Ever head outside all bundled up for a winter run, only to have your ears hurt after running in the cold? If so, you're not alone. Here are some measures you can take to minimize the chances of cold ears.

Some people are generally more sensitive to cold than others, and ears, in particular, tend to be a more sensitive body part due to the fact that there are a lot of nerves surrounding the ear canal. Cold ears can wreak more havoc than simply causing discomfort, though. It can lead to other parts of your body feeling cold, leaving you to potentially come down with illnesses like the common cold, which is the last thing you want. The below tactics can help keep your ears nice and toasty on your next run and help prevent pain from running in the cold.

Earmuffs

Earmuffs in general are one of the most effective ways to avoid having your ears hurt after running in the cold. However, they might not be the most ideal option for running, as they can block out sound when you want to be aware of your surroundings, and they might slip and slide around more than you'd like.

Ear warmer / headband

If temperatures aren't as brutal (think 40-50 degrees), an ear warmer that doubles as a headband may be a simple solution. You can find ear warmers of varying thicknesses that are also sweat-wicking to keep your face comfortable and dry, as you're still likely to sweat, especially if you're in the sun and possibly at a high altitude.