cold weather running gear

hperowl

I want to start running but I'm not sure what to wear in the cold weather. I don't have any fancy running clothes and don't want to buy them either. So, what should I wear that I might already have in the closet.:happy:

bshedwick

Try to stay away from cotton if you can. That stuff soaks up sweat and does not release it very well.

Target and Walmart have some pretty low prices on moisture wicking clothes, so you wont break the bank.

As always though, make sure you layer.

ebaymommy

Try to stay away from cotton if you can. That stuff soaks up sweat and does not release it very well.

Target and Walmart have some pretty low prices on moisture wicking clothes, so you wont break the bank.

As always though, make sure you layer.

ditto to all that

I have some good running gear, but a lot of my basics come from Target. A good rule of thumb is to dress for temps about 20 degrees warmer than actual temp so you won't overheat. If you head out for a winter run you should be a little cold at the start because you will warm up fast.

I live in Wisconsin and run in about any weather (I do draw the line at below zero temps or wind chills). I really vary what I wear based on the temp and winds.

I'm planning an outdoor run tomorrow and it's going to be warmer than it has been (40 degrees - maybe even a bit warmer - yay!) and I will probably wear a pair of running tights, a base layer long-sleeve top, a fleece headband to cover my ears and a pair of those cheap stretchy cotton gloves - the gloves will likely come off after a mile or two.

When it's down below 10 degrees or so I start with the same base (running tights, base layer top) and add over it a pair of running pants or sweatpants, a fleece mid-layer top and perhaps a lightweight shell jacket, hat instead of headband. I love a good pair of wool socks for running in the winter, too!

fittraier

get some wicking stuff for bottom layer...target I love their C9 Stuff. I like tights for my legs (and possibly more). then layer. not sure where you live, I live in iowa, so I have everything from ice, wind, and snow, and bitterly cold. windbreakers, that can also handle moisture is my top. and depending on the temp i might add another layer inbetween wicking and top layer.

But today it was freaking 60 degrees! un heard of! I was in capri tights and long sleeve wicking!

Check TJ MAXX of Gordmans if you have one in your area are reasonable also. Then in the late spring summer, watch for places to cleareance winter stuff out and get a good deal!

curvygirl512

I agree that a good base layer is important in cold weather. I would definitely invest in good shoes and running tights. The rest of your gear should keep you comfy. I have a puffy vest I got for $7 in target (black friday deal)--keeps me warm without restricting my movement.

Finally don't forget about moisturizer, sunblock and sunglasses even in the winter.

Rock on!

rybo

Marshall's, if you have them near you are great for picking up good gear at cheap prices. I can't imagine being comfortable without wearing running specific clothing.

crunchybubblez

Nike!
Dry fit running socks, thermal running gloves, if your ears are cold you could wear a moisture wicking running band.
I wear a long sleeve active or running shirt with a light weight jacket...
You'll probably get hot unless it's below freezing so make sure it's something you can tie around your waist without it getting in the way.

crux

First respondent was spot on. Try for Synthetic fibres if you can, especially against your skin!

If you don't care to buy specialist stuff then:

Leggings work (layer with shorts or joggers if you need extra warmth or modesty) and if you have some kind of polyester t-shirt or long sleeve top to wear over a sports bra, that will help. Then layer up, but with light stuff not a heavy coat. ideal would be a light fleece top or fleece jacket.

If it's real windy you may need extra layers of some kind of wind breaker.

Take some light gloves and a light beanie hat, but be prepared to remove them into a pocket if you over heat.

Most important! good socks, (not cotton) if possible put on some wool or polyester socks.

jdjefferson

I live in Wisconsin and run in about any weather (I do draw the line at below zero temps or wind chills). I really vary what I wear based on the temp and winds.

I'm planning an outdoor run tomorrow and it's going to be warmer than it has been (40 degrees - maybe even a bit warmer - yay!) and I will probably wear a pair of running tights, a base layer long-sleeve top, a fleece headband to cover my ears and a pair of those cheap stretchy cotton gloves - the gloves will likely come off after a mile or two.

When it's down below 10 degrees or so I start with the same base (running tights, base layer top) and add over it a pair of running pants or sweatpants, a fleece mid-layer top and perhaps a lightweight shell jacket, hat instead of headband. I love a good pair of wool socks for running in the winter, too!

I live in WI too--it just goes to show that everybody has a different comfort level. I ran yesterday in shorts and short-sleeve t-shirt (it was warm!~50F). I don't wear long pants until it drops below 30, and usually just a compression shirt until down to about 15--then I add a thin long sleeve over that. Oddly, I wear very light gloves even at 45 degrees--my hands get cold very easily and I hate cold hands!

I would rather run in 0 degrees than 85 and humid.

FYI, the human body performs most efficiently in temps between 35-55F.

ebaymommy

I live in Wisconsin and run in about any weather (I do draw the line at below zero temps or wind chills). I really vary what I wear based on the temp and winds.

I'm planning an outdoor run tomorrow and it's going to be warmer than it has been (40 degrees - maybe even a bit warmer - yay!) and I will probably wear a pair of running tights, a base layer long-sleeve top, a fleece headband to cover my ears and a pair of those cheap stretchy cotton gloves - the gloves will likely come off after a mile or two.

When it's down below 10 degrees or so I start with the same base (running tights, base layer top) and add over it a pair of running pants or sweatpants, a fleece mid-layer top and perhaps a lightweight shell jacket, hat instead of headband. I love a good pair of wool socks for running in the winter, too!

I live in WI too--it just goes to show that everybody has a different comfort level. I ran yesterday in shorts and short-sleeve t-shirt (it was warm!~50F). I don't wear long pants until it drops below 30, and usually just a compression shirt until down to about 15--then I add a thin long sleeve over that. Oddly, I wear very light gloves even at 45 degrees--my hands get cold very easily and I hate cold hands!

I would rather run in 0 degrees than 85 and humid.

FYI, the human body performs most efficiently in temps between 35-55F.

I'm an admittedly cold person. I'm happiest in July when it's 85 and humid.

Although I did run 7 miles this morning in tights, long-sleeve shirt, gloves and headband. The gloves and headband came off after a mile and I was plenty warm - probably could have worn capris but oh well.