runners - what do you wear to run in sub freezing temps?

RoseandJoan

I'm kinda outing myself here When Teah started school I vowed to spend my couple of hours free time on myself and started running, I am quite literally hooked and run as often as I can BUT now the temperatures are tipping at negative numbers I am failing at dressing appropriately. If I bundle up warm I am cooking in by clothes my midway but if I set off light I never warm up and my time suffers as a result.

How do you do it? Una, Malina, Shannon, you all run in much colder weather, what do you do?

13 years ago

Off Topic

9 replies

Latest reply was from Atlantia

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

Layering is key. You need to get wicking bra or tank top, wicking long shirts, wicking socks, and a windproof/ jacket. ABSOLUTELY NO COTTON, because you'll sweat and will get cold. You also need long thick leggings of course. Mittens, not gloves, and definitely a hat to keep your head warm. Check out roadrunnersports.com

13 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I wear a long-sleeve wool tee, a lightweight fleece that zips into a turtleneck, 3/4 length leggings (because I haven't gotten around to buying full-length ones), gloves, and a hat. Once I get warm I take off the hat and unzip the fleece.

This works down to around 0 celsius, which is about as cold as it gets where I live. I run warm though.

Listen to Citygirl on the no cotton! I love my wool tees, but there are good synthetics too.

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I just got these polarfleece shorts like this but not exactly the same:

http://www.rei.com/product/818.....oms-womens

They seem strange but are actually perfect for keeping my thighs warm. I layer them over my ski tights on the bottom. On top I have a technical fabric tank, a midweight long sleeved layer and a windproof Marmot jacket that is pretty lightweight. This keeps me warm down to 20 degrees with a hat, gloves (sometimes with handwarmers) and neck gaiter to cover mouth and nose so I can breathe. I find I start out freezing but end up muggy and then get chilled from being damp, so I dress for 10 degrees warmer than it really is.

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ditto to Una's last sentence! I warm up quickly. Today it was in the low 40s when I started out, and I had on new running pants:

http://shop.lululemon.com/prod.....omen-pants

A new shirt:

http://shop.lululemon.com/prod.....women-tops

And a very lightweight jacket. After the first 2.5 mile loop, I ditched the jacket in my car, and by the time I finished my second loop, the temp was nearing 50 and I was definitely sweating.

So my strategy is generally light layers, but no more than three. I have an Under Armour fleece that is an excellent outer layer when it's cold, and a windbreaker for when it's windy or rainy, but I could use a new one of those.

I also wear lightweight gloves, but they usually come off after the first mile or so. If its really cold (like when I ran in NYC last Feb in 17 degree weather), I'll put wind proof mittens over the gloves. I also use one of those Buffs around my neck (or sometimes my head to keep my ears warm), but again, it usually comes off and gets wrapped around my arm or something after a couple of miles unless it's really cold! And I almost always wear a cap to keep my hair out of my face and the sun off my face as well.

I'd rather run in the cold than the heat any day!

13 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

Right now when I run mid day the temp is about -4C. I usually wear long sleeve run tee with long tights. I layer a running jacket and I have a headband to cover my ears and gloves. If I get hot I take off the gloves and/or headband. I warm up quickly too, especially if it is not overly windy. I don't find the negative temps as bad as the strong winds....those are what usually freeze me. I use Lululemon gear too, it's the best, every Canadian gal is crazy about it!

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

When it's cold, REALLY cold, I run in my thermal underwear (tights and a zip neck turtleneck in a wicking fabric) with thin layers over top - sometimes my yoga pants (yay, LuLu Lemon) or my thermal skating pants if it's unbelievably cold. I wear a headband and gloves. I have a fleece and sometimes a wind jacket but rarely....I warm up too much to need it. If I get hot I undo the zips, take off the headband and gloves. I don't run long distances, but agree with the others - would rather run in the cold (as long as the wind isn't too bad) than in the heat.

13 years ago

(website)

Veteran

It is usually above freezing when I run in Tahoe, but I wear a sports bra (obviously) long sleeve tech wicking top (Adidas Climalite), and a windbreaker/shell. Gloves and hat. Nike Dri-fit pants. I warm up pretty quickly, too. Except for my feet. I often feel like I'm running on big blocks of ice for the first mile and a half.

http://www.adidas.com/us/produ.....unning+top

13 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I knew I could count on you for advice

The lessons I am going to implement straight away;
1) NO COTTON, I have the running leggings, bra, shoes and a decent jacket but have been making do with my cotton layering tees. long sleeve wicking tops are now a priority.
2) Keep the extremities warm, I need to find a decent hat and gloves, even if they are peeled of mid run.
3) If this really is going to be the worst winter in 35 years I may need to invest in a couple of pieces designed for skiing.

Honestly running this week has been an experience I am not likely to forget, the week started with rain which caused flash floods in the area and some damage to our property and ended with snow and ice. Given the terrain it has been a challenge http://www.google.co.uk/search.....s_l=img.12...18528.22384.0.25127.15.12.3.0.0.0.211.1419.3j8j1.12.0...0.0...1c.1.-NQoUIFdwJg&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=55c15e796c38a492&bpcl=39314241&biw=1280&bih=559

Thank you again.

13 years ago

Atlantia

Veteran

I always pretend it is 20 degrees warmer than it actually is to account for me warming up as I run. That's degrees F, not C.
Everyone has given really great advice, but my favorite running tights are actually lined Pearl Izumi bicycle tights. They do not have a built in pad, as they're designed to be worn over padded bike shorts. But, the seams are designed with cyclists in mind, which means no more uncomfortable seam running straight down to your nether regions. Not so much about warmth, more about comfort.

13 years ago

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