Cold Weather Running Essentials
I know, I know. The leaves are still changing. Yesterday, it was 65 degrees. You’re wearing shorts. Fall running is the best!
And yet…winter is coming.
Good news: with the right gear, you can keep running outdoors, even as the temperature drops and the snow starts falling. Of course, that’s easy to say living in Charlotte, where our winters are quite mild. But I also spent ten years living and running in Chicago, so trust me when I say that I understand snow and the meaning of “frigid.”
Below are my must-haves for not just surviving, but enjoying, a winter on the run. There’s plenty of great gear out there, but I consider these my cold weather essentials. For clothing, what you need depends on temperature, so I’ve organized accordingly.
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Cold Weather Considerations
Be smart: Take it to the treadmill if conditions are dangerous.
Darkness: The days are short. BE VISIBLE! I like wearing a visibility vest, like this one.
Hydration: It’s easy to forget when it’s cold out, but you still need fluids on your run.
Wind: If it’s windy, you’re going to feel colder. Dress accordingly. A windbreaker helps.
Rain/Snow/Ice:
A quality, weatherproof running jacket can make the difference between a miserable run and a fun one
Wool socks help keep your feet warmer and dryer
Some running shoes come in waterproof Gortex models, like the Brooks Ghost GTX
Gain traction by using Kahtoola NANOSpikes (my pick), Yaktrax, or running shoes with lugs
Running on packed snow is usually easier and safer than treading on ice
What to Wear by Temperature
If you tend to run especially warm or cold, or you’re doing a hard workout, you may need to adjust. You know yourself best!
30 - 40 Degrees
Lightweight running tights, crops, or shorts
Base layer: Fitted tank top or tee (tech fabric)
Top layer: Thicker long-sleeved top (I like a half zip, so I can unzip as I heat up)
Headband/ear warmer or hat
20 - 30 Degrees
Base layer: Fitted long-sleeved top (wool or tech fabric)
Top layer: Thermal long-sleeved top OR a running vest
Headband/ear warmer or hat
Socks that cover the ankles
Gloves or mittens
10 - 20 Degrees
Lined running tights (I like fleece-lined)
Base layer: Fitted long-sleeved top (if you run cold, layer a tank/tee first)
Top layer: Lined running jacket
Headband/ear warmer or hat
Wool socks that cover the ankles
Maybe: Gaiter for neck/face
Mittens OR gloves + mittens
Below 10 Degrees
Double-up on tights OR tights + running pants
Base layer: Fitted long-sleeved running top
Mid layer: Long-sleeved top with high neck
Top layer: Wind & water-resistant running jacket
Wool socks that cover the ankles
Hat that covers ears
Gaiter for neck/face
Thick mittens OR gloves + mittens
Stay warm out there!
