What Winter Running Gear To Wear For Cold Weather Running

When the cold weather of winter comes around, it is very easy not to bother going out running. This might mean going to the gym instead, or spending money on a treadmill for home. But more often than not it means taking a complete break from running until the sun and warm weather return. Inevitably, the outcome will be that you put weight on over winter, especially as this is the time of year with all the tempting excesses of the holiday season. However, the cold weather need not force you indoors for months at a time. With a few simple and fairly cheap pieces of extra clothing, you can easily run in most types of weather.

The first thing to consider when winter running is layering. It is no good at all simply wearing your running vest or t-shirt with a giant, heavy coat on top. You will end up too hot with that coat on, but too cold if you take it off. It is far better to wear several lightweight, thin layers which will trap warmth and keep you comfortable. If you get too hot during your run, then it’s a simple case of taking just the top layer off, leaving you with a couple of items underneath so you do not instantly freeze.

Think about wearing a snug-fitting base layer, something like a compression top. Under Armour make base layers especially for cold weather which they call Coldgear. A long sleeve Coldgear shirt is ideal. On top of this, wear your regular running shirt. Both of these layers should be made from technical fabrics so they remove moisture from the surface of your skin. When you are shopping, look for the phrase “moisture wicking” and you should be fine. The top layer needs to offer you some protection against rain and wind. There are lightweight, specialist running jackets for this, which are breathable and allow moisture out, but which also shield you from the elements. Note that they are not necessarily waterproof, but instead offer some water resistance. Unless you opt for the extremely expensive Gore-Tex clothing, waterproof fabrics will usually mean non-breathable, and you will then end up either too hot and soggy, or too cold and soggy depending on the wind conditions.

For your legs, most of the time your shorts are fine, even in cold weather, as you will warm up pretty quickly. If there is snow and the temperatures have really dropped, then a pair of running tights or tracksters are perfect. As with your shirts, aim to get breathable, moisture wicking clothing so that you can keep yourself comfortable even when you warm up during exercise.

Finally, think about your extremities when you go running in the cold. Are your socks warm enough? Maybe you will need a pair with a higher wool content. Running gloves and beanies are a must for winter running, as there is nothing worse than wanting to carry on running, but your fingertips and ears are burning with cold, leaving you with no choice but to go home and thaw out.

So to keep those extra pounds from appearing around your waist and hips over the winter, invest in some winter running gear and just keep on going whatever the weather.