Winter Running Gear

[TimmyBoston]

I want to stay active this winter and running is the easiest way for me to do that. I've done cold weather running but it was always sprinting and you needed to stay as warm as possible to prevent muscle tears, with distance running I'll need to stay warm, but I doubt as warm as if I were running at top speed. So what are some good products and brands to keep improving my fitness this winter?

[Leche]

Shorts and a tank top, hey it's the desert!
Underarmor makes great stuff and cold weather gear.

[azmark]

I second Underarmour cold layers. Also remember gloves, fingers are painful when running in the cold.

[gobeavs]

once you're warmed up you're unlikely to need a whole lot.

gloves, yes. headband thing for your ears, yes.

I would invest in a few long sleeved dri-fit type t-shirts and perhaps a fleece vest. I've got both and they work great.

Of course, if you live in Wisconsin or a similar locale you might need something more.

[djh]

I don't run but I often wear clothing from Pearl Izumi when biking or out on my snowshoes. Long-sleeve t-shirt, tights, cap, gloves and a windproof vest (or jacket) will go a long way towards filling your needs.

[SalvadorMontenegro]

I would go into a store that specializes in running gear and ask them. That's what I did.

I have some long pants made by a company called Adidas. You may have heard of them. They are 91% nylon and 9% spandex. I have a shirt made by a company called Sport Hill, which is insulated and 89% polyester and 11% spandex. I've been wearing these for three winters now and they work great. Underneath, I wear a t-shirt and my running shorts. So, basically, it's my summer clothes plus the winter ones on top. I also wear some gloves that the running store gave me. I don't bother with a hat.

I should mention that all of these things are slim fitting, so as not to hinder movement. I suppose you could go Rocky Balboa and wear sweatpants a sweatshirt.

[perry]

Windproof boxers

[urkel]

just bought a top from mizuno and it's about the best i've tried. it absorbs the heat and uses it to keep you toasty. i've used it for cycling and it doubles nicely. kind of like under armor but not as tight fitting. mountain hardwear sells some very nice running specific gloves that are light. columbia sells 3/4tights that work pretty good for me but if you live in the cold north maybe a full tight would work better. no excuses. go run ;)

[pauls51]

I use skins when running in the cold... I have found that the compression from the skins help the muscles recover especially if you leave them on for another 30 or so minutes after the run and while you are stretching...

[The Nid Hog]

I alternate between new, more technical gear some days and hoodie, sweatpants and a watchcap on others. Depends on my mood and the route I'm taking. Here's a place with a good selection--sometimes it's hard to get out and go shopping when you're busy. Even if you decide to buy locally, this will let you pick out some stuff and do your research before you go. Their staff is very helpful too. I've been buying for them for about twenty-five years with no complaints.

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/

[urkel]

i shop with these people and have had very good luck with them. very fast turn around...............http://www.runningwarehouse.com/

[Doc4]

once you're warmed up you're unlikely to need a whole lot.

Tim, this is a good observation. After a couple miles, making sure you are not overinsulated is more important than making sure you are warm enough.

You will find a good balance through experience, based on your local weather, your individual training regimen, and your body's unique characteristics.

One thing I would suggest is to get as much (merino) wool and as little cotton in your clothing as possible.

[tg16]

I realize there is a vast difference between our climates and what I would consider a winter day would be the 4th of July for you. With that in mind, I bought a Mizuno Renegade long sleeve shirt and wore it when the temp was down around 45-50 here one morning. I stayed warm and when the temp rose, I was still comfortable. Runningwarehouse has a sale on and the mizuno clothing is marked down.

[Go West Young Man]

once you're warmed up you're unlikely to need a whole lot.

Says the man who lives in Oregon!
In Montreal, that kind of attitude would land you in the hospital with frostbite!

[urkel]

had to laugh. i recommended the runningwarehouse and didn't realize they were having a sale. guess i've been spending too much time in this forum. thanks for the tip

[wolffie]

Tim,

I live in Boston and run all year, so here's what I recommend. Remember to dress for how you will feel after 10 or 15 minutes of running. Once you're warmed up you really won't notice the cold.

I have a pair of tights and a pair of loose fittings pants for winter running. I prefer the tights, mostly because they insulate better. It's also nice not having all the extra fabric around when you're running. I would recommend you go to a running store to try on tights, different brands have a unique fits, and some brands are thicker and will insulate better. Tights can be quite expensive.

For shirts, I normally wear an underarmour or equivalent, with a quarter zip thermal over it. I also have some light windbreakers that I wear in place of the thermals, but I have to wear more layers under them if its cold. For the tops, look for something that has thumb loops. This keeps the sleeves up near your wrists and doesn't let the cold in. I prefer the "athletic fit" tops.

Don't forget about gloves and a hat.

I can't help you in the shoe department. I only wear the Vibram Five Fingers and I quit wearing socks with them awhile ago.

[alex2363]

goertex is the best at keeping you warm even as you sweat, they use it for mount everest climbing. i been using it since 1980's.

[SRock]

Dress in layers. Layers are the way to go because you can lose layers if need be. Also, dress as if it is roughly 15 degrees hotter than the actual temperature. I've read time and time again that this is a pretty solid number for figuring out just how warm you need to be. Dressing this way will likely leave you a bit chilly but only until you get moving and warm up. I'm a huge fan of UnderArmour.

[azmark]

Dress in layers. Layers are the way to go because you can lose layers if need be. Also, dress as if it is roughly 15 degrees hotter than the actual temperature. I've read time and time again that this is a pretty solid number for figuring out just how warm you need to be. Dressing this way will likely leave you a bit chilly but only until you get moving and warm up. I'm a huge fan of UnderArmour.

Good one Rob!

Even Stretching will get you warm and likely start to shed some layers.

[SRock]

Good one Rob!

Even Stretching will get you warm and likely start to shed some layers.

Agreed. Sometimes in cooler weather I'll do all of my stretching indoors and depending on the temperature perhaps some calisthenics as well to raise the temp before I go outside.