Running in cold weather - Clothing?

[bunnyfoo]

I know it's a little bit early to be thinking about it but I was wondering what kind of clothing will I need to pick up as the weather cools down. It will be my first time running in winter weather. I'm most concerned when the temperatures drop to around 32F/0C. I was looking a running jacket on the weekend but it didn't seem like it would be very warm. Should I be looking for thinner jacket and trying to layer my clothing? And for those of you who run when there's snow and ice on the ground, how do you keep from slipping?

Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

[princessrunner]

Here is my general rule of thumb that I go by. All of these include a good hat and gloves.

30 degrees: L/S base layer, vest and tights.

10-20 degrees: L/S basel layer, jacket, tights, and wind pants.

0-10 degrees: L/S base layer, fleece, jacket, wind pants, tights.

-10-0 degrees: L/S base layer, fleece, jacket, wind pants, and tights, 2 pairs of mittens, hat and scarf or neck warmer

-10 to -20 degrees: L/S base layer, fleece, jacket, wind pants and tights, 3 mittens, hat and scarf or neck warmer.

My vest is a tech vest from EMS, my jacket is a fleece lined light North Face shell and my tights are winter running tights (a little heavier than normal).

I hope this helps you out. Winter running is fun and very soothing, especially in the snow!!

 

[princessrunner]

Sorry Vicky, forgot the slipping part. Yak Trax are great for traction but not overly easy to run in. I have a pair and I walk with them instead of run. If it is really slippery, you should forego your run anyway due to risk of injury. I opt for the TM no matter how much I dislike the darned thing. Also, invest in some waterproofing spray or find a pair of kicks with Gore Tex in them so your feet don't get soaked. Wet cold feet are a no no. I have a pair of Adidas winter running shoes that zip over the laces and they work pretty well but not for long runs. For long runs, I waterproof my favorite sneaks for the winter.

Best of luck with this. I find layering to be the best bet while running. Title Nine has some great winter running clothes for women, try there too for some ideas!! My Adidas came from Sahalie. Best of luck!!!

 

[Lynn G]

Yes, layering is a must, if you start to get too warm, you can peel off a layer! I finally found some goretex trail shoes that I use for winter, I bought them a little large so that I could wear thicker socks with them. I will wear winter weight wool hiking socks in the winter. If there is ice, I will put on the yak tracks, or at least carry them with me. I don't do much running, mostly walk, but I will slow down in the winter due to conditions. I always wear a hat or ear muffs (my ears are very sensitive to cold and wind - and it is always windy here!), and usually wear gloves - light weight fleece are usually good, but I have wool mittens to go over the fleece gloves when it gets colder, and a pair of wind mittens to go over all if really cold! My fleece gloves come from Sahalie.

 

[laxdef69]

You need to have a few choices of layering, and will need to experiment to see what works for you.

General rule of thumb that works for me is the 3 Ws

Wicking (ONLY 1 layer)
Warmth (1 or more layers (not always necessary, sometimes more that one)
Weather (rain, snow, etc) (ONLY 1 layer)

Hat, earmuffs, gloves, mittens...all personal choice imho.

Good luck, and thanks for getting me thinking ahead...I have my eye on a nice reflective windproof outer layer....

Mike

 

[solotraveler]

Layering is an abosolute must... just remember.. if you are comfortable when you first start, you'll be broiling once you get warmed up...

Several years of Michigan running taught me it pays to invest in:
-- Tights (wicking material, UnderArmour makes a great one...)
-- A cold gear shirt (something to insulate the body....)
-- A hat (prefeably wicking material also... love UnderArmour's)
-- Gloves (Wicking once again....)

As much as I hate having to recommend buy "special" running stuff... the wicking fabric really does help to keep you warm...

As for snowy and icy roads... I don't have any advice other than to be very careful, pick well plowed roads and use a treadmill if you must. When I did my 20 mile long run before my first marathon, I ran up and down the one well plowed road over and over again as opposed to trying to suffering the treadmill or gambling on other roads. Oh, and I'd try to run when it's the warmest if you are worried about icy conditions... the more melting and daylight (so you can see the roads) the better.

Hope that helps!
Kevin

 

[jessily]

When I did my 20 mile long run before my first marathon, I ran up and down the one well plowed road over and over again as opposed to trying to suffering the treadmill or gambling on other roads.

Now that's dedication!


Thanks for starting this topic and the great responses. This is something I've started thinking about lately. Hard to imagine when it's sweltering outside. I've never run outside in the winter before, so I have been wondering how it will go.

 

[Davis'Mom]

HI,
I'm not a great runner, but I have faced lots of cold Colorado mornings.
I used a pair of shoes that had studs in them, sort of like studded snow tires. They were called IceBugs. They are heavy, but give good traction, EVEN on ICE (as long as they can penatrate it). You can find them on the internet, google it.
Hope this might help.

 

[laughinplace199]

I started running this past January. I HATE the cold with a fiery hate and never thought I'd see the day where I'd be out in the freezing cold, running, at 5:00AM. Anyway, as everyone else has mentioned, layering is key. You'll have to experiment to see what works for you. My DH is a runner but he doesn't get cold as easily as I do, so I wear more layers than he does.

As for avoiding falling, I have no advice there. During one of my first runs, I fell headfirst into a snowbank on a well-traveled main road in my neighborhood. I was so embarrassed! I always knew there was a reason my mother didn't name me "Grace"...

 

[wfloyd]

I'm probably not the right person to reply to this since our cold is generally around 40 degrees. But I just go out in a long sleeve shirt and most of the time shorts. I do have a pair of long pants to run in but they generally sit and collect dust. Anything colder warrents me staying in bed with the covers and waiting till it gets warmer.

Bill

 

[bunnyfoo]

Thanks for all of the suggestions everyone! It gives me something to think about ... our last few winters haven't been too bad - at least until January (knock on wood). But I just want to be prepared! I've also been looking at joining a gym that has an indoor track but I usually get bored running on those pretty quickly.