I am sure you all appreciate that title coming from me right now and are rolling your eyes… yah I know I would be too.
This week in the bay 
I don’t really know a whole lot about the "real" cold being a Californian and all (especially these days), but it still is winter and many of you are cold, including myself especially when camped out at my desk.
What I sit under and shiver from all day long. 
Well if you can’t stay warm by moving to California, then there are some other options you should consider. We do get down to freezing a few times a year and it’s been in the 30’s most mornings (which is my favorite weather), so my knowledge on this topic is just based on that limited experience.
My tips for getting dressed this time of year:
- Layer – it’s much easier to head out into the cold when you are starting off a little warm, but when you have layers on you can take them off as you get warmed up. Or if you are running in the negative temperatures you just leave all those layers on and possibly add more.
- Cover your ears – my ears get very cold when the temperatures are low and keeping them warm definitely helps keep the rest of me warm.
- Cover your hands – my hands get so cold when I am running, so I have to start off with my gloves on and they help keep the rest of my body temperature regulated. Vests – one of my favorite pieces of running attire. They Keep your middle warm but are not as warm as wearing a jacket, plus all mine have pockets which is reason enough to wear anything in my opinion.
- Use some warmers!
I was sent some foot warmers and hand warmers forever ago to review and I kept wanting to use them on a run, but it never got cold enough, so instead I used them in my ice box of a cubical.
I shiver all day at work and often wear a scarf, jacket and sweater while in my office, yah it’s kind of ridiculous. I have used the foot warmers a couple times at my cubical and they worked great to keep my feet warm but not too hot. They lasted all day and weren’t that noticeable when I was walking around in them. I probably wouldn’t run with them just because my feet are super sensitive to anything weird in my shoes but Chris had a great idea to wear them on the bike if you are a cyclist (cyclist’s toes get COLD!).
Toasti toes stick to your socks! 
The hand/body warmer works great too and could definitely be used while running and put into your gloves, a layer of clothing, a vest or anything really.
So all you people out there dealing with cold, slush and snow, definitely consider some of these to help keep your fingers and toes toasty! I will continue to use them while sitting in my cubicle.
To those experiencing a real winter – what are your tips for running in the cold for those of us that are clueless?
What is your definition of perfect running weather?
My definition of perfect running weather is upper 30s and foggy!
It was my perfect weather this morning, but I missed out on it because I had plans to run after work, BUT it was definitely for a good reason.
Run club trial run! 
One of the many things Kristin and I have been working on lately is starting up a weekly group run club with lululemon Walnut Creek and we had our trial run tonight. We are both so excited to get this going! We ran a couple miles before hand and then did the 3 mile loop we will be running for the next month or two. Everything went great, we got some great feedback and are ready to go with our kickoff next week!
5.5 miles/51:27/9:25 avg pace
If you are in the Easy Bay definitely check it out, it’s going to be a lot of fun and a great way to socialize while getting a run in! Tuesday evenings at 6pm starting next week.
***I was sent the hand and foot warmers for free in exchange for my review.
Remind me about the Lululemon run when it gets even closer, okay?
I sit at my desk with my space heater on at full blast…even during the summer!
I ran in the 20′s when I was in Portland and found that as long as my core, hands and ears were warm, I was okay.
As for your new Lulu obsession…welcome to my world! Its where all my money goes. I read this blog religiously for info on all their new stuff – http://luluaddict.blogspot.com/.
Good luck with the running group, that sounds like soo much fun! I wish I would live there, for the running group and the weather!
I would DIE for that weather!
I come from Minnesota. I love that you wear gloves and hats. I wear shorts until it gets below 30, and no hat unless it’s windy or below 20. I usually can get away with no gloves-I always buy shirts with extra long sleeves, and my hands get HOT!! But if you want my tip on staying warm, WEAR CLOTHES THAT WICK MOISTURE. If you’re dry, you’re warm. Wicking socks, wicking pants, wicking first layer. That’s my problem with gloves, my hands sweat and then the gloves make me colder. STAY DRY!!
Haha you would find it pretty hilarious what some runners wear around here when it gets “cold”
It’s funny that you published this the same day that I wrote a post about layering in *real* cold weather – I saw your title and laughed
My post is a little long- so I applaud anyone who actually gets all the way through it, but yeah- my basics are layers and wind protection.
My perfect running weather is between 5 and 10 degrees Celcius (so the 40s I guess?) with autumn sunshine.
I’m so envious of that forecast! I’m heading to San Fran in a few weeks and cannot wait to run outside with no snow!
One thing I’ve done recently (in 3 degree temps!) is change my gloves mid-long run. They tend to get wet from sweat and then freeze. Changing into a nice warm pair in the middle of a long run makes such a difference!
We should try to meet up!!
That would be great! I’ll be in San Fran from Feb 9 to 14.
Can I trade weather with you? I’m sitting here watching the snow fall outside…and choosing to take a personal day from work so I don’t have to drive in it!
ha! reading this from my couch after i just tried to get into work and literally can’t get out of my neighborhood b/c the roads are just parking lots. snow is coming down in buckets right now.
Your weather is crazy. Cold in the summer, springlike in the winter
NOT cold in the summer! Where I live definitely gets hot in the summer. SF stays mild all year
I think I need to move to SF then
My favorite running weather is between 50 and 60 degrees…where you need to layer but not so you don’t lose a limb!!! Where did you get those toe covers? I love them….totally need to get them for my hubby! I stay warm lately but layering a ton!!! Keep everything covered!
They were sent to me, but I liked their site!
