Well shoot, now I feel under-dressed.  I finished C25K about a month ago and have switched it up and started running 2 miles 6 days a week.  Right now where I am it is about -12 in the mornings when I go out...alright that's -12 C which translates to about 10 F so it's still pretty cold.  I do my Under Armour Cold Gear shirt with some shorts and a long sleeve running shirt that really doesn't count for anything because it's one of those polyester dri-fit type shirts that is super thin.  I top all that off with a pair of fleece gloves and a fleece hat.  As cold as it may feel the first time I walk out the door in the morning, I'll have worked up a pretty good sweat by the time I'm done.

That's something to keep in mind for starting C25K when it's cold.  It's very doable and for some it may make it easier than trying to do it in the heat of summer, just make sure you dress for the end of your workout and not the beginning.  Yeah, you'll probably feel cold the first time you step out side and for a while when you're doing your 5 minute warm up walk but you'll be sweating when you're done.  If you put on long johns with sweats and a sweatshirtshirt under a winter jacket, you could actually overheat.

Stephanie - where are you from?  I don't recognize any of the runs you've completed, but I am very familiar with the Flying Pig being from Cincinnati.

I agree, running outdoors in the winter is way more awesome than I thought it would be!  Now I've started to scout out for snow-blown sidewalks when I'm driving around town so I can plan my running route accordingly.  The snowbanks and ice are the biggest deterrent, but if you have cleared trails or sidewalks then winter running is great because you can be outside and not be that cold!!!

I don't mind winter running. I thought of a run this morning (-3 F) but decided to op out for tomorrow morning. I highly prefer spring, summer, & fall running over winter. The biggest issue with me is the start. I feel like I am inhaling a cold, steel knife. After about 10 minutes or so it isn't bad at all.

Been off due to a pulled muscle (slipped while doing a short hike during lunch).  My first run since Dec 8 was this morning.  Temperature at -11 F at 0600 hours.  Wore Cold Gear tights, wool shirt and socks, Yaktrax on my shoes, light lined jacket, balaclava, beanie, and double gloves. Fingers were chilled until about 1.5 mile mark.  Lots of ice patches and packed snow.  Had a good run, but did not see any other runners this morning.  What's up with that!?

I don't mind winter running. The cold and the snow don't bother me, but I don't like to run in the dark. Even with proper reflective clothing and lighting, I've had more than my share of close calls.

I have to figure out where I can run that's safe. Right now I'm running one weekday and one weekend day.

I've been working out at the gym and riding my bike in the basement to make up (a little bit) for the two other days I'm not running.

I have a couple of options I'm going to check out this week.

I always head for the treadmill in the winter and quickly lose interest.  Your post was just the incentive I needed as I begin my first season of outdoor winter runs.  I love trail running in the rain.  I'm sure the cold will have its own positives.  Tomorrow morning is my first expedition... I'm going to just do it.

This is my first post in quite awhile....but just had to!  I do so much better in the cold...in fact just this Dec hit my PR for 5k.  I am amazed how much i like it.  Even though I love to ski  I have always called myself a weather wimp.  Unless I am dressedfor it I'm freezing.  But running in the cold is different.  Only took one cold run a few yrs ago to learn i didnt need that much.  I also think it has helped me stay healthier...something about breathing that cold air ...must kill the germs and help build immunity.

And as for running in dark...i do it all winter.  Being so not a morning person i run at night a couple of nights a week.  I am cautious to stay in well lit and fairly populated streets.  I did recently start to carry mace.

And until i star tree d running in 2010 i truly never appreciated the "just do it" mentality...but there are no better words!