Suitable running gear for the cold?

[xZiggyx]

Wanting to start the c25k on Tuesday. I'm new to running especially in the cold.. I have running shoes, but how do you ensure either you don't overheat or freeze. I can easily walk 5k as I'm out with the dog a lot but I went out one day in the cold and found it hard to breathe 🥶 are running face coverings a thing? Or am I just that unfit 😇

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I run in tee shirt and leggings with a hoodie over the top which i often take off once i warm up and tie round my waist, i wear a scarf or buff in cold weather to pull up over my mouth and nose to start with if the air is coldYou don’t need anything too special in the beginning but may find if you get hooked you will want more specialised clothing

My leggings are yoga pants with a phone pocket which is brilliant

Good luck I will look out for your post Tuesday which is my next run day

[xZiggyx in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you. A hoodie is great actually! I will use a scarf Tuesday and look to get a buff so it doesn't move so much.. Hopefully I can get into it, I'm doing it more for focus and fitness along with a new fodmap diet I start next week 😁🤞🏼

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

Layers, is the answer to your question.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[xZiggyx in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you that is exactly what I needed to read, from being nervous of the neighbours, to breathing and technique. I'll definitely for the time being, use layers!

[nowster Graduate]

Look at the "feels like" temperature in the forecast.

Over 12°C tee shirt and shorts is usually enough.

Add more layers as it gets progressively colder. You will get the balance wrong to start with.

If it's windy, a closely knit outer layer to break the wind.

Don't forget your hands and head.

"Technical" fabrics will move sweat away from the skin, but not feel cold like cotton would when damp. They are best used as base layers.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

What you wear for the first few weeks will probably not be what works for you after that as more and more of the session is running. As everyone says, layers and things you can strip off. Clothing that will unzip is good, it can be enough to do that, then you don't have the bother of stowing it or carrying it in some way.

I am astounded by how little I wear now but I have never yet NOT regretted a jacket since C25K. My standard wear is cotton full length leggings and cotton full length t shirt and it has to be several degrees below freezing before I put a short sleeve t shirt on top of that.

It's the extremities that most need taking care of - gloves, buffs (you can use buffs not just for neck and face but to keep ears warm and as a thin hat or mittens)

Just now I don't think you'll need much persuasion to wear something full length below the waist, and I've found for myself that keeping calves warm is important (some people do this with knee socks instead)

One final point... when I would benefit from stripping off a bit, it isn't always obvious that I am too hot: it more often manifests itself as either feeling ill or finding the session hard going and miraculously cured by undoing a zip or taking off a buff etc.

[annasee Graduate]

I've found wearing a headband really helped in the very cold weather. I don't like hats, and get too hot with one, but the headband over my ears kept them warm and kept my hair off my face too.