Winter runners?

lindsayh87

Calling all you brave souls who run all year long. I've got some questions. I started running last spring and really love it. I'm in Northern Michigan and since winter finally reared its ugly head I've been working out from my house instead. I'm dying to get outside for a run though! I'm wondering what are the best choices for clothing in the cold and shoes? I live in a downtown area with shoveled sidewalks but they are not completely clear - still snow covered and can be icy. I'm concerned about slipping and also keeping my feet somewhat dry. Are there temps I should consider unsafe to go out in? Anything else I need to know? Thanks!

gdyment

I run in Canada, year round outside unless it's actually a blizzard or colder than -20C. Shoes are the same as summer - trainers like Ghost, Nimbus, Cumulus, Supernova - whatever. Always have double layer runner socks (no blisters) and almost never have cold feet - because the feet are always moving, always pounding.

I find if my head and hands are covered, that's key. I will wear shorts, long sleeve tech shirt and big mitts and toque and be perfectly fine around freezing - then much below will put on running pants over top to keep the air off exposed skin.

Unless it's actually a skating rink (like freezing rain) I don't slip. Run solid with a downward landing vs a sprint where you kick/slide your leg backwards. Imagine you were running on loose pieces of cardboard, or leaves, you shouldn't be kicking them backwards as you run - they should be undisturbed. Never make a sudden turn or 180 just slow, turn deliberately, then go.

On uncleared surfaces with an inch or more of snow, you just go slower because as you push forward the snow slides back. So the pace is misleading but just ignore it.

3dogsrunning

Tights. Not as big a deal now but when I started running no one wore tights and I was pretty self conscious in them. Once I realized how much better they were, I didn't care. If there is a windchill you can buy wind blocking pants which are pretty nice. When it gets really cold you can layer the both. But my # 1 investment first would be winter running tights.

As for up top, I layer a wicking layer, then a warm layer or two. When I started out I used good old hoodies (pretty bulky). Each year I'd pick up a nice warm top designed for running - keeps you warm without the bulk. On top of that, I wear a wind breaking jacket, the same jacket I wear all year round. It's nice to have a winter running jacket, less layers, but not crucial.

I wear a head band or hat depending on weather.

I was told that if you keep your hands warm, you will stay warm. I use the cheap $1 stretchy gloves for milder weather and mittens when it gets really cold.

I wear my regular shoes. Someone suggested trail shoes to me. Or you can buy things you hook on your shoes for grip. People even screw screws into the soles of old shoes and use those. I've never gotten to the point where I felt I needed it, but people vary.

The key is you want to be cool starting out. If you are warm when you walk out of the house you are going to get way too warm when you start running. It always takes me a bit every winter to get the hang of how to dress again. A couple of runs and you'll figure out how warm you need to dress.

ETA - I don't worry about keeping my feet dry. I seem to stay warm regardless. I've stepped in puddles with one foot and managed to kick the splash, soaking my foot but I've never had a problem with cold feet. Everywhere else - yes.

Aed0416

I look for leggings or tights that are "brushed" those are the kind that will keep you warm. I layer usually a wicking tank, a cold gear base layer and a vest. Then of course hats and mittens. If it's snowing I like to throw on a pair of latex gloves on under my mittens, they keep hands extra dry and warm. If it's below 20 degrees I wear a neck warmer that I sometime pull up over the lower half of my face to breathe through and push down when I get too hot.

Once I'm a couple miles in it really doesn't feel that cold. Icy rain/sleet is the only thing that will keep me from running.

dewd2

If you have a Dick's Sporting Goods nearby go checkout the running section. They will be clearing out the winter stuff soon and it is a great time to buy for next year (and the rest of this year). I have several Under Armor pants and shirts for winter and tons of Nike stuff.

lindsayh87

Thanks so much guys! I got a pair of cold weather tights this morning - I already had some moisture wicking shirts and layered one of those under a light jacket, with a hat (I think I would like a headband better), lite gloves and went out this afternoon. It was an unusually warm day for January - 37 degrees. Wow, running in the snow takes a lot more effort to keep from slipping or twisting my ankle on the uneven ground! I also stepped in an unexpectedly deep puddle halfway through and ran the second half with gushy wet feet!