It's that time again. Time to dust off the sweats and ear muffs and hit the snow running, literally. Here are some tips for staying warm, in every degree of weather.

The one thing that will apply throughout both winter and summer, dress for 10 degrees warmer than it is. So if it is 50 outside, dress for 60. If it is 30 outside, dress for 40. If it is -50 outside, then run on a treadmill.

So here we go, head to toe:

Head:

The big thing here is going to be keeping your ears warm, so a head band that covers your ears or ear muffs will be a big help. You can do beany caps as well. If the weather is more on the freezing side, consider a full face balaclava or ski mask to keep not only your face warm, but warm the air you breath as well. Believe it or not, the freezing air can (if too cold) could cause crystals to form on your lungs, which could lead to pneumonia.

Arms and Chest:

For the southern states, simple long sleeve technicals or a light sweater might keep you perfect during your runs. In the northern states arm warmers, gloves, pocket hand warmers, all these things will be good investments. Do you have old tube socks? Cut the feet out and make arm warmers. The big thing is going to be to layer. Don't go out with a huge over sized coat and a technical tee underneth. Think long sleeve shirt, arm warmers, gloves, etc.... Remember, layers!

For those with a race coming up, invest in a "throw away" sweater. Just go get one of the ugly christmas sweaters from Goodwill. Then ditch it on to the side when the race starts. Most races will donate the spent sweaters and unwanted outter garments to the homeless shelters in the area.

Legs:

Again, think layers. Invest in some winter compression tights. They can be on the more expensive side, I got some for $50-60 at a sporting good store. But you can sometimes find these on sale at the bargin stores like TJ Maxx or Marshall's. They are great buys! And for the ladies, if you are worried about how your thighs or butt look in them, just put a pair of gym shorts on over top.

Feet:

Winter running socks! NO COTTON! If it is snowy outside, consider water resisting your running shoes with some hiking boot spray. It won't make them waterproof, but will help with snow seepage.

I just LOVE running in cold weather!!!

Even though I do not have asthma I have to use Aerolin (inhaler) before running in cold weather

Thank you for this! It's my first winter out and about and I need clothes help. The RW what to wear link really helped.

Today was my first ever attempt at running in the cold. It's 29F here, with a little snow on the ground. I wore: knit hat, tech tank, tech long sleeve, light fleece zip up, fleece gloves, compression pants, tech socks, normal running shoes. I was a little chilly to start, but 1/4 way through I was fine, temperature wise. My issue is this: I felt heavy. Between sweaty fleece gloves that I took off for the last 10 minutes, and feeling like my jacket weighed 20 lbs at the 1/2 way point, it did not add up for a great run. Is this just something you get used to as a runner? Maybe I'll be faster in the summer once I can be back in shorts and tanks Any tips on light weight cold weather running gear?

oh, thanks for the info.

Wind chill should also be factored in (looking at the picture above). What seems like fine "light" weather to run in could be a catastrophy if enough layers aren't worn when there is a fresh wind.

I'm also cold in general with short and short-sleeved t-shirt being nowhere near enough at above 10 deg C.

And it depends on garments one has, too. My jacket has quite a wide neck, so I definitely would need a scarf or such already at higher temperature than suggested.

I need taller, warmer socks. Yay gear shopping!

I have some MEC base layers for skiing that I will wear running. I also use a UA ColdGear ninja mask thing that i bought a few years back. I have a light down jacket that is plenty warm once I start sweating a bit. This has served me well from -30s to +5 Celsius.