Advice for Colder Runs

[Swanseajen]

It's a bit parky out there today and I have almost exclusively run in the warm, apart from when I started in March. Back then, I used to put on my massive winter coat, a thick cotton top and some chunky joggers and do my first few runs in the programme. Now, I'm running for 30 minutes and that is just not going to work. I'm usually boiling after about 5 minutes in one of them moisture wicking tshirt thingmys - but if it's properly cold (not like now, I mean winter) what the heck are you supposed to wear?? I have leggings which will do fine for the bottom, it's the top bit I'm concerned about. Do you strip a layer whilst running? Are there such things as running jumpers?? Any tips would be really helpful!!

[JeanneMary Graduate]

I don't know - but I'm interested! I perhaps just a really good warm up before starting?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

They reckon 45F (7C) is the ideal running temperature for distance events, so it’s a bit warm here really, windchill helps a little, as does the wet stuff 🤣

Last two winters I’ve run in shorts and T-shirt... I just do my warmup indoors.

There are technical shirts and bottoms that will keep you warm, but it’d be a little trial and error as to when they were right for you personally. Layers are probably the best approach up top, and yes, close fitting base layer with a looser top over it means you can easily ditch a layer on the hoof if needs be.

My only issue over winter is freezing rain, so a good eye on the weather forecast is needed.

[Swanseajen Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks. Layers seem to be the best thing. But not overcoats.

[Deetermined Graduate]

Hello, I also wear "moisture wicking tshirt thingys" and love them so I plan to buy long sleeve ones for winter. If you search online for "long sleeve running top" you will find them from different brands/ suppliers, you also get them with extra long sleeves with thumb holes. While these tops will not be super warm they should help against cold wind. What I also did when it was colder: I covered my mouth with something like a neckwarmer (a bandana should do, too) as breathing in the could air made me cough. Looks and feels a bit funny but really helps, and we are getting used to seeing people with face masks anyway...

[EThomas Graduate in reply to Deetermined]

We will all probably need to run in masks soon anyway

[Swanseajen Graduate in reply to Deetermined]

Being a bit colder at first might make me run a bit faster too. Thanks!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Layers are the way to go for the colder months.......from a summer singlet and shorts, it changes to tshirt and shorts, long sleeve shirt and shorts, then come leggings, and once we are down to low single figures add in compression base layers plus gloves and a buff........that just about covers it.

[Swanseajen Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Cheers. Great info.