Running Gear/Tips

BUMP. In for tips myself!

Number 1 recommendation - running tights. I refused to wear them for a long time. At a race a friend lent me a pair when it was colder than expected. There is a reason people are willing to look silly in tights - they are great.

Then I wear a wicking layer (usually just a summer tshirt) and a warm layer or two. For the longest time I used a regular running jacket to keep the wind and wet (snow or rain) off and layered below. This winter i bought a warm wonter rinning jacket. Not necessary but it is a really nice to have. For layering - At first I used regular old hoodies. As I went a long I picked up technical gear made for running.

Hat and gloves. Gloves make a big difference. Someone told me as long as you keep your hands warm, you will stay warm.

Always dress a little lighter. You should be cold starting out, you will warm up. It takes a little practice to learn how much you need in what weather but you'll get it.

Edited - sorry for typos autocorrect on my phone hates me.

Agree with running tights (especially ones designed for cold weather), ear warmers, gloves (there are some that your smartphone touch screen is sensitive to, keep that i mind if you run with a smartphone) and layer up.

BUT since it is dark most of the time in the winter - make sure you wear lots of reflective gear....heck, get a reflective construction vest - I'm putting one on my dog this winter.

Being visible in winter is more crucial than any other time. The shoulders on the road are smaller, visibility is worse and it's hard for vehicles to stop for you on icy/snowy roads.

Be safe!

Lots of great advice above. I would also add:

* Consider knee-length socks to go under your tights. Helps stop drafts around your ankles. Mine are also compression socks which has helped with cramp and shin splints.

* Layers that are easy to unzip at the front/take off and tie around your waist. Even when I run in the snow I tend to get hotter than expected.

* Water resistant long-sleeve top. I initially bought a lightweight waterproof jacket but find a top works just fine. I get so sweaty that a bit of rain doesn't make much difference, especially if I'm jumping straight in the shower when I get home. My long-sleeve top is designed for trail running and has super-long sleeves to keep my hands warm.

* Yaktrax to go on my shoes when it's icy. Helps to stop you slipping but does slow me down a bit.

* Plastic sandwich or freezer bag to put my phone and/or iPod in to protect it from the elements.

Have fun! Running in the winter is exhilarating, makes you feel really brave and, for me, was the time I realised that I was an actual runner! Over summer it felt like maybe I was playing at it. Winter running really brings it home that you have committed to something that is going to last a very long time

I use the ziplock bag too, lol.

I agree with everything said here. I also have a mask I wear when its really cold that helps keep my face from freezing too bad! I also wear tights...yup running men in tights LOL

I agree with everything said here. I also have a mask I wear when its really cold that helps keep my face from freezing too bad! I also wear tights...yup running men in tights LOL

Yes! I completely forgot to say I use a Buff. I have asthma and the cold air is a killer for my chest. My Buff is great for pulling up over my mouth when running bandit-style! It's then great over summer for using as a headband to keep my hair out of my face.

Agree with everyone else as well.... I find that I need gloves for my hands. I have a pair of running gloves. I also really like under armour cold gear.

I think everyone has pretty much covered everything... layers, including a wicking base layer. Merino wool is fantastic. Typically I wear the following in the winter:

On top: Sports top, wicking layer (either silk or long sleeve technical tee), sometimes another layer before my final layer (if it's -20C or colder with the windchill) with a jacket. The "jacket" may be a running jacket that I would wear in the spring (not lined, but with pit-zips if I get too warm), it may be my x-country ski jacket if it's particularly cold (lined, but still very lightweight), or it may just be a pretty thin layer that is really more of a shirt than a jacket. I've never had to wear more than this.

On bottom: Usually knee-length socks, thickness depending on the temperature. I don't own proper running tights although I've been running for a decade. This year I will probably splurge and buy some, If it's very cold, I'll wear long underwear underneath (mine are wool). If there is sleet, or if it's colder than -30C, I'll add splashpants to break the wind. I don't use winter runners, just regular runners. I also use Yaktrax if it's particularly icy, but generally the sidewalks are very well maintained in my area, so I use them maybe 3x per year.

Fleece mitts, merino wool hat (lightweight, but does the trick to wick away moisture). On those really cold days - a bellaclava. Nothing says seksy like a bellaclava.

Don't forget to hydrate :-)

I run 12 months out of the year in northern Ohio. Try trail running shoes - they grip better, and are generally made to handle moisture better than a traditional running shoe. Dress for weather 15-20 degrees warmer than it is outside because you will warm up quickly once you start running. I usually wear tight long underwear and a pair of shorts, and long underwear shirt and a T-shirt. If it is REALLY cold I'll throw on a hoodie instead of the T-shirt. I wear the same generic ankle socks all year round. Just keep running, you'll get used to the cold. I also use this guy:

http://www.workngear.com/p-4796-carhartt-a267-mens-helmet-liner-mask.aspx

Apparently breathing cold air increases your chances of a pulmonary embolism.

*Edit/Addition*

Glommits!

I have a rag wool pair and a technical pair that I wear depending on how cold it gets.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Guide-Series-Ragg-Wool-Pop-Top-Mitten&i=441695&r=view

Wool socks. NOT THICK COTTON! OMZ! When that thick cotton gets wet, your feet will freeze! Made that mistake myself last year.

This is all good info. I'll second Carson's point that it's different for different people. One other thing I would say is to challenge yourself a bit sometimes with cold -- I used to bundle up and sweat a ton, and I thought that was normal. Gradually, I started being OK with being a little colder at the start of my runs, and I got to where I started cold, warmed up quickly and finished much less overheated. Obviously, this experimentation is best done on shorter runs --- it sucks to run a weekend long run where you're cold from start to finish, so for those I plan to just peel off layers if in doubt.

Also, I'll second the recommendation for mittens, a hat and a face mask if it's cold. I see people running in 10 degree, windy conditions with a big jacket and no hat, and I can't believe it --- I'd much rather have a hat, face mask and mittens than a jacket when it's cold.

ETA: I am also one of those whose feet never get cold, even when running through slush, so I don't worry about different shoes or socks. YMMV.

I think they've got you covered but I just skimmed and no one mentioned yak trax. Helps to run through the snow/ice.

https://www.yaktrax.com/