How cold is too cold to run in shorts?

Question

I ask because it was around 39 to 40 degrees last night with a wind chill near 30 and I ran in shorts. My wife and I had a discussion on whether it was too cold to run in shorts. I argued that my legs stay warm but my hands and arms get cold so I wore a jacket and gloves and shorts. But now that she's going to see that your muscles stay warmer I'm going to lose this "discussion!" :)

Answer 1

Well assuming you are a big boy you can decide for yourself if it feels too cold to you than it is too cold if it does not feel too cold than it is not. If you are just a little guy than ask your mom and she will tell you if it is too cold moms are good about that, if they are cold, then their kids must be cold

Answer 2

Personally I don't like to run in pants of any kind but I will if it is too windy outside. The cold temps don't seem to bother me unless the wind is really blowing. I never wear running pants for a race regardless of the temps here in New England. I would have to say it is a matter of personal preference. For me to wear running pants it has to be in the 20's and windy. Basically I learned this from years of running.

Runner's World or one of the more popular running mags used to have a web page called "Dress the Runner", where you could plug in the weather conditions and it would tell you what to wear if you liked to feel warm,cool etc... I took a look and I couldn't find it though. Your best bet is to experiment. If you go for a run on a 30 degree day and you are too hot try shorts the next time. Same goes for shirts/hats/gloves/vest, etc...

Have fun and stay warm...

Answer 3

It's never too cold! Lol, but ok...sometimes it is. My cross country coach says that if you're cold, go put on more clothes. I think this is a good way to look at it, since everyone's a bit different with their ability to tolerate lower temperatures. Personally, I've run in 20 degree weather in shorts before and been fine...but I'm also just a crazy runner. On the other hand, if there's snow, ice, or rain and it's below 40 degrees, I'll usually put on pants. Usually.

Answer 4

I don't think your going to like this answer, but you asked. The theory is this if your core temp is 98.6 (it differs for people) then your body is losing heat at any temp below 98.6. While most heat is lost through your head (always wear a hat) your body is still losing heat. Having cold musles is the easiest and quickest way that most people get hurt running. So in theory you should be warming your muscles unless it is 98.6 or warmer. But this theory applies mostly for people who would be jolting their muscles with explosive forces more the way sprinters do. If you are going on a longer slower paced run to which you are rasing muscle temp higher then the rate at which you are losing heat you should be fine. So chances are that you are not risking muscle injury when you where running in shorts. The bigger risk is wind, as exposed skin is very suseptiable to wind burn and hypotherma. It is always a good idea if its cold and windy to wear wind pants at the very least. They don't have to be lined but you need to do something to cut down on the wind factor.

Answer 5

I think it depends on the individual. I saw a guy walking around with shorts and a t-shirt (no jacket) and it was around 43 degrees this morning where I live. And he wasn't even running/exercising. So my guess is if people are giving you a look like you are crazy, then it's probably too cold for shorts :)

Answer 6

I like to run with my shirt off and in shorts. My cutoff point, typically, is below 50 degrees fahrenheit, then I will normally wear a t-shirt with long sleeves. I have noticed when I run in cold weather, if I am outside that evening in a T-shirt when other people are in jackets, simply not as cold as them.
Oh yeah..from Texas...so does not get that cold here..

Answer 7

Well assuming you are a big boy you can decide for yourself if it feels too cold to you than it is too cold if it does not feel too cold than it is not. If you are just a little guy than ask your mom and she will tell you if it is too cold moms are good about that, if they are cold, then their kids must bIf you're shivering. Although, my track team coaches tell us that, even on really warm days, it's always good to wear sweatpants because it keeps your muscles warm. When your muscles are cool, they're more susceptible to injury.

Answer 8

It is NEVER too cold to run in shorts. I'm from New England, and yes, I run through the entire winter in shorts! (the only exception being when my coach sees me and freaks out, or when there's a meet and I have to stay comfortable)
It's a personal choice, yes, but hey. If you're cold, you're not working hard enough!!!

Answer 9

If the sun is out I will wear shorts if the temperature is above 50. I have found that when your run you should dress as if the temperature is about 10 degrees warmer then it really is.

Answer 10

I say it depends on how tolerant you are of cold. For me the temperature has to be 48 degrees or lower to put on sweats. I hardly run with sweats. But you may be different, when your legs are stining when you first get out, probably time to put on some sweats. Or just layer.