what to wear when running in cold weather?

mynameiscarrie
mynameiscarrie Posts: 963 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm doing a 5k thanksgiving morning and all I have are spandex shorts. what are some good (but relatively inexpensive) running pants/long sleeve shirts you all wear? I like tight stuff when I run...especially on my legs. I can do a little baggy on the top. any ideas??

edit:: it'll probably be around 40-45 degrees. not cold for northerners lol but cold for someone used to south georgia

Replies

  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    When it comes to battling the weather, you get what you pay for.

    Being in GA, how cold is it really going to be for your 5k? I understand that everyone deals with cold differently, but once you get warmed up and have a decent sweat going, the cold is less of an issue. I wouldn't think you'd need anything more than light weight stuff.

    FWIW, I ran this morning (42 degrees out) in a pair of EMS tights, a nike light weight compression shirt, and a marmot light weight polartec fleece. I was plenty warm.

    I'd scour TJ Maxx or Marshalls or one of those kinds of stores for the next few weeks. I've found some really good stuff there recently and it's a great way to get good gear at cheaper prices.
  • jrich1
    jrich1 Posts: 2,408 Member
    Invest in dry weave stuff, I ran a 5k last November in 38 degrees and I wore shorts and a long sleeve shirt, but the shirt started to get sweaty and I started getting cold.
  • whouwannab
    whouwannab Posts: 350 Member
    bump
  • ajdj0486
    ajdj0486 Posts: 6 Member
    try Kohls (if they have one in your area). I have a friend who got her running shorts there, and I've seen other running clothes there too. Maybe check the clearance section at your local sporting goods store???
  • mynameiscarrie
    mynameiscarrie Posts: 963 Member
    it gets pretty cold...ill probably be running in 40-45 degree weather. no where near as cold as other places but id say around 40 degrees...especially since its in the morning. I probably should have put that in the post lol
  • sophieshaped
    sophieshaped Posts: 228 Member
    I looked at lots of expensive tights and ended up with some full length Puma tights for £17 – much cheaper than most other pairs (at like £30 – £80). I find they fit well, are comfortable, don't slip when running, and keep me warm but dry. I'd say look around plenty but also make sure the waistband is comfortable and not too loose!
  • mrau719
    mrau719 Posts: 288 Member
    Depending on how cold it gets...layers. I've done underarmour shorts, fitted pants, and sweats before with similar layers on top...of course that was a day when the high was 18. Look for fabrics that don't let a lot of air through like cotton does. You definitely get what you pay for, but I know some clothing will actually say they're to help keep you warm.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    ill probably be running in 40-45 degree weather

    Bottoms: A pair of light weight tights. Top: a light weight long sleeve base layer, and a light or mid-weight second layer.
  • karinaes
    karinaes Posts: 570 Member
    Marshalls/TJ Maxx usually have good sports clothing for inexpensive prices.. Forever 21 has great stuff too! (& cute)
    have fun!
  • fareina
    fareina Posts: 2 Member
    Running tights are good for the legs and are relatively inexpensive. Can be worn under running shorts if you prefer. My hands get cold. I have found that instead of expensive gloves you can use an old pair of socks and if it warms up you can discard easily along the route.
  • Fairysoul
    Fairysoul Posts: 1,361 Member
    I don't know what to say, I live in the mountains and that is really not cold for us, I would wear some of those 1/2 length pants and a t- shirt with a little jacket you can tie around your waist if needed...
  • trud72
    trud72 Posts: 1,912 Member
    clothes??? :devil:
  • Phatdaddymike
    Phatdaddymike Posts: 74
    i wear under armour but it is pricey, id look for something that wicks away sweat,....i also got some things from old navy thats called "active" i think..it seems pretty good, best of luck in your 5K !!
  • emrogers
    emrogers Posts: 328 Member
    I'm from Texas and will be running the Turkey Trot here Thanksgiving morning; won't be that cold. I would even say your spandex tights would be fine and a short sleve, dri fit, or technical shirt and a long sleeve on top of that. You always want to layer. so you can peel off the layers as you get warmer. So the long sleeve you can just tie around your waist and keep going. I do however usually wear a head band that covers my ears due to them hurting because its cold. Always remember to dress about 15 degrees warmer. Your body will heat up eventually. I usually run in capri's unless its below 40ish then I wear long dri fit tights.
    Target has not so bad prices. Also hit up ebay. Or your local thrift stores. I have found plenty of my name brand shirts, and light jackets there and have just splurged on my pants.
    Good luck!!!
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    I wear wick away compression shorts if the weather is going to be 40 or above. I wear long wick away running pants if it's colder than that. I have more long sleeve tech shirts than I know what to do with from former events. I wear long sleeves if it's 45ish or colder. What I usually do though, is layer my tech shirts. Then if I get too warm, I can take the top layer off and wrap it around my waist.

    No matter what, if I were you, I'd wear tech clothing - socks and all.
  • maxxmore
    maxxmore Posts: 25 Member
    I ran a couple of days ago and my clothing was light weight, but I needed gloves bad. I was warm all over except for my hands.
  • kellyscomeback
    kellyscomeback Posts: 1,369 Member
    ill probably be running in 40-45 degree weather

    Bottoms: A pair of light weight tights. Top: a light weight long sleeve base layer, and a light or mid-weight second layer.

