This will be my first Winter as a ‘runner’ and I don’t want the weather to stop me in my tracks.
There is a lot of (very) expensive kit available out there, but what do I actually need? And how do you get around the being frozen at the start to being boiling hot within 10 minutes?
My last couple of runs have involved struggling to keep some dignity whilst trying to take off a long sleeved top and ensuring phone, headphones, keys, water bottle are safe, whilst continuing to run. It makes for an interesting diversion for the stationary car drivers, but that’s not really what I set out to achieve from C25K! 😂
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Aldi or Lidl kit is great. I also got a water proof high viz jacket in Mountain Warehouse. The jacket is light, but also keeps me warm and dry. Last night I went out in heavy rain, my ear phones got ruined but my upper body was dry. There is no need to spend big money on winter kit. Threspass is also good for running gear bargains.
Firstly, unless you really need it - ditch the water bottle. Drink plenty of water throughout each day (non-run days too) to keep you hydrated.
Layers are a pain. If its a particularly cold day I will warm up a bit indoors first then go out for a very brisk walk before running. It will be chilly for a little bit, but you soon warm up. I don't change up my kit at all for winter.
I would rather be a bit clod at the start of the run then be uncomfortably hot whilst trying to put in a good run.
Taken your advice - I’ve ditched the water bottle, it was a bit of a security blanket left over from the heat of the summer. I’m running better without it. Thank you x
I've run in the winter, with snow on the fields, puddles deeply frozen and found my feet slipping on the frosty road surface. Must have been well below zero. What did I wear? Running tights, long-sleeve thermal layer and my 'winter' running jacket with a built-in hood. And buff and gloves, of course. Well below zero and 2 layers. There's a temptation to put on far too many layers, and then overheat.
I've taught myself to turn that "ouch that's cold, I'm going to die" thought (when I first get outside) into "ouch that's cold, I'm going to die, but at least I have the right number of layers on". After 10 minutes I always feel toasty, and get that internal smile when I've defeated the weather, again.
Woohoo, wonderful to be thinking of yourself as a runner!!!
I’m in Canada and started running in winter last year, I didn’t have anything specially purchased... I wore merino wool socks, leggings, light joggers over them when it was really cold, a long sleeve moisture wicking top, a fleece jacket and if it was really cold, windy or snowing heavily, a waterproof jacket on top, a toque (that’s Canadian for winter hat), a buff and gloves. The gloves and hat were usually off toward the end.
If you have an old outdoorsy rain jacket that will work as a water/wind proof outer layer.
You could try doing some jumping jacks before heading out perhaps?
It's not too cold where I am, about 10°c when I head out so I'm warming up quite quickly. As the winter comes I'll stick to my Lidl vest and a long sleeve running top with thumb holes. I wear Lidl leggings with Lidl running socks I purchased a few years ago and still in great shape. The only think I have bought are some running gloves and a very light, waterproof jacket for the colder mornings. I wear a light cap to keep the stray hairs away and keep the cold off my head. I get warm very quickly within 3 minutes or so of running so the only think I might add is a cheap, base layer from Mountain Warehouse.
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