How cold is too cold to go running?

Answer 1

My friend decided to go running one day when it was like 15 and got lost.(don't ask me how). When he got home and took off his shoes, he had frostbite on one of his big toes. He had to get part of it removed.

That's too cold.

Answer 2

With the right gear, it's never too cold to run. After you've been running for a while, you'll start to get your own gauge of what outfits you're comfortable with at what temperatures. Everyone has different comfort zones for when they break out the hats, gloves, etc. A couple important things when dressing to run in the cold:
(1) make sure you wear a base layer that wicks sweat away
(2) keep your core more insulated than legs/arms. That means your torso, groin area, and neck.
(3) If you're running in bitter cold weather and/or wind, you also have to protect your skin against frostbite. In most cases you'd already be covered up to stay warm, but it's the face that normally takes a beating. Consider getting a balaclava.
(4) The balaclava is also good to keep the breaths warmer and not burn your lungs so much. More for really cold temperatures.
(5) Dress to be warm after running for a few minutes, not to be warm immediately. That means you might be a little cold when you start, but your body will make up the difference as it heats up. You can also bring thin hats/gloves/bala for the initial cold and put them in your pockets as you need to.

Just a few random thoughts off the top of my head. The last thing to remember besides temperature is weather. If it's really icy or snowy out there, you're risking injuring yourself.

Answer 3

I used to think 40 degrees was my lower limit, but over time I have run in temps all the way down to 15 degrees or so. If you are dressed for the weather, it's not a problem. My only rule now is to not run on snow or ice, it can be cold but the path must be clear enough that I won't slip and fall.

Answer 4

This answer obviously depends on the person. The coldest I've ever run is -9 degrees F but I ran for my school in Michigan. I had plenty of time to acclimate myself to the gradually colder temperatures so the -9 didn't feel too bad. I also had incredible clothing that completely protected me from the elements--wind, snow, etc. Make sure you have a long sleeve shirt, windjacket, hat, gloves, tights, windpants, long socks, and a face mask if you are running in subzero (Celsius especially but Fahrenheit, too) temperatures. Again, its too cold to go running if you aren't used to the temperature and windchill and don't have the proper running gear.

Answer 5

It's all personal preference...I'd say that the coldest I've ever run in was about 15 degrees Farenheit, which was probably not the smartest thing I ever did (the fact that I was wearing shorts and a hoodie didn't help either). Probably 20 degrees and under it can get very uncomfortable, so just use your judgement? Like I said, it's personal preference.

Answer 6

Good rule of thumb is not to run if it's below 15 degrees fahrenheit. Because of your lungs. Although, I have run in colder temperatures. The human bodyis amazing. Your body's core temperature heats up fast.

Answer 7

Theres no such thing as too cold in reality. If you can walk outside, you can run. Just make sure you run shorter distances and sprint more in colder temperatures to keep up body warmth. Also shorter time periods work in colder weather.

Answer 8

I would say 40 or below. When your lungs and throat are burning, it's never very comfortable. Just do it on a treadmill when it's too cold.

Answer 9

I don't know about too cold, but I've never felt comfortable below minus 10 degrees celsius.

Answer 10

it all depends on your physical condition. if your an experienced runner your lungs and heart can handle the cooler weather. if your not then its harder and more dangerous. ive run in below freezing weather in nothing but shorts and a few layers up top and gloves and hat. i cant say it was the smartest thing ive ever done, but it was fun. its cool to test your boundaries sometimes. just listen to your body.