Oh boy – I do not feel for you and your “cold” weather. I ran in sub-5-degree weather two weekends ago! Haha. My tips are to ALWAYS wear a hat. Try to cover your mouth and nose for most or part of your run. The cold air can be tough on your lungs if you’re not used to it. ALWAYS wear gloves. And do be crazy. If you start feeling lethargic or numb – head home!
Your running club looks awesome! Wish I could join. And wish I had your weather!
GAH I dont think I even know what that feels like. This is my favorite time of year in CA! I love our “cold” temps.
That’s it, I’m moving to San Fran!!!
A few degrees above freezing is also my fave running weather… with no wind and a cloudy sky.
Layering is definitely key to surviving these winters, and a high quality base layer that will not hold sweat. Even when it’s -100, we still sweat and the moisture will quickly feel COLD!
Also, adding Vaseline to all exposed skin! We look all crazy and greasy, but it will prevent frostbite and windburn.
Vaseline!!! Never heard of that (or would have even thought to consider that) – see I love all these new things I am learning today
Hey cool, I like this new comment system.
I doubt you’ll ever need to resort to vaseline (or body glide works too) – unless you come visit me in the winter. haha
One of these winters I will!!! Just to say I have experienced the real cold
My favorite running weather is upper 30s/low 40s and overcast. We’ve had pretty ideal weather for a few months and I am dreading the summer with its heat and energy-zapping humidity (I live in the deep south). When it’s cold here, I make sure to have my ears covered…love my Bondi Bands for this purpose.
LOL! Those temps look like heaven to me but I totally get being cold at work.
Like Marlene said, layering is def key and I have made myself a little cheat sheet of what works best for certain temps so I don’t over layer.
total eye roll and a few curse words from me looking at that forecast. can i move in with you?!
We have an extra room, come on out
Your chilly weather would feel like a heat wave to me now!
I like your tips. I also, if it is very windy and cold, put duct tape on my running shoes. Otherwise it feels like the wind whips right through them. And I always have to get in and take a shower right away after my winter runs, even if I am doing some strength training or yoga after, I still shower and change otherwise I freeze once I come inside.
Duct tape – another new thing (not that I need it, but I love hearing what you guys do)!
i wear wool socks in the winter. they do a great job of wicking moisture, preventing blisters and keeping my feet warm.
a good base layer. i finally got some underarmor cold gear and it is making such a big difference. i no longer have to wear 4 layers on top. just my base layer and a jacket. it helps me to enjoy the run a little more when i don’t feel so weighed down by clothes.
take tissues. cold=nose drip! unless you want to use your sleeve, tissues are vital!
I’m not really a fan of January tempatures, but I am a fan of August tempatures, therefore, I throw on some extra layers and even tho it’s only 18 degrees out, it still feels like 78. I don’t see much difference. I wear twice as much clothes at Ryan does when we run. If it’s icy i’ll just run indoors, but I never do long runs on the treadmill, I just don’t see the point, I already know i can run that far so i’ll just wait for a nicer day, also, sometimes i do long runs on trails so if i do long runs on trails and treadmills then thats too much soft surfaces, i need pounding to prep for Boston. Another note about winter running clothes, i HATE tights! i freakin’ freeeeze in tights! i prefer to wear looser pants and i stay SO much warmer!!
Yea your weather looks exactly the same as it is in the South Bay, haha I definitely am not jealous at all of the weather around the rest of the US, I kind of feel bad for the people in the midwest and northeast who have to suffer through all the cold weather!
My perfect running weather is 50 degrees, with a little bit of fog, and no wind. I like a little bit of fog because it makes the hills be shrouded in mist…
You may have already talked about this, but how did you start a running club with lululemon? I want to do that.
Thankfully, I don’t sit much for my job, but our buildings are cold too and we’re in South Florida! In the summer, they are overly A/C’d and in the winter, the A/C still runs — or, if it gets particularly cold (as it has this winter), they shut off the A/C, but most of our buildings aren’t equipped with heating, so I know some people brought space heaters in (even though they were forbidden). Like I said, for me, the temp of the offices is rarely problemmatic because I’m only in my office for my office hours, which is usually just 2 hours a day, so I never get chilly.
Like some of the previous comments, I can’t say that I’m very sympathetic about the “cold” temperatures, but I *AM* sorry that you’re stuck under a cold vent all the time. That is really a miserable feeling.
There were no complaints coming from me about our weather – I love the winter! My only complaint is it isn’t cold enough
That’s what I love about you. You’re a cold-weather runner, and you’re not afraid to admit it!
Hahaha that is not cold at all, and 30 degrees is also quite warm! I’ve run in sub-zero and my best tips include LAYERS, cover your ears, and wear gloves. You’ll warm up eventually, I promise! The type of cold really makes a difference….15 and calm is much more pleasant than 30 and windy!
Jealous of your weather! My favorite running weather is temps in the 50′s with party cloudy skies.
What a fun running group! I need to run w/ friends more often once it starts staying lighter later and we can all get together.
I bundle up at work. When the temps are really cold, my building is cold. Like monday when it was below zero it was 68 degrees with a draft at my cube. Today when it was 35F outside, it was 75 in my cube! I hate that the blding is so drafty! I always wears lots of layers when I run in the morning. It is just vital when the temps are 20F!
When the temps are below freezing outside, I’ve learned to put warm to hot water into your water bottles, especially if it is a long run. They will probably still turn a slushy consistency, but won’t freeze as quickly as they would starting off with cold water. I’ve had bottles freeze shut during a run before, which is no fun at all!