Running in winter can pose many more challenges than in any other season. But, at the same time, it can also prove the most rewarding. Check out these (often light-hearted) 23 winter running tips from INOV8 ambassadors and get motivated to hit the trails through the colder months and into 2023.
It’s not about performance
For many, winter is a time when you’re not specifically training for a race, merely just getting out to keep fit. If that’s the case, don’t get hung up on times and distances, or checking your watch for pace. Just get out, relax, and enjoy. Now's not the time to be concerned with performance. Ben Abdelnoor
Vitamin D is your friend
I take Vitamin D & Calcium tablets in the winter. It helps keep levels topped up for my immune system and bone health. When working night shifts I often don’t see daylight at all so it's really beneficial. Nichola Jackson
Pack intelligently
Anticipate problems and have important kit close to hand for if the weather changes or you face a problem. When you’re carrying a lot of kit it’s easy just to throw it in without thinking about placement or order. I always make sure my gloves, over mitts, hat and map are the most easily accessible, preferably in a waist pouch or pocket. I don’t want to be routing round looking for them in winter conditions. Jack Scott
Treat yourself post-run
Have something to look forward to post-run. Hot Chocolate is a favourite and helps get the body temperature back up. I love cups of hot chocolates after my runs in the winter! Alison Walker
Pre-zip extra layers
Part zip up all the outer or emergency layers you are carrying in your pack. That way, when you need your jacket most, you can quickly get it over your head and do up the final bit of zip. It’s better than trying to do up an entire full zip with cold hands in strong winds! Oh, and chose mitts over gloves – they slip on easier and your fingers warm up better when together inside the mitt material. Paul Aitken
Change your narrative
If you tell yourself you HAVE to go running it can feel like a massive, wet, windy chore. But if you say to yourself “I GET to go running” it can really change the game and make it feel like a bit more of an exciting adventure. It all starts with the first thought. Allie Bailey
Think about your return
Be sure to have a towel close to hand so you can get straight out of those wet clothes as soon as you get back home or to your vehicle. Chris Gaskin
Split your shifts
If possible, alter your work schedule. It’s a tactic I’m fortunate to be able to use in winter when I chose to ‘split shift’ so to speak. This enables me to head for the trails and get my daily exercise in during daylight hours instead of the cold, dark evenings. James Forrest
Embrace the cold
Get out, enjoy the silence, the snow, and the beauty of nature. Try skimo if you have snow. Try and ice bath too – you don’t need snow for this! Luzia Buehler
Get in the spirit
Create a festive Spotify playlist featuring all the best Christmas songs, particularly those with an upbeat tempo. It'll provide the perfect soundtrack to wintry runs. Nicola Hardy
Nail the plans
Have a clear plan. When the weather is less than inviting it can be easier to make up an excuse. Have a clear plan of where you’re going to run. And remember, winter miles equal summer smiles. Andy Berry
Drink it up
Hot fruit squash in your water bottles will cool down soon enough to drink while also giving you some home comforts on a super-cold day. Alex Staniforth
Take time to do strength work
During the summer, especially in race season, it can be difficult to find time to focus on things like improving muscular strength. Use the winter off-season to work on strengthening your body and legs so you are stronger come race season. Abel Carretero
Mix things up
I’m lucky to live in The Alps so I do a lot of cross-country skiing and skimo in the winter. It’s important to change sports in order to develop other qualities necessary for running – like explosivity. I do the same in the summer but use road biking as my other sport to help improve my running. Kevin Vermeulen
Grab a headtorch
A run under headtorch on a crisp, clear winter’s evening is almost unbeatable. Just don’t stray off the trail (or in my case the flag stones on Ilkley Moor) and end up chest deep in a bog of eternal stench. Tom Adams
Use your inner will power
It’s that first push that can be the hardest, but once you’re out of the door the world opens up to you. A few moments of suffering can be overcome by will power. After that you can open your body and mind to the trail experiences. Janelle Lincks
Water bottle tactics
If you’re running with a flask in lower temperatures keep it as close to your body as possible (under at least one layer of clothes). The heat from your body will stop the water getting frozen. Peteris Grivins
‘The Power Out of Bed Technique'
I run early in the morning, so I set all my clothes out the night before next to my bed. I set my shoes next to my phone, and my gloves and hat next to my keys. Once my alarm goes off, I power myself out of bed, quickly get dressed, make coffee, and jump in the car. Once there, I am committed to the run. This technique keeps me from thinking too much about how tired I feel or how cold it is. Cory Keehn
Time for the poles
If heading for higher ground in winter take your poles for an extra point of contact. They’ll help you keep your balance on tricky winter ground and provide some extra safety too. Marcis Gubats
Think calories
Don’t get lazy of doing the simple things. That could be anything from putting on a pair of gloves before your hands get too cold to eating food throughout the day. With temperatures being cooler, terrain being tougher and winds often stronger, you’d be surprised how many calories you need through the day. James Gibson
Make memories
Never be discouraged by the weather or how little daylight there is. Some of my most memorable moments running have been when the rain is sideways, and I'm caked in mud following the light on my headtorch somewhere on the hill with no one around. Jay Morton
Do it for the Christmas food
You can eat loads more when you workout regularly – and we all know grandma measures how much you love her, by how much you eat! Leon Kofoed
And do it for the winter beer too
Make the appropriate beer choice. Your beer should be strong to give you the courage to face the weather outside, dark like the long winter nights, and fortified with B vitamins & minerals so that you are fortified to go out and face what the season has to offer you. Peter Maksimow
And finally…
We asked the ambassadors to think ‘outside the box’ when providing their tips and encouraged the light-hearted nature of their responses. That said, they, like us, all recognise the utmost importance of having the right kit and safety measures in place ahead of a winter trail run, especially on higher ground. Please think responsibly when running in winter and take time to read our safety in the mountains blog post.
And finally, finally…
Some late tips just in….. ok, this takes us over 23 tips, but we’re sure you’ll enjoy the extra servings.
Carry two headtorches, it’s not much fun finishing a run by the light of your mobile phone. And be strict with yourself about what time you’re running – the later it gets the less likely you are to get out. Nicky Spinks
Get a good headtorch (300+ lumens will have you skipping along) and embrace the winter. It’s easy to reach for the snooze button, but will your rivals do the same? Damian Hall
Spend winter-time building a good foundation of fitness for the race season. Don’t get sucked into doing hard sustained interval sessions to early! Kat Townshend
Warm-up indoors
Try to warm-up as much as possible while still indoors. It could be anything from a few squats, lunges and dynamic stretching to a full-on dance party to some good tunes. The latter will definitely help to get out in the cold, dark winter! Anete Svilpe
Have a pre-workout routine
In winter, mine starts with a hot drink, then 10-15 mins on the foam roller / stretching. Lastly I take 5 mins on appreciating that I am able to run, and reminding myself that cold-weather running is magical (feeling that air on your cheeks while your body is all warm). Ida Mathilde Steensgaard
