Winter Running Gear
JustSomeEm
Posts: 20,268 MFP Moderator
I've discovered that unless I'm training for something I'm completely inconsistent with my running. So I signed up for a half-marathon at the end of February. I like running in the winter, and I have some make-shift cold weather running gear that mostly kept me warm last winter. However, when temps drop below about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, I freaking freeze. Specifically, my toes and fingers freeze. The only times I've ever phoned a friend for extraction during a run was when I was running in 20 degrees or less and it was because I could no longer feel my toes. For fingers, I think probably some thicker gloves would help, but I have no idea how to combat cold toes.
So - for all you extra-cold-weather runners out there: What do you do to keep your toes warm during a run? Special socks? I'm at a complete loss. Also, any advice for cold-weather running would be appreciated. I hate the treadmill enough that I'd rather freeze to death than attempt a long run on one. Totally needing help, here.
So - for all you extra-cold-weather runners out there: What do you do to keep your toes warm during a run? Special socks? I'm at a complete loss. Also, any advice for cold-weather running would be appreciated. I hate the treadmill enough that I'd rather freeze to death than attempt a long run on one. Totally needing help, here.
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I have a pair of Cabela's brand wool socks that do a great job keeping my feet warm enough all the way down to -1F. other than that, layering is great.
I always have my US turtleneck on as a base layer, then a light half zip jacket, and over that, sometimes a full zip hooded sweatshirt, and my Brooks LSD jacket to block wind. When it's under like 35, I switch from shorts to my Nike pants, though I'm actually thinking about getting some running tights this year. That's about it, other than a polar fleece hat, and whichever gloves are the most appropriate for the run.
Oh, yeah, if there's a wind, headwind going out, tailwind back makes a HUGE difference.2 -
I'm in for tips on this too.
Additional question for cold weather runners who wear glasses: How do you prevent fog from breathing or body / face heat?1 -
Have you already tried wool socks like Smartwool? That's what I see my cold weather friends using.2
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The_Enginerd wrote: »Have you already tried wool socks like Smartwool? That's what I see my cold weather friends using.
Smartwool are awesome too! I actually have had times where my feet got too hot (when it was sub zero) .1 -
I love my Brooks running mitts. The ones I bought, years ago now, have an inner fleece layer and removable wind shell. I've never needed the wind shells (I live in the southwestern U.S. and the Winters are pretty mild). They're warmer than any fingered gloves I've used.
I can't help with cold feet. On the very rare occasion it gets below 20F here I'll just hit the dreaded treadmill.1 -
Here's me feeling like an idiot. Wool socks. Duh. Totally getting a pair or two. Thanks @MNLittleFinn
Also, thanks for the head-wind/tail-wind advice. Once temps start dropping I'll remember this.
Also on my list are Brooks running mitts. Thanks @GaryRuns
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Any good recommendations on tights?1
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MimiOfTheLusciousLawn wrote: »Any good recommendations on tights?
I have some Nike cold weather tights that are freaking awesome and keep me warm. If it's very cold (less than 25 degrees), I'll wear them then put on a pair of sweat pants over them. I have never had a problem with cold legs on a run with those.
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MimiOfTheLusciousLawn wrote: »Any good recommendations on tights?
My favorite pair of winter "running" tights are actually a pair of Marker base layer ski tights that I purchased years ago. They are lined with a wicking fleece material and are super warm. Don't assume that just because you are running, you have to purchase running clothing. You will probably be able to find many options for all kinds of clothing with a trip to any quality outdoor store.
P.S. I love Merino wool. Invest in one or two good base layer pieces. Once you have a good base, whatever you put on top of it shouldn't matter much.2 -
I'm following this thread with interest. I hate running in the cold, but may need to keep training (I loathe treadmill too) for next years races.
In the past, I always just wore the Army PT suit and it worked good, but it's way too big for me now so I need to buy something pretty soon.0 -
I know there are neoprene bike shoe covers that are great for keeping the wind off the toes biking. BUT wouldn't work on a running shoe. I think there are some toe covers, but I can't remember. Gaiters wouldn't work - would help with keeping your ankles dry in the snow though.0
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I wear wool socks all winter and my feet are comfortable.
