Winter running gear

[Figment1990]

So I usually run on the treadmill in the winter but this year I just have this urge to run more outside! I'm interested to hear what jackets/layers you guys like to wear in the winter. I live in Pittsburgh, so not arctic or anything but definitely in the 20s-40s most of the time. I don't plan to run through the snow though, too scared of slipping... I have no idea how heavy layers I need. All of my running clothes are primarily for spring/summer except one hoodie that I sometimes wear during warm ups on chillier spring or fall runs. I went to REI today (had a coupon and saw some gloves I really wanted) and was overwhelmed by all the jackets and tops. I've also heard athleta has some nice things. I have a coupon for dicks sporting goods too- so I'm shopping around. Any recommendations?

That being said, it's 55 today so I'm going out after dinner to enjoy a balmy run through the neighborhood to check out everyone's Christmas lights!

 

[cobbler]

I don't know if this will help but it has worked for me.
I wear the stay warm items by Nike. I use the tights and if it's too chilly I will put sweat pants over it. Make sure it is wick-away.

I also wear a long sleeve wick away sweat shirt and then I wear a tighter stay warm hoodie over that and if still colder I will wear another larger looser stay warm hoodie. It works quite well for me.

 

[cewait]

I will layer up to three tech shirts and a set of tights. This gets me into the 20's - with a slight breeze. I will add a privates protector layer in these temps also. I will protect hands and ears with wool/or tech fabric gloves and an ear warmer. If the wind is high, or it is very wet, I will enjoy the fire.

Note that I am on the Gulf Coast so I only see cold on trips. I feel restricted by an outer garment so I leave these in the closet. I will bring to a race if I need to stand out in the cold for a while, but check them prior to the race.

 

[Princess on the Run]

I'm an Under Armour junkie so I wear ColdGear and do just fine. They have the regular ColdGear and then there's also the UA Base line that let's you select a level of protection from 1.0 for just slightly warm, or 4.0 if you're going to be in some real cold. In Chicago, I wear 2.0 under my ColdGear when it's seriously cold (or I'll wear them under regular pants to layer up when I'm not running!). I wouldn't mind getting a pair of the 4.0 bottoms but haven't tried it yet.

 

[steph0808]

I am just NE of Pittsburgh, so we have about the same weather.

On the coldest days so far, I wear a tech shirt or tank top, followed by a long-sleeved shirt, followed by my Pearl Izumi jacket (it isn't heavy but great for the wind) and I stay pretty warm. I also wear an earband with a ball cap for the head, then gloves, underwear and tights.

 

[JeffW]

Coldest day for me thus far this year was 12 degrees, but there was no wind. This is also Colorado where we don't have to deal with humidity.

I like a lot of Road Runner sports gear. I wore R-Gear Second Wind-Front Tights over the Men's R-Gear Keep-It-Protected Wind Boxer Brief. I've found I can't go with many layers on the bottom without feeling extremely uncomfortable, so the right two layers was important. I swear by "Smart Wool" socks, not matter what the weather. I've worn them from 100 degrees down to 0 degrees. Just need to make sure they are long enough for the tights to cover them.

For a top I use Under Armor Cold Gear as the base layer, and a Brooks Inifiniti Hoodie as the outer layer. It's a breathable outer layer, as I've found any nylon like layer to cause me to sweat, which is bad when it is below freezing. Again, I don't like a lot of bulk, so finding an ideal pair of layers was important.

For head covering, I have a running beanie from Redline Running that I love. It pulls down over the ears if it gets really cold, and it is small enough that I can pull it off and stuff it in my water belt if I get too warm.

 

[jmasgat]

I tend to "run hot", so for me it looks like this:

50+.......shorts and T-shirt

30-50.....3/4 capri and long sleeve tech shirt, headband and maybe gloves depending on the temp

<30 LS shirt and running tights, gloves, headband

For windier or colder weather, I have a New Balance Thermal/windproof shirt (got a bargain at Nordstrom Rack). I also have mittens with fold back flaps. I bought-but haven't yet used--some boy short running underwear (to try to give me a little extra leg warmth). I also have a balaclava. I don't do jackets. I own one-- a light windshell--but don't really use it.

