Running in the C-C-C-Cold!
By Tory Klementsen, Journey Fitness
The weather is getting colder, so how do I dress for a chilly run?
It’s tempting to pile on the clothing and snuggle into your woolies before heading out for a run, but resist the urge! After a mile or two you’re going to be stripping down to your skivvies and let’s face it…nobody wants to see that! Instead layer up in technical fabrics with a light t-shirt (technical, NOT cotton) closest to your skin, a light long sleeve technical shirt over that, a pair of light gloves, and a hat. Unless your legs chill easily, shorts or running capris should be fine.
Now step outside. How do you feel? Chilly? Good! You’re ready to go! If you’re warm or comfortable, you’re wearing too much. If you’re shivering, add a layer. If you’re just chilly, just like Baby Bear, you’re just right.
My suggestions for cool weather running:
Û Sports bra (men may choose to skip this layer)
Û Shorts or knee length spandex/compression shorts.
Û Cheap gloves from a discount store (because I lose one ALL the time, so I get those 2 pair for $1.50 jobbies).
Û Hat with a bill to keep the rain out of my baby blues.
Û Tank top or short sleeve technical shirt as a base layer.
Û Running shirt, preferably one that has long sleeves and thumb holes. Thumb holes hook around your thumb so the sleeve doesn’t ride up while you run.
Û Water shedding light jacket if it’s truly cold.
Û Balaklava (aka gaiter) if it’s really cold. Unlike a muffler they have no “ends” to fly behind you or get caught in things.
Û Headband to cover my ears.
Û Technical socks because there is NOTHING worse than cold wet feet!
Running in the cold is just a matter of finding what works for you. It can be quite exhilarating to get out there, especially on those clear, cold Winter days! The air is crisp and clean, the geese are migrating overhead, and if you’re lucky you might even catch a bald eagle out for an early morning soar.
Since we’re also going to be hitting dreary dark days, you want to also consider reflective gear if you’re a late afternoon or evening runner. You have a few options:
Û Reflective jacket. You can pick these up at a good running store. You’ll light up like the fourth of July when headlights hit you.
Û Reflective vest. The nice thing about this is that you can wear it over anything, regardless of the weather.
Û Flashing light. Pick up a light at the sporting goods store, preferably one that flashes.
Û Reflective tape. You can apply this to anything you’re wearing.
Û Don’t forget Fido! If you run with your best friend, there are a variety of reflective or lit collars and jackets.
Û Headlamp. There are headlamps made specifically for runners. They fit nicely over your head with or without a hat, and after a few minutes you won’t even remember you’re wearing it.
Always remember to carry water with you. Even when it’s cold, you need to hydrate. Don’t give up running just because it’s chilly! Winter running can be very rewarding, and help you maintain your base for the early season races.
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