The lovely Annieapple and I have been chatting about winter running gear.
What do you experienced bods recommend?
I’m quite interested in long sleeved reflective tops as I run first thing and it’s already getting dark 😮 Any recommendations? (particularly at the lower end of the price range 😊)? (I have a brilliant jacket which I love and which is reflective, but I tend to shed it part way through the run as I warm up).
Layers, once it gets colder.
Gloves and a buff are essential.
Long sleeved base layer, then T-shirt over that, then jacket? And shed as you warm up, potentially leaving you with just the base layer? Is that how it works?
I would just be chilly for a while then warm up.
As IannodaTruffe says, Buff and gloves are your best friends, windproof jacket for wind and rain (don't try and stay dry). I wouldn't have more layers than that unless it goes sub zero.
Lightweight tabard is good for the dark.
Thank you ✅👍
What’s a buff?
Buff is a brand name Milajayne. Like BIC or Hoover, its used to describe the thing.
A buff refers to a 'tube' of stretchy fabric that some call a neck gaiter but can be used in different ways as a head covering.
I haven’t run in the dark yet! I started running in January and always run 1st thing in morning and always waited for 1st light. I think the advice on this forum somewhere is to dress to run for 5 degrees above actual temperature. I am also not a fashion guru so I was running in fleeces and leggings at the start. I know have running gear but will probably just put a fleece on over the top on cold mornings! X
Haha, your fleece and leggings reminds me of my first week... Jeans, Hoody & Waterproof Jacket. Turns out even 30seconds of running can make you sweat in all that! 🤣
I've now progressed to T.Shirt and shorts pretty much whatever the weather, tho if it's particular cold or wet I will add a base layer or running tights
I've always used the "Ten Degree" rule. Whatever the outside temperature, add 10 degrees to it. Then dress for the increased temperature. And so if it is 20 degrees outside, its going to feel like 30 degrees when you're running, and you'll want shorts and a vest.
If it is 10 degrees outside, dress as though it is 20 degrees - shorts and t-shirt.
If it is 0 degrees outside, dress for 10 degrees - shorts or tights / long-sleeve t-shirt and lightweight jacket. I've been running for about 5 years in all conditions and have never worn anything more than tights, long-sleeve t-shirt and a thicker jacket. But always a buff and gloves if it is nippy (and my 'winter' jacket - named Jacqui - has a hood).
Note that this only works when you are running: you'll be cold in C25K Weeks 1-6 when there are walking intervals. And in the winter on runs you're going to say 'wow that's cold' for the first 5 minutes before you've warmed up. There is nothing worse on a run in the winter than being too hot.
Really helpful, thank you 😊
How does the buff thing work? Do you use it solely round the neck, or do you roll it up over your head / ears too? Any recommendations brand wise? I keep getting hygge bands advertised on my Facebook feed!
Whatever works best for you! That is the beauty of a Buff.
If you have a longer one you can even use it as a cap.
I tend to get very warm while running (even though I am by no means fast) and often end up ripping my Buff off and looping round my wrist.
🤣
I always wear the buff around my neck, but then I have it "just in case" if I need it on my head.
Try Tikiboo: great brand, great designs, price ok, good service and loyalty points too! Love mine. Leggings, buffs, everything!
Ooh thanks, will take a look!
🎈
Thanks for this👍
Very interested in this post as innate being cold and really feel it. Sorry being completely daft..what is a buff please?
Just a microfibre (sometimes a little fleecy) loop of material that can be worn around the neck as a scarf, pulled up over the head and generally all-round useful thing. And as Maddee says, it can be looped around a wrist if you get too warm.
If like me you run warm while running (see above) you may find arm warmers work better for you on cold days. You can push them down if you’re getting too hot. You can buy snazzy ones, but the cheap ones from Decathlon are also good if you just want to try them.
Gloves that that can still operate a touch screen in are a good buy if you have a smart phone.
Calf sleeves are good, as are long socks.
A showerproof baseball cap is better than a knit cap if you wear glasses.
Head or chest worn torches if you are running somewhere there isn’t a lot of lighting (also help with visibility).
Decathlon and TKMAXX are both great for cheap new running gear, and there are Facebook groups where preloved items abound.
Thanks for all that - really helpful.
Useful tips 😊 thanks ✅
This has been helpful for me too. Off to buy a buff!
🤣
Gloves. I find my hands stay cold all run, even though my legs (in man-tights below about 5C), torso and arms are warmed up by the run.
Hat. A peaked hat is good too, so long as it is very thin - the main reason I need it is the low winter sun-angle, not the cold. But you loose a lot of body heat through your head, which is why it needs to be thin.
Excellent thanks 👍
I’m in the north of Scotland and find a long sleeve top and thin fleece body warmer sufficient. It has the added bonus of pockets for my phone, gloves and kitchen roll hankies. I do get very warm when plodding anyway.
