Square Runners: Cold Weather Running

By John Pilecki

THE GOOD NEWS: The Square Running Club has supplemented its established 7 p.m. Thursday evening runs with Tuesday and Wednesday morning runs at two different times: 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. We hope this accommodates different morning schedules. All runs start at on South Braddock Avenue. 

THE NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS: Gone is the balmy August weather we had at the club’s inception. Even moderate late autumn morning temperatures require more covering than a singlet and running shorts provide, and soon the temps will be near or below freezing in the predawn hours. But not to fret—two club members have experienced continuing their running routines through Pittsburgh winters, and are sharing their hard-earned cold weather knowledge.

Edward May now lives in but grew up in Alabama, so he had to be a quick study when he came to Pittsburgh 25 years ago for graduate studies in math and finance. This is what he discovered:

“Pittsburgh winter days are runnable with proper preparation. First—layer, layer, layer! I go with the traditional base and medium layers, with an outer shell. I like an outer shell with no lining—easy to take off/put on while running. Consider 'technical' clothes and long underwear for longer runs in frigid temperatures.

“Second, try to warm up a bit inside before going out in really cold weather with a hot shower, jumping jacks, etc. Third, as far as traction, snow is manageable, but ice is treacherous. Be very careful! I have not had much luck with traction devices for shoes.

“Fourth, get those crushable hand warmers for long runs in the teens and below. Place a pair on top of your socks, just behind your toes. Your feet won’t be frozen, even in those breezy running shoes.

“Last but not least—Chapstick for lips and Vaseline for face and forehead—neoprene face masks help in extreme cold.”

Lifelong ‘burgher and current resident Erin Kelly has her own “pros and cons” about winter running.

“The good thing is that you hardly seem to sweat! The bad thing is that when it gets really cold your shoes stiffen. 

“My best accessory is a Buff, a super lightweight polypro tube you can wear over your head, ears and neck. One super cold day I had forgotten to take my asthma medication, but I had no problem breathing through my Buff. 

“The first few times I dressed too warmly. Fleece is hardly ever a good decision, and hats don’t last 15 minutes. It’s good to have pockets to stash them in, and you have to double-knot your sleeves around your waist when you take off layers. I’ve even rolled up a shirt to keep it from flapping!”

So, now that you know how to protect yourself against the cold and the wind, join us on a morning and/or evening run, and check out the Facebook Square Running Club Group. You could become the 100^th member!