Although this is mostly a sketchjournal, there's a rarely printed subtitle of Jason Learns How To Draw (and other adventurey things). This is one such adventure: running in cold cold cold weather.



The first trick to running in winter is to dress warmly, but not so warmly that you'll be suffocated by clothes, sweating so much that your wet garments draw in the chill. Layers are key.

You don't need fancy running togs, but if you're planning to do a lot of winter running, I highly recommend getting a three-piece outfit including a long sleeve top, spandex leggings, and a vest. (Trust me, the vest makes a big difference when it gets below freezing.)

First layer:
Shirt, running shorts, socks. I recommend shorts and socks with cool-max. (Eddie Bauer makes some great, thick socks.)

Second layer:
Long-sleeve overshirt, leggings, mittens, knit cap.

TOTALLY USEFUL HACK #1: Use old cotton socks as mittens.

This was a tip I got recently from one of my ol' high-school teachers. I was skeptical, but it works! A sock keeps your hands warmer than the cotton gloves that have fingers, but breathes enough so that your hands don't get too sweaty.

Third layer:
Vest, MP3-player loaded with podcasts, ...and (of course) shoes, not pictured.

TOTALLY USEFUL HACK #2: Stop your headphones from squeaking under your knit cap.

My earbuds tend to rub against the inside of the knit cap (since it's over my ears), causing a constant squeak squeak squeak as I stride.

Easy solution: put duct-tape on the earbuds.

No more squeaking.


Brrrrrrrrrrr. Hoppin' from foot-to-foot here.
It got down to 9° F today. Stay warm, people.

What are your tricks for winter running?