What Do I Wear for My Cold Weather Runs?

If you have never ran in the winter or are looking for some cold weather gear tips to make your runs more enjoyable, I am going to share my tips of what works for me.  Winter running can be so much fun with the right gear. My favorite time to run is in fresh snow! I love the feeling of adventure as I’m the first one breaking foot in the fresh snow and paving my path, not to mention leaving my footprints as I go. It gives me a sense of power that is only experienced during the winter.  Once you get past the idea that you are leaving your warm and cozy home, to go out into the cold, you will never skip another winter run. Gear is so important to make your experience enjoyable. Over the years, I have perfected what works best for me.

You will need to first consider what kind of temperature you have as a runner.  Do you run cold? Or do you run hot? I tend to run hot so I can get by with less layers and gear than for those who run cold.  It is important to be sure that you are prepared when you run in cold temperatures. We want to be sure we keep up our core temperature.  You can read more about this here.

http://www.marathonguide.com/training/coachmindy/runninginthecold.cfm

                            Post Run 10 mile long run in -5 degree windchill 

Okay so let’s get started from head to toe…

                   Keeps me warm and looking hot on the trails in the winter

On frigid or windy days, I start out with my thin, Under Armour Balaclava. This allows a thin layer to cover the bottom of my face and mouth if needed.  I prefer not to have it covering my mouth, but on really cold days it’s a must!

Next, I choose a lightweight running beanie; I have a few favorites.  They are form fitting, stay in place, and fit nicely over my balaclava.  Some of my favorites include: Smartwool Phd-Light Reversible Beanie, Saucony Skull Cap, and Under Armour Beanie.  I like these because they keep my head and ears warm and stay in place.  Others I have tried either fit too loosely or don’t cover my ears.

Often on winter days I am either running early before sunrise or late during the evening hours.  This requires you to bring a headlamp. I prefer to use my Sprinter Rechargeable Headlamp: This light stays secure over my beanie and shines with 200 lumen.  I have been told by my running friends that I have the brightest light in the group (Is it my glowing personality?) The headlamp has 3 settings for brightness and can be moved to a variety of angles.  I can easily see where I am going while keeping an eye on the possible black ice and variety of obstacles I may encounter. The light has a red tail light strobe as well to keep you visible and safe if you are running on the roads; It can be set in steady or a blinking mode.

On bright winter days, I like to put on my favorite pair of Oakley Flak Sunglasses to protect my face from wind, snow, sleet, and bright sun glaring off the snow. This makes me look like a pro while making running more enjoyable in these conditions.  Mine are neon yellow which make me stand out in the crowd or visible in a blizzard.

Lakeland Trail, Hamburg, Michigan

Next, to keep me warm and cozy on really cold days, I like to wear a neck gaiter. My favorite is my Smartwool Marino 250 Reversible Neck Gaiter.  This keeps my neck warm and dry while keeping me stylish with the pattern style.  Sometimes when in extreme temperatures, I will pull it up over my mouth for extra protection of my face.

Now let’s move to our core.  The most important part: is to keep your core warm.   A rule of thumb is to dress like it’s 20 degrees warmer.  You will start out cool, but in a short time you will be warmed up and feeling comfortable. https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a20803133/what-to-wear/

I like to layer up. On days between 20-25 degrees, I wear a Smartwool 250 base layer crew.  Next, I wear a Smartwool Smart Loft 60 Hoodie Vest.  Keeping my core warm  keeps me warm and happy on my wintery runs.  When you first start off, your arms may feel a bit cold, but after the first mile, you will be feeling comfortable.  On these days, I wear my Nike Dri-Fit Running gloves to keep my hands warm.  They provide lightweight warmth. Some days after a couple of miles, my hands warm up and I am able easily hold the gloves in my hands. When the weather dips a bit lower, I like to add a second layer: Craft Venair X Wind Jacket.  This helps to block the wind and keep me warm and dry. It has a flexible fabric that moves well. This jacket also comes with attached lightweight mittens. Which adds a nice layer to put under my Smartwool Cozy Mittens.  

When running in the winter, I often find myself running in the dark, so when I am running on the road I am sure to grab my Nathan safety vest. This is lightweight and fits over any layer with adjustable side straps. It also includes a pocket to stow small items you want on your run and has reflective strips to keep you visible to traffic.

I like to wear a Flipbelt all year long. This belt fits snugly around my waist over whatever pants or shorts that I am wearing.  It stays in place for my entire run without chafing. I can safely clip my keys and stow my cell phone. Which keeps me prepared for emergencies and for taking pictures along the way. Keeping my phone close to my core during winter runs helps to keep the battery life.  If I carry my phone away from my body, the battery often dies during a cold winter day.

I have two go-to running tights during the winter.  When the temps are above 20 degrees and under 35 degrees, I slip on my Smartwool PhD Tights. These are perfect for keeping my legs warm during a winter run.  When the temperature dives under the 20’s I tend to grab my Smartwool PhD Wind Tights with a wind barrier on them.  This keeps my legs warm and dry.    On days below or near zero, I add an extra layer with my Smartwool Smartloft 60 Skirt to help keep the back of my legs and bum warm as it has wind resistant panels.

For socks, my winter choice is my Smartwool hiking socks.  These keep my feet warm during a run so I never worry about cold feet. I like the crew length to cover my ankles in the cold.

With winter running, depending on the conditions, I will wear my Ice Trekkers.  These prevent me from slipping in icy or other unstable conditions.  

After your run, plan ahead: If I am not going back home right away, I like to pack my favorite hoodie, from my favorite running store, Running Lab Brighton, to keep me warm and cozy and my favorite hat from Ten Junk Miles podcast to hide my wild running hair.  With these, I can look fresh as a daisy after a warm winter long run!

                                             Post Long Run Saturday

So, there you have it: from Head-and-shoulders to knees-and-toes, I have covered my winter running gear.  By the way, I do happen to own a #&%* ton of Smartwool, but this has proven to be one of my most worthy investments for running. What are you waiting for… get geared up and head out for a winter run and enjoy the moment!  If you are looking to Boston Qualify for a spring marathon, preparing for an ultra or simply enjoy running, this gear will get you there and keep you cozy on a wintry run!