I am in the NE so glad his is very helpful thanks 😀
Good question. I’ve been thinking the same thing.
I can’t really add anything to what’s been said already, although if the weather is that cold you could also try 2 pairs of socks perhaps? 🤗 x
I’m in NE Scotland on the coast. It can get cold. It’s the wind from the Artic which gets to me 🥶 and the horizontal freezing rain 🥶.
I can recommend the Winter warm running leggings by Sturdy By Design. They have a fleecy lining but are not bulky. I’m waiting for them to come back in stock as I would like a second pair.
A fleece headband which fitted over my ears. It has a ponytail hole at the back. The make is Trailheads, I bought it from Amazon. I see they do a baseball cap with a fleecy ear bit and a ponytail hole this year. I might have to buy.
Thermal running gloves with touch screen fingers, Karrimor, Sports Direct.
I layered up on running tops, short sleeved over a long sleeved top, with a waterproof running jacket (reflective)if needed, which I tied round my waist if I got too warm. The jacket came from Trespass.
So helpful, thanks Alissum. I especially appreciate the pony tail hole advice!
Sounds jolly nippy where you are! Brrr 🥶
Karrimor make excellent long sleeve tops with that all important zip mentioned by some. Their winter jackets have good wicking too.
I use their ponytail headbands, and they also do a ponytail beanie, which is excellent!
You’re brave! I refuse to run it’s horizontal rain/sleet. Got to love NE Scotland 😂.
I ran all last winter, lovely running across our local common in the frost. I simply put on a sweater top, wooly hat and a pair of woolen gloves. You soon warm up whatever the weather.
Thanks joimes. I’ve been thinking about running in the frost. Assuming frosty grass is probably safer than frosty pavements...
😃👍Sounds good to me
Have been wondering the same myself. Thank you for asking 😁
Yeah, I thought a number of us newer folk would have similar questions now the weather is turning a bit cooler!
Only started last January so I expect I’ll learn more this winter as I run further. Bu my top tip would be that except for base later, all upper body layers have front zip! It’s amazing how hot even an iceberg such as myself can get when running. That front zip going up or down helps a lot as you round a corner and suddenly the icy wind rises or dies in front of you. Also as I wear glasses, a baseball style cap is a help keeping the rain off the glasses. There’s a useful site called rerunclothing.org, which handles used but still useful running gear if you want a less expensive way to try things. (I think they are on Facebook too.)
Excellent ✅
Really good question with lots of great info for all. I'm glad you asked the question.
Me too! So much wisdom on here 😊
Lots and lots of face cream to protect delicate skin from the cold weather, wind and rain. I slap on a cheaper make before I go out running even if I have moisturised with my preferred creams and serums. Plenty of lip balm as well, nothing worse than sore, chapped lips.
Ooh hadn’t even thought about that!
Me neither! Thank you!!
Having read almost all comments, I am already freezing. Had a great run this morning in grey miserable Vienna weather, with my hands getting cold. Dressed for 10° warmer, I soon warmed up, except for my hands - still cold. The comments on gloves came in very handy now, thanks for that!!!!
Don't know whether I'll really run in the rain, but who knows ....
Great having you all for great ideas and motivation! 
Hear hear!
Layering is a nice idea, but you don't want to run around toting the gear you have shed. SO my advice is to:
1. Start out cold (dress like it is 10-20 degrees F warmer);
2. Worry most about your core; so vests are good (your arms don't tend to get cold): running pants/tights are good when the temp gets down towards freezing
3. Gloves (or mitts if it is really cold) and a beany/neck gaiter are a must when the temp gets down towards freezing
4. No cotton!!!!
5. Stay dry (the last thing you want is to be cold and wet = hypothermia)
6. Avoid ice
7. If you run in the dark, wear light colored clothes (reflective is nice but not absolutely necessary), and have a light (head lamps are best)
✅😀Thank you!
So helpful! Thank you for sharing your wisdom 😊
Enjoy the winter - some of my most memorable runs have been in the winter, particularly just when it begins to lightly snow, and on dry nights with a full moon!
That sounds beautiful 🌕🌨⛄️🌟
Do you have a head (or chest) lamp you can recommend?
Just get something simple that is light, and has a strap that feels comfortable on your forehead - I usually avoid winter night runs (hard to see the slippy bits and drivers seem less alert), but when I do go out I am using a headlamp that I have had for years
Thanks everyone for this amazing response!! Ever so helpful!!! Much appreciated 😀🥳
Layers..gloves..buff..hat..long sleeve base layer...
I have a reflective belt that has a flashing light...and lights that clip onto my shoes too..
Winter Running...
New winter running gear tested out tonight
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