Also, I bought a pair of neoprene toe covers as inserts for my cycling shoes, but they would also work for running. They are fairly thin half socks that would reduce windchill on your toes. I bought these for about $12 online at aerotech design cycle wear. I also wear their cycling/running tights in the winter. Not too expensive and they work well for both run and bike.1 -
I also have a pair of cycling tights that I wear in the winter for running - Sugoi brand. They kept me warm through most anything last winter. Northface mittens, sometimes with glove liners. Also a thin fleece neck warmer thing that is long enough to go up over my head if needed. Which I need to locate now that I think about it.1
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Just a note on winter running. It wasn't super cold this morning, like 20F or so, but a UA turtleneck, light jacket, thin running pants, knee length wool socks, mittens and hat were more than enough to keep me warm enough on my run.1
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yeah, it was 39 here, and I decided shortly into my route that I need gloves, and a hat. I see wool socks and neck/face gator in the near future too.
I hate cold! 20F running? I'm dreading when it gets to that point this winter.1 -
So, as a note, I, along with most runners I know, warm up excessively once I start running. So I dress according to that. I am going to respond with the sub-zero temperature gear I use. (I am going with 10+mph winds and 0 to -20)
- Wind-resistant beanie that covers my ears
- In extreme cold, I'll also wear ear-muff headphones (music + cold resistance FTW)
- Compression short sleeve shirt
- Long sleeve half zip pullover w/ thumb holes
- Wind-resistant cycling gloves with phone touchscreen fingertips
- Long running tights
- Running shorts over tights (the windier it is, I'll do running pants over tights)
- Normal running socks (prefer 2XU)
- On Winter Running shoes (they are water and wind-proof...there are other brands that are just as good for temperatures and weather conditions)
- Running face mask for beginning of run and latter part of run (otherwise it's around my neck acting like a scarf)
- On darker or overcast days, clear lens sunglasses...otherwise normal sunglasses (need something to protect your eyes from the wind/cold
Hope this helps. Think I got everything.4 -
Y'all rock. Thanks. Question: How do you keep your sunglasses from fogging up in the winter? (@daj150 - since you were the only one that mentioned sunglasses, I think)0
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MNLittleFinn wrote: »Just a note on winter running. It wasn't super cold this morning, like 20F or so, but a UA turtleneck, light jacket, thin running pants, knee length wool socks, mittens and hat were more than enough to keep me warm enough on my run.
Dude. 'not super cold' and 20F in the same sentence? You're a beast!
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JustSomeEm wrote: »MNLittleFinn wrote: »Just a note on winter running. It wasn't super cold this morning, like 20F or so, but a UA turtleneck, light jacket, thin running pants, knee length wool socks, mittens and hat were more than enough to keep me warm enough on my run.
Dude. 'not super cold' and 20F in the same sentence? You're a beast!
No, he just lives where it gets a lot colder than most of the US. I might say 25F is "not super cold," but @MNLittleFinn lives where it gets colder than it does here. OTOH, Florida and Texas runners would fall on the ground and giggle if they heard our opinion of what is "hot weather." (FWIW, I've run in temperatures ranging from -10F to +91F. -10F was a lot more pleasant than +91F, even if it did take longer to get dressed for the weather.)2 -
JustSomeEm wrote: »Y'all rock. Thanks. Question: How do you keep your sunglasses from fogging up in the winter? (@daj150 - since you were the only one that mentioned sunglasses, I think)
No sunglasses, just photosensitive prescription glasses. As long as I don't put anything over my mouth or nose, they don't fog up. Since I don't do that unless it's super cold (see previous post), it doesn't happen often. I've tried different stratgies to mitigate the fogging/frosting of glasses in super cold weather; the best results came on the runs when I realized in advance I'd need to cover my nose and ran without the glasses.
