question re: cold weather running gear

Ok, for all of you experienced cold weather runners, this will be my first year running outdoors when it is cold out. I need to know what kind of gear to get. Please fill me in!

How cold is cold?

Right now I run in 30-40 degree weather.

I wear a dri-fit sleeveless under my dri-fit hoodie. Normal boxers and a pair of shorts, or I wear a pair of nike running pants. that's it. You're gonna be warm enough from running.

If I don't wear the hoodie, I wear 1 long sleeve dri-fit and 1 dri-fit t-shirt.

Hiya, depends how much you want to spend really. Have a look on Nike's web site. They do some good stuff, but you can't go wrong with a warm jacket, leggings and maybe a base layer if its really cold. A hat of some sort is good to have too. in the uk there's a site called prodirectrunning.com not sure if they have one too in the usa.

running tights
long sleeve top with deep neck zip
light base layer gloves/beanie
very light/pack-able wind breaker
Good socks, I use merino ones.

I start out with the gloves/beanie on, and rapidly take them off as I warm up, they go into the pocket on the wind breaker which also ties round my waist if I really over heat.

Everything goes back on when I start my cool down.

Good rule of thumb is to add 20 degrees, to the current temp, and then dress appropriately. I agree about the hat and gloves/mittens, and I love my running jacket with the thumb holes in the sleeves - keeps the wind from going up my arms. The only time I break out the extra wind-breaking layer is when it is down in the single digits or low teens. I love running in the cold; it is actually my favorite running weather! Happy winter running!!

bump...... I live in Minnesota and would like to continue running during even during the -10F days colder than that, Ill probably just go ice fishing or snow mobiling :-P

Depends on your climate. Layers are important and nothing cotton. You need fabrics that will wick away the moisture and keep you warm. You could check your local running store and expect to pay a decent chunk of change ($80-$100+) for something like a running jacket. Under Armor Coldgear is good although it just doesn't seem to fit me well. I prefer Nike dri-fit...the fabric for cooler weather is probably comparable between the two but the prefer the Nike fit. I've also gotten name brand gear at places like TJ Maxx or Marshall's for a fraction of the price. Also, Target has some nice and affordable options. I also have a cheap pair of gloves (think dollar store) I grab. Most times I take them off mid-run but it isn't the end of the world if I lose one. Here is a cool little "what to wear guide" from runnersworld.com: http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,,s6-240-325-330-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

light weight tights/long underwear
heavy weight tights/long underwear
some sort of windblocker

light weight long sleeve shirt
heavy weight long sleeve shirt
light weight polartec fleece
heavy weight polartec fleece
a wind/rain shell

Lay as appropriate based on conditions.

Good socks
Gloves, if you're that sort of person
Breathable hat (I like wool, personally)

Craft makes some killer windstopper gear (intended for biking, but I wear mine for almost everything - skiing, shoveling show, hiking, biking, running, etc.). Ibex makes some great wool stuff. Neither are cheap, but good gear is worth it if you're serious about cold weather activities.

Great timing for this post.

I'm running in a marathon on December 4 in Sacramento where the average lows are in the mid-40's. That's not cold to a lot of folks but it is to me 'cause I've been living in Southern California for the past few years. "cold" here is when it drops in the 50's!

Many thanks for the answers, too, folks. Super info!