Many yrs ago (1977-84) living in western Wisconsin, central Illinois and Western MA, I ran in temperatures (especially WI) below 0 degrees F, wind chill in the minus numbers. Very cold, but also invigorating—I was in my late 20’s and early 30’s. Now, in Oxford, MS I whimper at temperatures in the 40’s.
Reading this makes me think I’m a wimp! The coldest weather I’ve ever ran in was 13 degrees with a windchill of 9. That was several years ago. Now, ambient temps below 18 send me to the dreadmill or indoor bike! In contrast, it’s never too hot to run!
Well, normally as soon as there is snow on the ground I'm skiing instead of running, but the coldest I have ran in is around -10 to -15F. It was cold, but not horrible as long as I could keep my toes war, The coldest I';ve skied in, otoh, was -42F and that was only for about half a mile just to prove I could do it. Cold enough I wouldn't let the dogs go, proving I'm not as smart as a Border Collie!
I'm definitely all over the indoor training runs as well -- but you're made of stronger stuff than me if 10 degrees is your cutoff! 🥶 (Mine's much higher! )
I did a half marathon in Bemidji, MN and it was 32 with a 12mph wind. I kept all my layers on the whole race! That's my running limit🤣, but I'll downhill ski⛷ at -10🥶, and then it's inside to the hot chocolate and the fireplace🔥😁
Mostly agree - however, anything over 65 is too hot. I've played hockey on ponds, etc. in below zero temps. My best marathons were when the starting temp was 32 degrees!
Now that I'm in my mid-eighties, my best running temps are 30-55.
I'm in Alabama right now for state 32. It'll be 45 @ race time which beats 28-30 in Charkeston 2 years ago lol.
The coldest for this CA transplant that now lives in MN is 35 degrees. I've done 30 but 35 allows to layer up and run for longer. Otherwise the treadmill. 🏃♀️🐢
I’m a huge baby when it comes to cold, give me 90 in the shade any day. I’ve been sticking to the treadmill this winter yesterday was -7 which is no freaking way weather. I’ve done cold snowy rainy races but if I have an option I avoid being cold on purpose
Sunny and no wind.........zero and below is not unheard of........but you also have to have the right gear........also think about your lungs and exposed skin..........if snow and ice are an issue.....cleats are a must. Don;t over dress........but make sure hands, feet. knees and exposed skin is covered.........it will also be a shorter run!!!! But it's worth it!!!!
I've run with temperatures in the teens. That was a few years ago. Now I don't go out if it's colder than 25-28 degrees. I have asthma and really struggle to breathe when it's colder than that.
I've run in below zero temperatures, but that was twenty years ago. I live outside St. Louis and ran 6.5 miles this morning in eight degrees. Fortunately there was no wind and while it was bitterly cold, I warmed up quickly and had a good run.
Mid-Michigan here... -11 actual is the coldest, but like others have mentioned, there is a combination... wind chill and road conditions. The wind is the big thing, it may not be as cold, but the wind makes it absolutely miserable.
Yeah i was one of those crazies that was out running in the cold. I have not found a threshold yet but it was not comfortable on Tuesday. I think the air temperature was about 0 and the wind chill was -10 to -15. The coldest I can prove running in was Chistmas eve now I think it was 3 years ago. The registered wind chill was -17 and 6 inches of fresh snow was on the ground. I kinda have an excuse since I mentally can't run on a treadmill I have to run outside no matter the weather
I love cold weather running! 🏃🏻♀️ ⛄️ ❄️ We had 3 inches of snow here in Florida and it was crazy!
That's so crazy! When was the last time you had snow where you live?
I raced in 9F with sleet. I'll run in as cold as I can get it as long as there isn't rain. I hate running when it's 80plus.
Many yrs ago (1977-84) living in western Wisconsin, central Illinois and Western MA, I ran in temperatures (especially WI) below 0 degrees F, wind chill in the minus numbers. Very cold, but also invigorating—I was in my late 20’s and early 30’s. Now, in Oxford, MS I whimper at temperatures in the 40’s.