I've also worn my older glasses to run, so I can change into my current glasses after the run and be able to see clearly right away. In rain or glass-fogging weather, this is a good strategy for when I'm driving somewhere to run and need to drive home afterward.0 -
Nice thing about MN. in 2016 I've run from -1 up to 100 (record high for my part of the state) and done hour plus XT hiking when it's -20, the wind is the real problem at that temp. Like @MobyCarp said, I'm no beast, just live in a place where cold in the winter is normal.0
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JustSomeEm wrote: »Y'all rock. Thanks. Question: How do you keep your sunglasses from fogging up in the winter? (@daj150 - since you were the only one that mentioned sunglasses, I think)
No sunglasses, just photosensitive prescription glasses. As long as I don't put anything over my mouth or nose, they don't fog up. Since I don't do that unless it's super cold (see previous post), it doesn't happen often. I've tried different stratgies to mitigate the fogging/frosting of glasses in super cold weather; the best results came on the runs when I realized in advance I'd need to cover my nose and ran without the glasses.
I've also worn my older glasses to run, so I can change into my current glasses after the run and be able to see clearly right away. In rain or glass-fogging weather, this is a good strategy for when I'm driving somewhere to run and need to drive home afterward.
I've noticed the same thing with covering mouth/nose being a culprit for fogging. But there are times when that isn't good enough. Sometimes, the heat from my face and eyes is enough contrast with outside air to cause fogging.0 -
MERINO wool socks are great for winter moisture problems, like stepping in a pile of slush you thought was frozen. If you're looking for wool socks, make sure it's merino!2
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JustSomeEm wrote: »Y'all rock. Thanks. Question: How do you keep your sunglasses from fogging up in the winter? (@daj150 - since you were the only one that mentioned sunglasses, I think)
With face mask on, it's almost impossible, especially when my breathing gets heavier the longer I run or when I have uphills. However, the trick I use to keep them fogged as little as possible is to have them rest a little farther down my nose. This allows some cold air to sneak in to help counter the fogging. They rarely fog if I don't have my mask on though.0 -
JustSomeEm wrote: »Y'all rock. Thanks. Question: How do you keep your sunglasses from fogging up in the winter? (@daj150 - since you were the only one that mentioned sunglasses, I think)
I keep them from fogging up by keeping them at home....I run in the dark....LOL
Also, is it bad that I'm kind of looking forward to the 5-8 inches of snow coming on Friday? I want to see how my Saucony Xodus do in snow. Good thing I have good socks, those shoes are NOT warerproof.0 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »I'm in for tips on this too.
Additional question for cold weather runners who wear glasses: How do you prevent fog from breathing or body / face heat?
I have personally not tried it, but I have read: use razor foam and rub it in. Do not wash it off. Apparently that helps against fogging up.1 -
midwesterner85 wrote: »I'm in for tips on this too.
Additional question for cold weather runners who wear glasses: How do you prevent fog from breathing or body / face heat?
I have personally not tried it, but I have read: use razor foam and rub it in. Do not wash it off. Apparently that helps against fogging up.
I've heard that toothpaste works too......hhhmmm minty fresh sunglasses0 -
MNLittleFinn wrote: »Also, is it bad that I'm kind of looking forward to the 5-8 inches of snow coming on Friday? I want to see how my Saucony Xodus do in snow. Good thing I have good socks, those shoes are NOT warerproof.
5-8 inches will be uncomfortable running when it's fresh, not too bad when it gets packed down. I know some people who would see that forecast and look forward to breaking out their snowshoes; I've never learned to run in snowshoes.
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If I tried running in snow shows it would look like this *walk*run*FLOP!!!*Crawl*Cry*walk*Run*flop*Crawl*Flop........5-8 inches will be uncomfortable running when it's fresh, not too bad when it gets packed down. I know some people who would see that forecast and look forward to breaking out their snowshoes; I've never learned to run in snowshoes.
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MNLittleFinn wrote: »
If I tried running in snow shows it would look like this *walk*run*FLOP!!!*Crawl*Cry*walk*Run*flop*Crawl*Flop........5-8 inches will be uncomfortable running when it's fresh, not too bad when it gets packed down. I know some people who would see that forecast and look forward to breaking out their snowshoes; I've never learned to run in snowshoes.
Isn't that what cross country skis were for?0
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