When I run, I may feel chilled for the first half mile, but after that I'm fine. Also, unless it's really cold, my hands will warm up by mile 2 and I stuff my gloves inmy sleeves.

So really, you need to experiment. Try it on a shorter run--say 3-5 miles. That way you should have enough time to warm up enough to see if what you're wearing is good. And if you're still cold, you won't have too far left to go!

Maura

 

[princessallegra]

I'm a luluaddict lol. lululemon athletica is my gear. I trained for 2012 and 2013 Princess now, in 20-48 degree weather. With the right gear winter running can't be beat. I personally wear a long compression tight that has plenty of secure pockets for my gu, iphone, keys. On top I wear a tight wicking tank with bra built in (power Y style), tucked into the tights. From there depens on the conditions. If it's below freezing i wear a long sleeve, wicking top called a Metal Vent Tech LS. Over that I wear a brushed hooded wicking pullover. When i get a bit warm i roll up the sleeves and let my wrists breathe to regulate my temp. I also wear an ear warmer band.

 

[Bookwood]

I run in Indiana so temps might be a bit colder, and since I'm in the country I deal with quite a bit of wind also. I use UnderArmour cold gear tights, a long sleeve wicking shirt headband and gloves as a base then usually add, a wicking pullover I got at the Country Music Marathon years ago. I'll add a pair of wind pants and an old Disney volunteer lined windbreaker if I think I'll need it.

I also stay indoors on a track if it's icy or snowy out as I run on country roads and they don't get cleaned at all, if we're lucky we have 2 tire treads sorta cleared.

 

[FFigawi]

Like Maura, I run hot as well. Here's what works for me:

45+ shorts and short-sleeve shirt. Possibly a hat if it's damp.

35-45 shorts and long-sleeve shirt. Possibly a hat, maybe tights and/or a jacket if it's sleeting like at Disney on Ice 2010.

<35 tights, long-sleeve winter running top (best New Balance gear ever), hat, gloves, possibly a jacket if it's sleeting or windy

In the end, you have to see what works for you. My first running coach told us to always dress like it's 10 degrees warmer than it is because you'll heat up while running, and that's what I try to do.

 

[Figment1990]

Thanks to ALL who have replied so far. I'm finding this extremely helpful. I wore my wine & dine shirt over a tank out running last night thinking the temps were going to start dropping after dark (silly me, forgot to check the weather) and I was too warm still. Sheesh - December in the north and I was too hot....

Love the suggestions from everyone - doing some cybershopping right now from some of your suggestions, actually!

 

[RedSonya]

I wear tights (compression shorts on runs over 13 miles) with shorts over them, a headband, and gloves. I take my gloves off/on again throughout the run, depending on wind, so I like having pockets. On top I wear a tank with a light weight running jacket, or a long sleeve wicking shirt with a jacket, and on really cold days, both. I have an old Addidas jacket that has zip off sleeves. If I get too warm, I have a vest. I can put the sleeves in the pockets. It is my favorite. Most of my clothes are Athleta (I love everything from there), UA or Nike.

As a side note, Athleta is having a sale today. I ordered a Sugoi cycling jacket that the sleeves remove so now I will have an additional option. I haven't touched it, so I can't say what I really think, but I'm very excited.

 

[Figment1990]

I wear tights (compression shorts on runs over 13 miles) with shorts over them, a headband, and gloves. I take my gloves off/on again throughout the run, depending on wind, so I like having pockets. On top I wear a tank with a light weight running jacket, or a long sleeve wicking shirt with a jacket, and on really cold days, both. I have an old Addidas jacket that has zip off sleeves. If I get too warm, I have a vest. I can put the sleeves in the pockets. It is my favorite. Most of my clothes are Athleta (I love everything from there), UA or Nike.

As a side note, Athleta is having a sale today. I ordered a Sugoi cycling jacket that the sleeves remove so now I will have an additional option. I haven't touched it, so I can't say what I really think, but I'm very excited.

