Advise wanted for winter preparation

[Karina1976]

As I am new to running I have very limited running attire ... what gear do I need to run in the winter ?

[fivekstarter]

Been thinking the same myself, primark have some nice lightweight zip up running jackets I have my eye on, they look waterproof two and would be light enough to keep on when running so I may invest

[fivekstarter in reply to fivekstarter]

*too

[Karina1976 in reply to fivekstarter]

Just found this little website for advise

womenshealthmag.com/fitness...

[Razouski]

There was a really good post last winter about clothing. I guess everyone is different.

Some people invest in base layers, but once I'm running I start to warm up so I had:

Full length leggings

Tee shirt

Zip up jacket (so I could unzip and tie round waste

Running buff to keep ears from freezing

Running gloves (my hands stayed cold even though I my body was hot)

Tissue or hanky as my nose tended to run

Hat to attempt to keep rain off my specs 🤓

I was really surprised how much I enjoyed running in the winter when it was crisp frost, not so fond of ice, and struggle with rain on my glasses as it makes my balance go.

Most important is to think like an onion - layers! 😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Layers is the way to go.

Compression base layers are great. Long sleeved tops and running trousers or tights to go over. A buff and gloves are essential for me and some like a hat,but not me.

I personally don't use jackets as I get too hot, but others swear by them.

I have had loads of good stuff from Aldi.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Less gear than you think.

My rule of thumb is to take the temperature, then add 10 degrees. And dress appropriately for the higher temperature. So if it is 10 degrees outside, then dress for 20 degrees (perhaps a long-sleeve running top). If it is 0 degrees and freezing, then dress for 10 degrees - long-sleeved top and jacket. If it is below freezing, add gloves and a hat.

All through last winter (which was not too cold) I survived with regular running vests (long-sleeve if it was very cold as my hands get cold) and my Karrimor 'winter' running jacket which is of thicker material, and (importantly) has a hood with toggle-tightening. But the critical winter accessories are running gloves, a fluorescent buff, and headtorch / flashing LED for motorists. I wore full-length running tights for all my winter runs.

You're supposed to say "wow that's cold" when you get outdoors. But you'll soon warm up. Don't be tempted by loads of layers as you'll get hot and sweaty, then need to stop to take layers off, and then feel cold.

Biggest hazard for my winter running is frosty/icy roads and pavements and not having enough grip from my trainers.

I didn't see much that was 'mission-critical' on the link that you provided.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Running tights, long sleeved top, gloves (essential!), light weight waterproof jacket for when it's cold and wet. Oh, and personally I always feel too hot if I run in a hat although think they look great!!😀 That said, I do wear a lightweight summer running cap if it's pouring with rain as it keeps the water out of your eyes. Also, some kind of torch/light for those dark evenings. I have a Kalenji run chest light which I bought last year and it was the best thing about running in the winter for me! I look liked a 'proper' runner in it! 😀😉

[Nibor5 Graduate]

I've been asking myself the same question. I think I'm going to wait and see what I feel I need as and when the colder weather hits. I suspect the minimum will be gloves (my hands suffer in the cold because of some surgery I had years ago), trainers with good grip, and long running bottoms. I am fortunate in that I have a great off road, well lit, running track (the prom) right outside, but if I didn't some sort of visibility aids would be essential (head touches, reflective clothing etc.)

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The most disagreeable runs I have had seem to correlate quite well with wearing more (this may perhaps say more about starting out in the wrong frame of mind of course that I put on more... but we all know the power of a run to change your mood)

I run in the same stuff all year round. Except when it is very warm when the leggings go capri length and the t shirts are short sleeved. I just add buffs, and gloves.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I've found being too hot is worse than being too cold. Mostly I run in long leggings and long sleeve t shirts. I have a jacket but rarely wear it. I found I like a buff for my head and gloves, but only for the first few minutes, then I have to carry them...I guess it depends where you run, I'm in town so rarely are there those winds that just cut through you. Ice is a no no, I don't want to fall over...

[heavyhorse Graduate]

I wear long or 3/4 length running tights. Long sleeved T shirt if frosty cold , short sleeves otherwise and a fleece body warmer, baseball cap if raining, and I stay on paved roads more than I do in summer as I haven't found running shoes I like that keep my feet dry off road! I hate being too hot though, and generally wear less than other people !

[SC1472 Graduate]

I'm just out picking up my son when I passed a runner in the road as there is no pavement- she had a flashing armband with red lights on it. I shall have to investigate further but it certainly made her more visible in the dusk.