Cold Weather Running Gear

[snarlingcoyote]

I made a vow to run every other day until I am either injured or the weather is consistently above 92 degrees.

So far so good, but I am travelling to Philadelphia next week.

I may wind up running on a treadmill in the hotel, but just curious - how do all of ya'll run in weather that is around 20 degrees? I am going to root around for some fleeces I have from my MA days and I picked up a base layer bottom that I haven't worn yet (hasn't been cold enough), but what do you wear in weather that cold?

Brrr. . .the more I think about it and think about the nice TV screens mounted on the treadmills in my hotel, the less I think about running outdoors. . .but I am in a nice suburb of Philadelphia, I would like to run outside just once to say I did it!

 

[RookieLady]

I am a southern girl too, but it's been cold here in the east. I bought a really nice hat and nice gloves (like ski stuff). On my body, I wear what you suggested. I have learned to wear something next to my body that wicks moisture because I sweat a lot when I exercise and it gets cold after awhile. I have found I am fine as long as my hands and my ears stay warm.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

In 20 degree weather I wear under armor ColdGear - single layer. I might add another thin layer on top if it is windy. I don't go to something like a jacket unless it is really cold (below 10 degrees) or I am going to be running for more than 90 minutes, but if you are from warmer areas your second layer should probably be some sort of light jacket to break the wind and keep you warm until your body heats up. I also recommend something to cover your ears and hands.

You will be surprised at how quickly you heat up when running in the cold. Within 10 minutes you will feel great if properly dressed. If you have on too much clothing, you will be uncomfortable from that point forward. You should feel a little cold when warming up before the run. If not, you are over-dressed.

 

[wiigirl]

In 20 degree weather I wear under armor ColdGear - single layer. I might add another thin layer on top if it is windy. I don't go to something like a jacket unless it is really cold (below 10 degrees) or I am going to be running for more than 90 minutes, but if you are from warmer areas your second layer should probably be some sort of light jacket to break the wind and keep you warm until your body heats up. I also recommend something to cover your ears and hands.

You will be surprised at how quickly you heat up when running in the cold. Within 10 minutes you will feel great if properly dressed. If you have on too much clothing, you will be uncomfortable from that point forward. You should feel a little cold when warming up before the run. If not, you are over-dressed.

 

[pinkvol7]

I also wear UA Cold Gear running pant, a wicking tank, and my UA Cold Gear running jacket. The sleeves have cuffs that fold over your hands to keep them warm. When I get warm enough, I cuff them back up. This way I don't have to worry about gloves. If it is extra cold, I will wear knee socks over my pants.

 

[FireDancer]

If it is in the 20's without windchill I wear a short sleeved Under-armor type shirt, a long sleeved tech shirt, running tights, and will start out in a wicking hat and gloves but they'd be off around mile 1. Until it gets below 20 I don't wear a jacket because I get too warm.

I get warm when I run though, my cut-off for shorts is 36 degrees.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

In 20 degree weather I wear under armor ColdGear - single layer. I might add another thin layer on top if it is windy. I don't go to something like a jacket unless it is really cold (below 10 degrees) or I am going to be running for more than 90 minutes, but if you are from warmer areas your second layer should probably be some sort of light jacket to break the wind and keep you warm until your body heats up. I also recommend something to cover your ears and hands.

You will be surprised at how quickly you heat up when running in the cold. Within 10 minutes you will feel great if properly dressed. If you have on too much clothing, you will be uncomfortable from that point forward. You should feel a little cold when warming up before the run. If not, you are over-dressed.

I just went out and ran in the dark. (I have a flashing LED armband and leg band for night running.) It was 39ish with a stiff northerly wind (Supposedly, the wind chill was 29.) I wore my longest running/yoga pants (with my skorts because nobody needs to see that) a cotton tee, thermal shirt, a good gore tex rain jacket gloves and a crocheted hat. I was comfy the whole time!

I think this will be my Philadelphia running gear. I'll pile on the super thin base layer undies or a pair of tights and a fleece under the jacket if I need it.

Thanks everyone! I'm definitely going to try to go running near Valley Forge.