I just saw that! So.... I just placed an order for some pants/tights, tops and a jacket. Now let's see what fits....

 

[Diskidatheart]

Figment,

Not sure what part of Pittsburgh you are located, but there are some really good running stores that can help you out. I like True Runners in Shadyside and Elite Runners and Walkers (locations in Robinson and Monroeville). I'm in the east so I go to the Monroeville store, however, the Robinson store is larger and has a bigger selection. So far, I haven't had a need for much super cold gear as I've been doing most of my weekend long runs in shorts (thanks Mother Nature for the mild start to winter ). I dread running on the treadmill, so I've done all of my training for the half outdoors. The coldest days, I've worn an Under Armour shirt and a Brooks Nightlife vest. Make sure you have something that is pretty water resistant on your outer layer too. That will certainly help.

 

[Figment1990]

Thanks DisKid - this weather has been crazy huh??? Been loving it as a runner, not so much for the holiday spirit. Of course, the one week my sister is in town to run with me, it's going to be freezing and snowy! Have you done the Pittsburgh marathon or half? I'm considering signing up for it this year. Was thinking it would be nice to do a local race.

 

[Terapin]

I'm an Under Armour junkie so I wear ColdGear and do just fine. They have the regular ColdGear and then there's also the UA Base line that let's you select a level of protection from 1.0 for just slightly warm, or 4.0 if you're going to be in some real cold. In Chicago, I wear 2.0 under my ColdGear when it's seriously cold (or I'll wear them under regular pants to layer up when I'm not running!). I wouldn't mind getting a pair of the 4.0 bottoms but haven't tried it yet.

I have to second this. I have UA level 3 bottoms and level 2 top. I got them at a great sale. My only complaint is that the tights are low in the rise, and they dip down a little at the back on me. They are not very stretchy, more like microfleece attached to nylon-y spandex, but they are very warm, and not too confining. I run in Toronto, so lots of 20F weather, and they were great. Didn't seem to keep too much moisture in. A really nice complement to my running gear.

 

[Terapin]

I'm an Under Armour junkie so I wear ColdGear and do just fine. They have the regular ColdGear and then there's also the UA Base line that let's you select a level of protection from 1.0 for just slightly warm, or 4.0 if you're going to be in some real cold. In Chicago, I wear 2.0 under my ColdGear when it's seriously cold (or I'll wear them under regular pants to layer up when I'm not running!). I wouldn't mind getting a pair of the 4.0 bottoms but haven't tried it yet.

I have become an UA junkie too. I love the fit of their women's clothes. So comfy and flattering for me.

 

[Princess on the Run]

I have become an UA junkie too. I love the fit of their women's clothes. So comfy and flattering for me.

That's one of my favorite things about UA, too. They are function AND form combined. I love that they work well, but as a girly-girl, I like to look good too and I feel like they are a more flattering fit than a lot of athletic wear.

 

[Diskidatheart]

Thanks DisKid - this weather has been crazy huh??? Been loving it as a runner, not so much for the holiday spirit. Of course, the one week my sister is in town to run with me, it's going to be freezing and snowy! Have you done the Pittsburgh marathon or half? I'm considering signing up for it this year. Was thinking it would be nice to do a local race.

It has been crazy and I'm OK with it staying that way...although I know 2 years in a row would be too much of a stretch. I'm actually running the Pgh Marathon this year. I knew a couple of trainers at the gym who ran it last year and told me that I should run it next year. All I'd have to do is work up to it (since I've never ran more than 4 miles before last year's Marathon). They suggested that I run a half marathon first and that is why I'll be running the Disney half in a few weeks!

 

[princessallegra]

That's one of my favorite things about UA, too. They are function AND form combined. I love that they work well, but as a girly-girl, I like to look good too and I feel like they are a more flattering fit than a lot of athletic wear.

Nothing is more technical and girly than lululemon! UA fits just don't work for my body at all. I bought FIL two UA mocks for Christmas for Golf!