Us older folks like warmer temps!!!
I hear ya, Mark!!
Reading this makes me think I’m a wimp! The coldest weather I’ve ever ran in was 13 degrees with a windchill of 9. That was several years ago. Now, ambient temps below 18 send me to the dreadmill or indoor bike! In contrast, it’s never too hot to run!
That's still extremely cold! (I feel like one too, btw 😂 )
Well, normally as soon as there is snow on the ground I'm skiing instead of running, but the coldest I have ran in is around -10 to -15F. It was cold, but not horrible as long as I could keep my toes war, The coldest I';ve skied in, otoh, was -42F and that was only for about half a mile just to prove I could do it. Cold enough I wouldn't let the dogs go, proving I'm not as smart as a Border Collie!
Holy moly... -42 degrees?! That's quite literally bone-chilling cold!! 🥶
10 degrees is when I'll start thinking about an indoor training run. I agree with Rich, I'll take winter over the hot, dry summers any day
I'm definitely all over the indoor training runs as well -- but you're made of stronger stuff than me if 10 degrees is your cutoff! 🥶 (Mine's much higher! )
I did a half marathon in Bemidji, MN and it was 32 with a 12mph wind. I kept all my layers on the whole race! That's my running limit🤣, but I'll downhill ski⛷ at -10🥶, and then it's inside to the hot chocolate and the fireplace🔥😁
Call me crazy but I’ll take the 20’s or 30’s over the 80’s. Coldest run is probably in the low-mid teens
Mostly agree - however, anything over 65 is too hot. I've played hockey on ponds, etc. in below zero temps. My best marathons were when the starting temp was 32 degrees!
Now that I'm in my mid-eighties, my best running temps are 30-55.
I'm in Alabama right now for state 32. It'll be 45 @ race time which beats 28-30 in Charkeston 2 years ago lol.
The coldest for this CA transplant that now lives in MN is 35 degrees. I've done 30 but 35 allows to layer up and run for longer. Otherwise the treadmill. 🏃♀️🐢
Good luck, Julia! Let us know how the race goes!
I’m a huge baby when it comes to cold, give me 90 in the shade any day. I’ve been sticking to the treadmill this winter yesterday was -7 which is no freaking way weather. I’ve done cold snowy rainy races but if I have an option I avoid being cold on purpose
I'm with you. I like HOT temps. . . Seems like winter and cold come around every year. . . no stoppin' it! :)
Sunny and no wind.........zero and below is not unheard of........but you also have to have the right gear........also think about your lungs and exposed skin..........if snow and ice are an issue.....cleats are a must. Don;t over dress........but make sure hands, feet. knees and exposed skin is covered.........it will also be a shorter run!!!! But it's worth it!!!!
Wow, zero and below -- that's just amazing, Marianne. I don't think I've ever been in temperatures like that!
I've run with temperatures in the teens. That was a few years ago. Now I don't go out if it's colder than 25-28 degrees. I have asthma and really struggle to breathe when it's colder than that.
I've run in below zero temperatures, but that was twenty years ago. I live outside St. Louis and ran 6.5 miles this morning in eight degrees. Fortunately there was no wind and while it was bitterly cold, I warmed up quickly and had a good run.
Mid-Michigan here... -11 actual is the coldest, but like others have mentioned, there is a combination... wind chill and road conditions. The wind is the big thing, it may not be as cold, but the wind makes it absolutely miserable.
-11! Where was that? (I'm fascinated to hear the locations where it gets this cold)
I'm in New York. Below Freezing I don't want to run, but really if there is icy patches and crazy wind I am not going to attempt a run.
Yeah i was one of those crazies that was out running in the cold. I have not found a threshold yet but it was not comfortable on Tuesday. I think the air temperature was about 0 and the wind chill was -10 to -15. The coldest I can prove running in was Chistmas eve now I think it was 3 years ago. The registered wind chill was -17 and 6 inches of fresh snow was on the ground. I kinda have an excuse since I mentally can't run on a treadmill I have to run outside no matter the weather
Negative 17!!! Wow, Mike -- that is dedication!