Running in Winter

I don't run trails or anything, I stick to cleared sidewalks and roads, but you could look into those things you put on your sneakers for traction if the trails may be snow covered.

My only other tip would be to get a good jacket that blocks wind and water, a good pair of running tights, some layers to go under, hat and gloves. You should be cold starting out. If you are warm when you start, you are going to get too warm.

I love winter running. I layer up, wear trail shoes and stay in thecity road. It's the best... ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eC5toC0vms

If you live someplace it gets cold that video is great for how to dress in the cold. I'm in Wisconsin and we are cold! Yak Trax are a must I hear as well. This will be my first winter doing some outdoor running (I also have a treadmill though).

live in texas and doesnt get too cold, but great posts guys!!! thanks

This is a great thread....still need help. I live in Indiana and it does get a bit cold here below zero. I am trying to walk/jog this winter. I did some last year but froze once it reached the 20 to zero mark. This is what I have and I really don't have any money to buy anything else so if you could tell me in what order to wear my stuff that would help me the most that would be great.
1. top thermal long johns
2 long sleeve & short sleeve shirt that wicks, light weight
3. sweat shirts
4 wind breaker jacket
5 socks that wick
6 hat that is a face shield for sking
7. gloves
Will this do or do I really need to buy something else?
Thank you for your help
Mary

Great thread!

This shall be my first winter running and I'm already feeling the need for gloves!

This is a great thread....still need help. I live in Indiana and it does get a bit cold here below zero. I am trying to walk/jog this winter. I did some last year but froze once it reached the 20 to zero mark. This is what I have and I really don't have any money to buy anything else so if you could tell me in what order to wear my stuff that would help me the most that would be great.
1. top thermal long johns
2 long sleeve & short sleeve shirt that wicks, light weight
3. sweat shirts
4 wind breaker jacket
5 socks that wick
6 hat that is a face shield for sking
7. gloves
Will this do or do I really need to buy something else?
Thank you for your help
Mary

I never really worried about having a bunch of stuff. I gradually have built up a running wardrobe over time. Its pretty easy to layer with clothes you probably already have. A wicking layer is great to have, but I have survived without one. I only bought a pair of tights last year, although I do think they are one of the best things I bought, but you can definitely get away without them. I would say out of everything, having a windbreaker/rain jacket is probably the most important, and it seems you have one. I think you can definitely get by just fine with what you have.

I haven't been running lately, but I started running in the fall and winter. When I started I just used stuff I already had until I knew it was something I enjoy. I eventually got the tights, pearl izumi mask, and technical under shirt. I still run with cotton gloves and a regular sweatshirt on top of that. It doesn't snow enough around here to mess with yaktraks. If it snows I take it to the Y, or just don't run that day. However, wind is always a factor around here.

Way I look at it, unless you're going to be out for longer than an hour, the biggest thing is to keep your skin covered. Your core tempurature will take care of everything else. Longer than an hour is when you should worry about actual "runners" stuff.

There's some pretty decent and low-priced base layer stuff as well as outer layer stuff at Target for those of us who can't go spending a bunch of money after buying the shoes. I'm in the Great White North and plan to do one day a week outside even through winter. I also XC ski, so it shouldn't be too hard. I want to do some winter/early spring races, so I gotta do it. Good luck!

What kind of tights is everyone wearing?

Some great info here! Thanks all!