• If you can, use a tracking app
• Use a torch or headlamp
• Always be mindful of hazards, including icy patches and wildlife
• Stay hydrated and fuelled, taking additional fuel with you

There’s every chance you are an experienced runner who knows how to handle the challenges of winter running. If so, this guide isn’t offering anything new to you, but it will hopefully remind you of certain things. After all, experienced runners can sometimes take things for granted.

If you are new to off-road running and this is your first winter, enjoy the process. Getting out into nature when many are tucked up in bed or at home is a great feeling, but there are challenges. Stay safe, look after yourself, and we look forward to hearing about your great runs this winter.