Winter Clothing?

[Adler92]

Just wondered whether any more experienced runners have any suggestions as to what to wear when running in the winter...? I started running last summer, so I am unsure whether there are any particular items of clothing which would be necessary/particularly useful for running when it's colder? Today the only change I made was the addition of a micro-fleece, but I don't know whether thicker running tights or something would be advisable? Or a hat? My running tights are actually yoga ones I think (though they work for running too), but are therefore quite thin, and I got quite cold during my warm up/warm down walks...

Thanks in advance

[SC1472 Graduate]

I tend to layer up rather than go for something thicker. Today I wore shorts, a long sleeved top, a gillet and gloves. I don’t tend to wear a hat but others do in all weathers. If it’s colder then I wear Capri trousers to cover my knees, maybe a long sleeved top over a short sleeved one so I can remove the outer layer and tie it around my waist. I was given a merino wool running jacket for my Birthday so if it’s really cold I wear this but only need one layer beneath it.

[Adler92 in reply to SC1472]

Layering is probably a good idea, yes... Thanks I'll try that next time I run ^-^

[Pc59 Graduate]

I feel the cold & as a slower runner 😊i wear winter tights, they have a thin fleecy backing, long sleeved base layer, thin hoodie, if really cold buff, hat & Running gloves! Mind you I usually take hat, gloves& buff off before the end!! All my stuff from Aldis & washes great😊happy Running & new year😊

[Adler92 in reply to Pc59]

Oooh, those tights sound like an excellent idea! My fleece was fine for the top half, but my lower half was decidedly chilly, so I might have to invest in some... Thanks

[icklegui Graduate]

I also used to wear thin leggings (that I used for yoga). I bought new bamboo leggings which are comparatively thick and I found that not only are they a bit cosier (but still breathable), but the thickness makes them really supportive and it feels quite nice, so double bonus. I've also ordered a Buff so we'll see how that does keeping my ears warm .

I think the answer to your question is probably based on how you feel, really! My hands get cold so I think gloves would suit me, but not a thick top or a fleece because I think my core gets quite hot. Layers are the thing so you can adjust as you go along (as the others have said).

Can you warm up walking inside first and time it so maybe you cool down inside too? Once I'm a bit sweaty it's so uncomfortable to cool down in the cold!

[Adler92 in reply to icklegui]

Fair enough Thank you! I could, but I definitely don't walk as enthusiastically when I'm not actually moving, and whilst at home there isn't really room to walk indoors... xD But at Uni, yes, that's an excellent idea and I might try it, thank you

[Lordi Graduate]

I'm a relative newbie (Week 8) so no expert, but would it not depend on the level of exertion? Light jogging might need more insulation than for running and it would also depend on fitness etc. For me anyway, around zero degrees and up to running 28 mins, I've had leggings with running shorts worn over the top, a cheap synthetic wicking teeshirt and micro fleece on top. A bit chilly during the warm-up walk but that ensures you get a " brisk" walking pace going. I hide my hands/fingers up inside the arms of the fleece until warmed up (5-10 mins or so). After that the fleece gets unzipped most of the way for ventilation and I roll/push up the fleece sleeves up my forearms. Don't wear a hat as my head gets boiling hot and it would come off in a few minutes anyway. I will add thin gloves and a very thin beanie if 5 degrees below and maybe also a windstopper with underarm zipped ventilation in much colder weather. I don't plan on going far from home when it get really cold (Finland) so as not to be sweaty/wet with too far to walk home on cool-down.

[Adler92 in reply to Lordi]

That also makes sense. Thanks I was definitely appreciative of my micro fleece yesterday, it was more my lower half which was chilly, so might see about layering that part/getting some slightly thicker tights. Thanks again ^-^

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Frankly, you need to wear as little as you can comfortably get away with. Layers are good but don't put on another one if you don't need it.

[Adler92 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Fair enough. Thank you