When Is It Too Cold to Run Outdoors?

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When Is It Too Cold to Run Outdoors?

February 26, 2009

Winter is in full force now, and I've got to give props to those of you who don't let a little cold weather prevent you from enjoying your outdoor runs. Depending on the climate you live in, or your personal threshold for chilly temps, I'm sure there's a point where you decide it's too cold to run outside. So tell me . . .

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32 Comments

girlbot 4 years

65, but only because i'm one of those runners who never has the money to invest in good running gear. if i cant run in the clothes i've got, i just hit the treadmill.

hottpink 4 years

Anything below 40 hurts my lungs when I breathe in.

AlannaS 4 years

I'm not a runner, but I'll get on my bike around 35

heatherhas 4 years

I picked at least 15 degrees, because that is about the coldest I have done here is southern VA this year, but I will run in just about any weather, stuffy humidity hot or really cold. It makes you a stronger runner.

javsmav 4 years

I'm also in Chicago. I think that it can be too cold to run, but 15 degrees is the lowest option in this poll?!? I'm not sure what my limit is. I've done negative temps before. It's not bad if you dress properly. Ice on the road is more of a concern than the temperature.

zeppelinrules 4 years

I live in Minnesota...I'm always impressed by the people who go running outdoors all year round. I am much less dedicated.

Spectra 4 years

I live in Wisconsin, so if you don't like running in the cold, you'll be stuck on a treadmill for 4-5 months a year. I will run outside unless it's something like -10 or so with bad windchills. I also don't run outside if there's a ton of snow. When it's very cold, I do wear strategic layers to prevent getting frostbite: I wear wicking tights under windproof pants and a wicking shirt over my sports bra and I put an extra sweatshirt on over that. Then I put on a windproof jacket, my gloves, my running balaclava and a hat. Lots of gear, but I manage to stay pretty warm.

lilxmissxmolly 4 years

25 or below is a no 90% of the time. 35 and above I'm fine. 25-35, it depends on how I'm feeling, if I can afford a day off, or if I can make it to the gym for a treadmill workout.

lilxmissxmolly 4 years

25 or below is a no 90% of the time.35 and above I'm fine.25-35, it depends on how I'm feeling, if I can afford a day off, or if I can make it to the gym for a treadmill workout.

Renees3 4 years

i live in the desert and anything below 60 and I'm too cold

Allytta 4 years

50 for me. and not windy. today was so windy that i skipped it. was 60 outside and i had to wear gloves that's how windy it was. there are actually people who think 75 is the minimal temp they need? wow.

soapbox 4 years

I hate the cold, so it has to be a good 50 degrees for me. The same goes for rain too, even if its drizzling, I wouldn't bother.

bethinabox 4 years

I can't exercise out in the cold... If I do, my chest hurts and it gets hard to breathe. Even just walking up a steep hill the other day in the cold made breathing a little difficult.

lydialee_home 4 years

40 will be good. I started my run at 5:30 or sometimes 5:00 in the morning on weekend. I got used to this temp already. :)

ROSITALUVSWILL 4 years

Above 40 is good with the right gear.

cmd0610 4 years

I said 25 but that's because it's the coldest temperature I've ever had the opportunity to run in . . .I'm so impressed by clasen5, I'd love to have an experience like that but I'm in Houston . . . I've run a half marathon on ice (we could barely drive to the race because the overpasses on the freeway were frozen) in Austin several yrs ago and that was okay it was slightly before 30.

aimeeb 4 years

No wind and at least 35, oh and no rain or snow.

POPSUGAR Entertainment 4 years

I'm fine anywhere above freezing, but I'm a big wimp about the rain. As long as nothing's falling from the sky, I'm good to go.

mod16 4 years

at least 65.. i'm a southern girl

blytheann 4 years

We just moved to TX from NY...and by being spoiled with almost year round warm weather, the new "cold" for us for running is anything less than 65 degrees!!

Brooke_72 4 years

I live in Chicago too and for me there is no bad weather just improper clothing. As long as I'm dressed for it the cold isn't keeping me inside.

laellavita 4 years

i tried to run in 35 degree weather a few weeks ago, when there was still some slush on the ground - i couldn't handle it. but 45 degrees is still cold enough to push me to keep running to stay warm, but not too cold that i feel like i'm going to break into ice cubes.

TidalWave 4 years

Yeah, I won't run if it's 35 or below!

miss malone 4 years

I would like it to be about 45-50 at least. If it's too cold, I just stay in and use my elliptical.

heyjen19 4 years

I don't live in as cold of a place as Chicago, but the Northeast has been quite cold this winter. I typically will say that it needs to be about 30 degrees. I've always heard that you are 10 degrees warmer when running, so I know I won't freeze when its 30 degrees -- I just need to remember to layer layer layer. I am looking foward to spring though, when its in the 50s and 60s, those are always the nicest runs!

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32 Comments