    I agree, this is what I wear in the winter when when it's 34-45 in the mornings. By the time I'm 5 minutes into it I'm good in just a pair of tight workout pants (yoga pants), long sleeve shirt and workout jacket and a beanie on the head.
  • mynameiscarrie
    mynameiscarrie Posts: 963 Member
    clothes??? :devil:

    NEVER! lol
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    40 to 45 degrees isn't cold .... that's still shorts weather around here! :) I like thermal shirts (like long underwear shirts). They're warm without being bulky.
  • HMD7703
    HMD7703 Posts: 761 Member
    Check Old Navy - they just launched a new line of work out clothes (and they are inexpensive). I just did a 5k in 50* weather... started in light weight spandex jog pants, t-shirt and sweatshirt... that sweatshirt was a huge mistake!! I was cold for maybe the first 1/2 mile but halfway in I was really hot. To make things worse, I had to lug that bulky sweatshirt around the rest of the race (tied around my waist). I say, go with as little as possible. Maybe you could leave your jacket / sweatshirt with someone on the sideline :)

    Good luck
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Another option...

    Not sure what they have for women, but Target carries some decent workout clothing by Champion. Fit is good, wicks as well as most, not quite as soft as pricier stuff, but it's easy to get and easy to afford, so worth checking out.
  • lcnelson
    lcnelson Posts: 279 Member
    I was SO glad to see this thread! I googled this topic for an hour last night. I ran yesterday in 50' degree weather with 17 mph winds. I wore long loose jogging pants and that part of me was fine, no worries during my run or after.

    I wore a long sleeve Prospirit 'tech' shirt, but had to have another layer on. So I put on my lightweight Brooks micro-tec fleece. Running was okay even though I was just too warm and could feel the sweat dripping. What was terrible, was that I was soaking wet on the way home and freezing! I was just sitting in that cold shirt and the fleece was soaking from the waist up. I am thinking fleece is just for under 40' now???

    I saw most everyone in Underarmor yesterday and am guessing it needs to be fitted to wick the sweat away? I made the mistake of getting 2 tops that are L and Xl (I am really a M now) and they are pretty useless!
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Running was okay even though I was just too warm and could feel the sweat dripping. What was terrible, was that I was soaking wet on the way home and freezing! I was just sitting in that cold shirt and the fleece was soaking from the waist up. I am thinking fleece is just for under 40' now???

    Sweating while working out is actually a good thing as it keeps you warm ("fresh" sweat is warm and it replaces the cold sweat that evaporates. However, once you stop working (and thus stop sweating), you get cold in a hurry. Always bring a shirt to change into after your workout.
  • BattyMama
    BattyMama Posts: 136 Member
    Another option...

    Not sure what they have for women, but Target carries some decent workout clothing by Champion. Fit is good, wicks as well as most, not quite as soft as pricier stuff, but it's easy to get and easy to afford, so worth checking out.

    Target is where I get mine. my winter gear (im up by Chicago ) running tights shorts sports bra, tank top or short sleeves and arm warmers good socks and KEEP a change of clothes in the car to change out of the sweat soaked stuff in to dry warm stuff
  • HazelElfwand
    HazelElfwand Posts: 83
    I love running in my lu lu lemon skinny full length pants - they're cool enough that you don't overheat but keeps your skin from getting too cold. They fit flush with your legs all the way down to your ankles and come up to about your belly button. Aren't too tight but have a little tie so that they don't fall down while you run. They work perfectly for me!! Even in Canadian weather! lol ;)
  • NiciS72
    NiciS72 Posts: 1,043 Member
    Another option...

    Not sure what they have for women, but Target carries some decent workout clothing by Champion. Fit is good, wicks as well as most, not quite as soft as pricier stuff, but it's easy to get and easy to afford, so worth checking out.

    Target is where I get mine. my winter gear (im up by Chicago ) running tights shorts sports bra, tank top or short sleeves and arm warmers good socks and KEEP a change of clothes in the car to change out of the sweat soaked stuff in to dry warm stuff

    I agree with this too. Their product is called Duo Dry and its awesome. The only place I feel sweat is my face!
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Another option...

    Not sure what they have for women, but Target carries some decent workout clothing by Champion. Fit is good, wicks as well as most, not quite as soft as pricier stuff, but it's easy to get and easy to afford, so worth checking out.

    Target is where I get mine. my winter gear (im up by Chicago ) running tights shorts sports bra, tank top or short sleeves and arm warmers good socks and KEEP a change of clothes in the car to change out of the sweat soaked stuff in to dry warm stuff

    I agree with this too. Their product is called Duo Dry and its awesome.

    Yep... just make sure you have some chafe protection for your nipples. Learned that the hard way *OUCH!*
  • Roe1968
    Roe1968 Posts: 133
    pricey but you only need one...its NEW and the Breath Thermo fabric changes body moisture to heat for overall warmth..


    for woman -
    http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/MIL627/#long_description
    http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/MIL636/#long_description

    for men
    http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/MIM705/#long_description
    http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/MIM710/#long_description
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    the Breath Thermo fabric changes body moisture to heat for overall warmth..
    Um... I'm curious how they make that claim...
  • corinneselene
    corinneselene Posts: 306 Member
    Layer 8 performance has the best stuff. I just purchased some long sleeve tops and pants and they are all QWICK DRY so you wont be wet and freezing when you sweat! I actually found a ton of gear super cheap at Marshalls- pants for 24.99 and tops for 19.99.
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