Question for the guys about running in the cold (Read 1387 times)

Today I had two firsts. I ran 8 miles in rather cold weather--about 30 degrees F--which is longer by probably six miles than I've run in the cold. Also, I ran in running pants for the first time. I thought I'd hate it, but the pants were perfectly comfortable and kept my legs warm but not too warm. But after about three miles (here's where it gets graphic) my penis felt like it was frozen solid. But the end of the run, I was in a lot of pain, and I even wondered if I had frostbite between my legs. I knew I didn't, but it's an important part of me, so I couldn't help worrying. Are there products out there for this? I wear cotton underwear, now. Do I need to change? I'm so glad this is an online forum and I don't have to look someone in the face to ask this.

An important issue and a great question. I have run down to -15°F. I always wear a pair of non-cotton compression shorts, under armor tights, and if it's below zero I'll add one more layer of a windbreaking pant. I think part of your problem is the cotton underwear. It does not wick the moisture away as you sweat and in the cold it makes you colder. Go for a couple of layers of synthetic fabrics and you should be ok. Gotta protect the boys at all costs!

Phew. Wow. Thank you, great laugh. All done laughing. Wait, not yet... Okay, better new. Thanks.

your problem is the cotton underwear

I think this is it. You want to avoid cottona against the skin in high heat or cold at all costs. Wear the tights against your skin. Even without an extra layer, that is likely to be warmer that tights on sweaty cotton.

Guys, thank you so much for sharing.

I have actually run with a thin glove (without a hand in it) strategically placed in front. In fact, I ran the Charlotte Thunder Road marathon (21 F at the start) that way and it worked great.

I never really had that problem even with sub zero (F) temperatures. I usually wear briefs, sometimes even cotton and only had the problem once it was around zero and a strong head wind. However my thighs started freezing before so I needed another layer on my legs anyways. My theory is that keeping your private parts very close to your body is the most important thing. Synthetic is better than cotton, but again, I never noticed any difference to me since I don't sweat a lot there. A friend of mine invested in windproof running briefs. Something of this sort: http://www.backcountry.com/store/PAT0571/Patagonia-Active-Wind-Brief-Mens.html - R

Doesn't this belong under the "size does matter" thread? I've consistently observed that puddles freeze over quicker than lakes.

I usually use compression shorts when it gets that low to keep my upper legs from freezing. The boys seem to do okay as low as it ever gets in SC.