Walking in cold weather - need advice.

[DoeWDW]

I'm training for the WDW half marathon in January. It's gettin' COLD in PA and my legs are freezing when I walk.

I've tried sweat pants - BRRR!
I've tried jeans with silk long underwear underneath - better but still brrr!

Do any of you cold weather exercisers have any suggestions for what to wear to keep my legs from freezing??

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I usually wear jeans that are a little too big, or sweats with either long thermal spandex like pants, or with regular spandex pants underneath. That usually keeps me warm enough as long as I don't stop for too long.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Sports and fitness wear called UnderArmour is supposed to be the thing.

http://www.underarmour.com/ua2/default.asp

 

[Jennifer S]

walk faster, seriously. I live in PA and take my dog for hour long walks w/ friends 3X a week. I get so hot after walking for a few minutes. Today I actually took my coat off in the middle. or take coffee or tea w/ you.

 

[Hillbeans]

I also agree that "going faster" is really the best way to warm up. I've tried all kinds of things, and in fact, I sort of just get used to the cold legs. Sometimes a hat helps keep everything else warmer.

 

[wdwcindy]

DoeWDW:

I put on a pair of the nylon (wind breaker type material) pants on over a pair of sweatpants. The cottony sweats keep me warm and the nylon pants keep out all the wind. If it is really cold I'll put silk-type long underwear under the sweats.

Good luck with the marathon!

wdwcindy

 

[Snoopymom]

SILK long underwear tucked into your socks. They're not cheap, but they're light and soft! They usually sell them in the camping section at Bass Pro Shop!

 

[sharbear]

I wear a pair of nylon sweat pants that are lined with sweatshirt material. They are really warm and cozy to walk in. The important thing is to get something that will cut the wind. Mine are pretty heavy but any lined windpants will work.

Also make sure to wear thin gloves. Your hands get coldest fastest. A hat helps too. Keeps the heat in.

 

[Missy1961]

I also agree with the "keep moving" votes. Keep your hands, head & feet warm--it really makes a difference.

 

[jeleebeene]

I am in the same boat - though not training for anything.

It was 34 degrees when I went outside to walk/run this morning, but the only thing that froze were my fingers! The rest of me stayed pretty warm, and I actually started to get hot by the end of it.

I wear sweat pants with leggings, a t-shirt and sweatshirt. I may need to start wearing earmuffs here shortly, or put the hood up on my sweatshirt. So far, these have kept me from freezing to death, but not sure what to do when it goes 10 degrees colder...

 

[DoeWDW]

I keep the rest of me nice and toasty with a hat, ear muffs, sweatshirt, coat, gloves. My feet stay nice and warm with just my socks & walking sneakers. The only thing that's getting cold are my thighs.

I'm moving about as fast as I can - I consistently walk a 15 minute mile (that's 4 miles per hour). I really am walking at a very brisk pace.

I like the idea of sweatpants with some type of nylon covering or covered with nylon pants to cut the wind. I also like the idea of spandex pants with sweatpants over them.

I'll be headed out in the next few days to shop.

Thanks for all the great ideas!

 

[CamColt]

I prefer to jog outside over doing the treadmill, so I do what I can to get out there. Usually I go out as long as its over 15 degrees. I wear a pair of leggings with heavy sweat pants over those. I also wear a tshirt, sweatshirt, and windbreaker type jacket. I always wear a baseball cap, but in real cold weather I also wear one of those fleece type headbands over my ears. And of course, gloves are a must.
Its not a very fashionable look, but its enough to get me out there.

Good luck in your marathon. Thats very impressive!

 

[Deb in IA]

Layers.

I have used running tights and Gore-Tex running pants. They are expensive, but I've run in combination even in -10 degree weather.

If you are walking, you could add a pair sweatpants between the tights and the Gore-Tex.

 

[binny]

Target and most sports stores will sell and thin thermal underwear that should do the trick for you!

Good luck and way to go!!!