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Hi, friends, happy Monday!

We had a brief stint with winter this weekend that involved snow on Saturday morning, but thankfully, it didn’t stick. If you’re new around these parts, let’s clear something up. I don’t do cold weather; I don’t do snow. I don’t like it, and there’s a reason that I don’t live up north anymore.

There. Now with that being said, even our mild winter weather here in South Carolina is enough to make whimper and whine, but if I want to stick with my running program, it’s not an excuse to miss workouts.

And since I don’t have a gym membership or a treadmill, here is how I’ve been surviving the winter weather.

1. Run in the warmest part of the day

I really prefer that it be at least 40 degrees outside, so I’m scheduling my runs in the late afternoon, usually around 3-4 p.m.

2. Layer with thermal activewear

Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean that I won’t be sweating 10 minutes into the workout, so I have several thermal tops (such as these thermal tops) that keep me warm but still wick moisture away; I’m especially a sucker for shirts with thumb holes.

The last couple weeks, I’ve been wearing a vest as a second layer to my thermal top, but I’ve got my eye on this adidas jacket as reward when I finish week 4 of my training program since I’d like another layer on my arms, but want to be able to tie it around my waist if I get too warm.

3. Wear a hat

Now I’ll be the first person to say that I love hats at all times of the year, but do you have any idea how much heat escapes your body through your head? This is not a time for vanity over hat hair; I want my head and ears warm.

My favorite is my ladies knit hat from Carhartt (link to similar product) because it’s fleece-lined, and it’s tight enough to keep those stinking ear buds from falling from my ears.

4. Use sunscreen no matter the weather

Look my mother-in-law does skincare for a living; no matter the weather conditions, I wear sunscreen on my face. It’s the best thing I can do to take care of my skin. I apply sunscreen before run…including lip balm with SPF.

After the workout, I like to baby my skin with a deep moisturizer and foot balm for my poor feet. They are working so hard for me. (Bonus tip: use baby wash clothes on your face; they are so much gentler on your skin.)

5. Get an accountability partner

No matter whether I have all the right gear or not, I am still capable of letting myself off the hook when it’s cold outside. So I have an accountability partner.

We check-in each day about the workout of the day. Fortunately, she hasn’t had to kick me in the butt yet, but know she will if I start slacking off helps keep me motivated.

What are you tips for working out in winter weather? Share some of your winter workout gear.