Running gear in colder months

[Issywhizz]

I know I could google it or even read the guide but I am asking my fellow runners based on their experiences 😊 what would people recommend to wear for running now the weather is turning. Is there any specific base layers I should buy? Or tops/jackets? Thank you 🙏🏻 😊🏃‍♀️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This is the answer that I gave to someone earlier today : Layers is the way to go for cold weather.

When it is at its coldest I wear a compression base layer, long sleeve shirt, long running trousers, gloves and a buff.

Occasionally a light wind proof running jacket, but I hate getting wet from the inside out, so it is rarely worn.

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Great thank you!! Will invest in a base layer. Didn’t even think about gloves either! 😊👍🏻🏃‍♀️

[nowster Graduate]

Layers. Coverage. Visibility.

Layers. Something to trap heat (but not too much) and wick away any sweat. An outer layer to deflect wind/rain, but be breathable so you don't swelter under it.

Coverage. Hands can get very cold whilst running. Also your head can lose a lot of heat (especially for those of us who are older males). Arms can get cold. Legs initially may be cold but will warm up. Running shoes don't tend to provide much insulation from the cold, so you may need to think about thicker socks.

Visibility. With the darker mornings/evenings, you need to see and be seen, especially if your running includes roads. Clothes with reflective patches can help. If it's dark you may need a head torch.

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Or a chest torch! 👍

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

On my hat search I’ve even spotted beanies with built-in torches! 🤩 Who knew?!

[Jools2020 Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

No good for me, I’ve tried using a head torch and I move my head too much 😂

[nowster Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

The idea behind a head torch is it points the way you're looking. If you're after being seen rather than seeing, a body light is a better idea.

[Chris--B Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

I bought one of those last year and they are brilliant. The touch is good in the dark but when it gets cold the light illuminates my breath making it difficult to see when breathing out.

[acountrycabbage Graduate in reply to Chris--B]

Oh dear, a pea souper run! 😅 Well impressed they’re bright enough to see with though, I figured they were used more ‘to be seen.’

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thicker socks, good shout. Thank you for all this, very helpful! I need to get a buff too. I’m thinking it’s really cold already but it’s quite mild! 😂🙈

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you Nowster! Really appreciate the info 🙏🏻😊

[Hidden]

This is a really personal matter. I don't wear much more in the winter than at any other time. The shorts are replaced with capris and then leggings. If it is very cold, I wear a base layer under my tee. The sleeves are long enough to pull over my hands when I start out. I have a buff but I hardly ever need it (useful for nose blowing eurgh) and that's about it. However i am set on a warm setting so you might need more.

Someone ( davelinks perhaps ) put up a useful chart a couple of years ago, showing how much to wear in various climates.

Enjoy the cold weather running. It cannot be beat!

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the advice! Yes I can imagine what people wear totally depends on many factors. I really feel the cold so I guess I’d have to layer up. Thanks so much 😊

[nowster Graduate in reply to Hidden]

He linked to this video:

youtu.be/j7tUu9-N47E(Not working as expected?)

[Hidden in reply to nowster]

That wasn’t what I meant but thanks

[Irish-John Graduate]

A godsend for me was discovering an old pair of driving gloves were perfect for me in cold weather. Heavier gloves became way too warm and clammy.

Really when you're running it's more the "localised on your fingertips" wind chill effect that's the problem.

Without gloves, the tips of my fingers would be extremely painful but the rest of my hands fine but regular gloves would overheat. The thin leather driving gloves insulate the fingers but have enough ventilator holes to keep things comfortable.

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you! I definitely need to invest in some gloves. Although I’m sure there’s a pair lying around the house somewhere, instead of forking out on a fancy running pair

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Friday morning was the coldest I have ever been on a run. I hadn't run for two weeks so didn't expect the sudden drop in temperature and once out I didn't want to go back to change. So I had on my summer short sleeved running tee and my hands almost froze off, though the rest of me warmed up all right. It was 8 degrees which I don't think is all that cold, but there was a stiff breeze and it rained on me half way through.

When I started in April the temperature would have been similar to now and I started out wearing a long sleeved merino wool base layer, with a short sleeved polyester wicking tee shirt over the top, with thick full length leggings. I sometimes wore thin fingerless gloves but usually ended up pulling them off I got so warm in the first few weeks.

[Buzzbeebh Graduate]

I get cold easily & wear a running vest, with a merino base layer and then a jacket on top. I also wear gloves when it is cold. I’ve just bought a running light that straps on to the chest (link below) to run early mornings. I do take off the jacket and tie it around my waist if I get too warm, but need it for warm up and cool down at the start and end.

Good luck, & do share what works.

(welltop Running Lights Lamp,... amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZX6VZSR?...

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to Buzzbeebh]

Thank you! Great advice 😊

[Lothian70 Graduate]

I came on to ask this very same question so thank you! I haven't a clue as I've just started running.

[chunkypie Graduate]

Hands and Ears were the killer for me so Gloves and a Hat i could pull over my ears to stop them dropping off. Just invested in a long sleeve running top and next will be a waterproof lightweight jacket. I also have led arm/ankle cuffs for the dark nights. They were about £5 from amazon.

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to chunkypie]

Oh yeh the ears! I never even thought about my ears. Blimey I need to get so much stuff 😂 thanks so much for this 😊🙏🏻

[mitzybudgie Graduate in reply to Issywhizz]

I've just bought these as I don't like hats. I haven't tried them yet as it hasn't felt cold enough but have tried one on and it felt very comfortable and not too tight.

amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LCF9DN3/...

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to mitzybudgie]

For some reason the link didn’t work for me 🙈

[mitzybudgie Graduate in reply to Issywhizz]

Sorry about that... try copying and pasting this one into your browser

amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LCF9DN3?...

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to mitzybudgie]

Great idea! Covers the ears, keeps head warm and can still have a pony tail! Thank you, I’m getting one of those today 😊

[mrrun Graduate]

The good news is, running in the winter can be as comfortable as any other day. The weather isn't good or bad, what's good or bad is our clothing. You should be careful in icy conditions and avoid hard rain in near zero temperatures, the rest is manageable. I write blogs about all things running and have written one about this as well. Check it out, hopefully you'll find some useful tips.

runmrrun.com/essential-runn...

[Issywhizz Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Thank you! Much appreciated 😊😊