Cold weather running help

ken1994

I went for my first run in 29 deg weather, had new running gloves hat and shirt and jacket, sweats but no running tights. Legs got really cold but the rest of me nice and toasty, is it worth it to purchase a pair of tights or will I still have the same problem? Thanks in advance!

Ken

ken1994

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pucenavel

I have a pair of Pearl Izumi 'knicker' winter tights.

I can comfortably run in them between 0 and 40 degrees.

If it gets colder than that, I also have some paradox thermals that I can use as an underlayer that go to my ankles.

Long story short: Buy some winter running tights, yes.

My best cold weather purchase, however, was a Pearl Izumi P.R.O. series long-sleeve running shirt (style #1846). It's made out of some sort of space-age fabric that actually gets warmer when it get's damp from perspiration. I can wear it between 30 & 50 degrees as a single layer and down to 0 with just a light tech tee underneath.

I always wear gloves under 40 and a stocking cap under 30 - but they both usually come off at about 2 miles if the sun is shining.

ken1994

I have a pair of Pearl Izumi 'knicker' winter tights.

I can comfortably run in them between 0 and 40 degrees.

If it gets colder than that, I also have some paradox thermals that I can use as an underlayer that go to my ankles.

Long story short: Buy some winter running tights, yes.

My best cold weather purchase, however, was a Pearl Izumi P.R.O. series long-sleeve running shirt (style #1846). It's made out of some sort of space-age fabric that actually gets warmer when it get's damp from perspiration. I can wear it between 30 & 50 degrees as a single layer and down to 0 with just a light tech tee underneath.

I always wear gloves under 40 and a stocking cap under 30 - but they both usually come off at about 2 miles if the sun is shining.

Thank you, I have already ordered it from amazon!

99clmsntgr

Also keep your eye on sites like Backcountry.com and their rapid-fire deal site Steepandcheap.com. I picked up a couple pairs of Stoic Breathe 150 bottoms for relatively cheap (way less than half the price of the Pearl Izumis -- I just can't personally justify spending that much money). I've worn them once and they did a really nice job of keeping my legs warm but not roasting.

curvygirl512

It really helps me to wear running tights. If it's exceptionally cold, I'll wear jogging pants over them. Also, base layer turtleneck, heavy socks, hat, gloves, and puffy vest. The puffy vest might seem like overkill, but keeping my core warm helps me go further.

DenverKos

I wear thermal tights under a wind proof over layer and my legs stay nice and toasty. I snow shoe and cycle that way, and found I'm much better off than with just one or the other. For me, I have to have that area to allow air to circulate my body heat; tights alone don't cut it for me, and I hate it when my thighs get cold, and the cramps or strains come after that with the cold muscles. I don't go expensive; I got the thermals from REI on sale for less than $10, and my pants are simple wind proof workout pants, Addidas or Nike.

Below 50 degrees, I cover my knees and wear knicker length pants, and maybe knee socks. Less than 40 and I wear the double layers. I'm in Denver and spend the winter outside in the Rockies - to 0 degrees, I'm good in this combination, and on my upper body will wear a moisture wicking base layer, a fleece midlayer, and if needed a shell to keep off the wind or snow. Above 25 and I may skip the fleece and wear the shell over the base layer. My hands get cold easily, so I'll wear mittens to add some warmth

ken1994

" tights alone don't cut it for me, and I hate it when my thighs get cold, and the cramps or strains come after that with the cold muscles." I

That is what was happening, it just became so uncomfortable I could not get into stride, thanks for the advice. Happy New Year!

Ken

DenverKos

Yes, that wind breaker layer over the tights or thermals made a HUGE difference! Glad to help, and have a great 2012!

AmyEm3

Tights help me. I was just wearing fleece pants but then the wind starting making my legs cold. I feel much better with tights under the fleece pants. I might try to find a pair of wind breaker pants.

calliope_music

my hubby bought a pair and now swears by them!