What to wear in the dark & cold?

[Ouchto5kmummy]

Week 7 run two completed in the pouring rain. Deep joy! Been up since 5am with my 9 month old and figured that’s harder than a cold, wet and dark run. But since the weather is so poor anyone have any must haves that keep you seen and keep you comfortable? Thanks

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Impressed with everyone who runs in the dark. No experience myself but for warmth add beanie hat, wind/waterproof top and gloves, legs seem to look after themselves. Well done on week 7

[Ouchto5kmummy Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

Gloves a good idea!

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Ouchto5kmummy]

Hand warmers even better - get a reusable pain in outdoor shops. Like a mini hot water bottle to use during the warm up

[Elfe5 Graduate]

My essential winter kit is my breathable, light jacket. It is really a cycling jacket, ( so long sleeves and no need for gloves, also cut long at the back so warm backside). I just adjust the layers under it to match the temperatures.

In very cold weather I have a thicker, breathable cycling jacket.. 😄

I would have to say, these jackets are ok on a bike, but fantastic for running - running gear & cycling gear designers need to talk to each other! 😂

[Ouchto5kmummy Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you - I will investigate

[Alast in reply to Elfe5]

I too wear a (cheap from Aldi) cycling jacket for my dark, early morning runs. It's breathable, Hi-Viz and has a few reflective strips on it too, so although I wish to remain anonymous, I do feel safe knowing that I can be seen. I also start out wearing woollen gloves, but take them off as I warm up. Other advantages with my jacket are that it has big pockets (for discarded gloves and when it gets colder a hat), but most importantly it has a zip fastening, which I can drop down to let out the steam I seem to generate as soon as I do anything above walking pace! Although today was my first run so far in the (light) rain, I'd agree with Grannytobe that as long as you keep your top half warm & dry, the legs don't appear to be a problem.

[Ouchto5kmummy Graduate in reply to Alast]

I will take a look around Aldi and see if they have anything, thanks

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Alast]

Yes, yes & yes!! 👏👏👏

Spread the love for running in cycling jackets! 😂🤸‍♀️😄

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

My lightweight jacket is also a bike jacket 🤣

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Oooo there’s 3 of us now! 🤗 (See above!!)

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Light coloured clothes and maybe head or chest torch.

Dress for it being cold by wearing one less layer than you think you need.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Oh and arm warmers are great if you turn out to be someone who gets really warm on a run. They really do help keep you warm, then you can push them down or even off once you are warm.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

They say, dress for 10 degrees warmer, as you will generate heat. As everyone says , layers are best . I have a thicker long sleeve top with zip up neck for when it was really cold and I often take my wind/shower proof hi-vis jacket which can be tied around my waist when not needed. I wear full length leggings instead of capris. Running gloves with smartphone finger tips are most important for me. If my hands are cold I can’t function 😂

[Smelliepoo Graduate]

I have invested in a chest torch and I much prefer it to the head torch (never liked them anyway!) it has a red light on the back and a good bright light on the front. It is 500 lumens at its brightest and has a dimmer, make sure you get a good bright one so you can see and be seen better! I have found that all the running stuff in the shops is black by en large, especially in sports direct! You would think they would make more light colours, but apparently not!

I wear a long sleeved running top, some running gloves, leggings and a body warmer, both tops with zips so that as I warm up I can let some of the heat out - although this is slightly trickier with the chest light, it is not impossible!

[Ouchto5kmummy Graduate in reply to Smelliepoo]

Thank you. Will look into chest torch