Experienced Bods: winter running gear advice p... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,408 members158,561 posts

Experienced Bods: winter running gear advice please ⛄️

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate
67 Replies

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).

Written by
MummyTum profile image
MummyTum
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
67 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Layers, once it gets colder.

Gloves and a buff are essential.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

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?

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris in reply to MummyTum

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.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to SlowLoris

Thanks for this - so helpful 😊

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you ✅👍

Milajayne profile image
MilajayneGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

What’s a buff?

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate in reply to Milajayne

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.

Milajayne profile image
MilajayneGraduate in reply to Katnap

Omg I’ve just watched a YouTube video, how in hell have I never heard of these before!! I need one!

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate in reply to Milajayne

LOL 😆😅😂🤣

🐱 Katnap 🐱

Chris141 profile image
Chris141Graduate

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

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Chris141

That’s helpful, thanks Chris 😊

Bike_and_Run profile image
Bike_and_RunGraduate in reply to Chris141

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

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

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.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to MarkyD

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!

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to MummyTum

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.

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333

🤣

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to MummyTum

I always wear the buff around my neck, but then I have it "just in case" if I need it on my head.

Upagumtree profile image
UpagumtreeGraduate in reply to MummyTum

Try Tikiboo: great brand, great designs, price ok, good service and loyalty points too! Love mine. Leggings, buffs, everything!

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Upagumtree

Ooh thanks, will take a look!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Upagumtree

🎈

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Thanks for this👍

LUHAN profile image
LUHANGraduate

Very interested in this post as innate being cold and really feel it. Sorry being completely daft..what is a buff please?

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate in reply to LUHAN

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.

buff.com/gb/sport/running.html

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Ooh, thanks for the link MarkyD. More running gear to explore 😁

LUHAN profile image
LUHANGraduate in reply to MarkyD

Thankyou! Something else for xmas list!

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate

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.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333

Thanks for all that - really helpful.

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333

Useful tips 😊 thanks ✅

Runcat77 profile image
Runcat77

This has been helpful for me too. Off to buy a buff!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Runcat77

🤣

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

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.

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to theoldfellow

Excellent thanks 👍

mamajane profile image
mamajane

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.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to mamajane

Thanks mamajane. That sounds like a good combo.

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to mamajane

I am in the NE so glad his is very helpful thanks 😀

Puppy-love profile image
Puppy-loveGraduate

Good question. I’ve been thinking the same thing.

Bluepup1 profile image
Bluepup1Graduate

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

Alissum profile image
AlissumGraduate

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.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Alissum

So helpful, thanks Alissum. I especially appreciate the pony tail hole advice!

Sounds jolly nippy where you are! Brrr 🥶

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Alissum

Karrimor make excellent long sleeve tops with that all important zip mentioned by some. Their winter jackets have good wicking too.

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate in reply to Alissum

I use their ponytail headbands, and they also do a ponytail beanie, which is excellent!

mamajane profile image
mamajane in reply to Alissum

You’re brave! I refuse to run it’s horizontal rain/sleet. Got to love NE Scotland 😂.

Alissum profile image
AlissumGraduate in reply to mamajane

I ran the Inverness half this year. Blizzards, torrential rain, hail storms and extremely windy. It was horrible 😂. Never doing that event again 🤣

mamajane profile image
mamajane in reply to Alissum

That sounds horrible. Well done for finishing that one

joimes profile image
joimes

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.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to joimes

Thanks joimes. I’ve been thinking about running in the frost. Assuming frosty grass is probably safer than frosty pavements...

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to joimes

😃👍Sounds good to me

GreenLizard profile image
GreenLizardGraduate

Have been wondering the same myself. Thank you for asking 😁

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to GreenLizard

Yeah, I thought a number of us newer folk would have similar questions now the weather is turning a bit cooler!

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

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.)

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Granspeed

Thanks Granspeed, really useful advice 😊

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Granspeed

Excellent ✅

MaggieCats profile image
MaggieCats

Really good question with lots of great info for all. I'm glad you asked the question.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to MaggieCats

Me too! So much wisdom on here 😊

Alissum profile image
AlissumGraduate

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.

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Alissum

Ooh hadn’t even thought about that!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to MummyTum

Me neither! Thank you!!

Schnitzerl profile image
Schnitzerl

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! :)

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Schnitzerl

Hear hear!

Fauvemarin profile image
Fauvemarin

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)

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate in reply to Fauvemarin

✅😀Thank you!

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Fauvemarin

So helpful! Thank you for sharing your wisdom 😊

Fauvemarin profile image
Fauvemarin in reply to MummyTum

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!

MummyTum profile image
MummyTumGraduate in reply to Fauvemarin

That sounds beautiful 🌕🌨⛄️🌟

Do you have a head (or chest) lamp you can recommend?

Fauvemarin profile image
Fauvemarin in reply to MummyTum

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

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

Thanks everyone for this amazing response!! Ever so helpful!!! Much appreciated 😀🥳

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

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..

You may also like...

Winter running gear, is it really necessary?

cold dawn runs with the temperature around 4 or 5 degrees in the same gear as my summer runs and...

Cheap winter running gear

has found any good places for cheap, decent running gear. Does Primark have a sports section? Any...

Running gear for winter months or adverse weather...what to buy or not to buy?

leggings, short sleeves running t-shirts, a running jumper, and a very light running raincoat. No...

New winter running gear tested out tonight

two new long sleeved running tops, running shell jacket (really light) and some men's running...

Winter gear!

Hello lovely people! Do you have any suggestions for winter 'gear'? Would i need a beanie type hat...