Running Gear/Tips

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/

agree with most people...just a small addition :

With winter approaching, if you are running when it gets dark/darker, invest in some high-visibility gear ( reflective or day-glo) and possibly a head torch so people can see you coming.

I'm going to add to this: if you're going out and it's snowing, wear BRIGHT GEAR, as in neon/day-glow, not just reflective gear. Sometimes, with snow squalls or wind drifts, headlights won't catch the reflective gear through the falling snow. But if you are BRIGHT, you can be seen.

oooh...good idea! This will be my first winter running, and I live in the snow belt of NY, so I imagine that the majority of my runs will be while it is snowing.

Bumping for later. My first year running in the cold as well.

Thanks to all the posters

In for the advice

All the above is exactly what I've found works for me.. Only comment I'd add is that when it's in the 30's I switch from cotton to a medium weight wool sox.

Have fun! Just watch your footing if the roads are icy or snow covered.

You wear cotton socks for running?!??! :noway:

bump