Winter Weather Running Gear
By: Joella Richard Baker
As the weather starts to turn cold, it's important to start thinking about your winter weather running schedule. I know some of you will choose to hide indoors on a treadmill or an indoor track, but for the rest of you, you can find that you will enjoy winter weather running if you have the right gear. Here are a few tips on what to wear as you venture outdoors in the rain, snow, sleet, ice and wind.
Always wear a hat.
I usually wear a tight skull type cap, one I can fit in my pocket or carry easily if I get too warm and I decide to pull it off.A neck gator. These are great. They keep your neck warm, but you can also pull it up over your face at the beginning of a run. By doing this you control the air going into your lungs so you don't experience that terrible burning feeling of having the cold air hitting your warm lungs. It also works great when the cold wind picks up so your face doesn't freeze.
Under Armor or Dry Fit clothes. These items are a must. You never want to have cotton shirts right next to your body. Once you sweat and they get wet, they stay that way. As you get about an hour into a run, you'll be freezing instead of staying warm if you wear cotton. Always wear an Under Armor type shirt next to your body and layer on top of that. How many layers? It depends on how fast and far you're running that day. A good measurement on how much to wear is to look at the temp outside and add 10 degrees. If it's 36 degrees, then plan to dress for 46 degree weather. Once your body warms up, it will feel at least 10 degrees warmer than what it actually is.
Gloves. Get something light and comfortable when you run. You can get cheap running gloves for a couple bucks off of websites and at most race expo's.
Pants. I prefer running tights. I have several pairs, but I always have at least one pair of thick tights for those really cold days. When the temps get to about 20 degrees or below, you may have to double up the tights to keep your legs warm.
Socks. I only run in Smart Wool socks in the winter. You can get them at Dick's and at places like REI. These are the best socks in the winter. I prefer the knee highs in the cold weather. The knee highs keep your calf muscles warm during a long run.
Shoes. There is no need to change your shoes for running in the snow. However, if you have a good pair of trail running shoes, it doesn't hurt to wear those on the days when it's really snowing out.
For those of you living in the Pittsburgh Area, visit our friends at Second Sole for all your winter weather running gear and tell them Joella sent you.
I hope these winter weather tips help you a bit and happy running.