Cold-weather running clothes?

[MrsBump]

Hi all. I've only been at this running lark since we've had shorts and T-shirts weather. Now it's getting cooler I'm wondering what others are wearing. I'm always quick to overheat while running, but equally am likely to freeze to death before I've got going.

[mrrun Graduate]

Here's where we're all different. Some will layer up, and my mate Colin will run at near zero temperatures wearing just shorts and a tank top. No gloves, no hat for ol' Colin.

I've written about this before, you may want to check out my blogs about what to wear when colder as well as about running in cold weather in general. It's still fun, regardless of the temperatures. 😀

runmrrun.com/what-to-wear-w...

runmrrun.com/the-guide-to-w...

[MrsBump Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Great blogs - entertaining and really helpful! Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This FAQ Post about cold weather running may give some tips healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[nickf Graduate]

I'm the same. First 5 weeks running in a t-shirt and shorts. Then last few weeks as its got a bit colder, in a long sleeved top and shorts. This morning there was a slight frost on the ground, so I also donned my lightweight running jacket....still in shorts though. My hands were cold right up until near the end (today was w7R2). I'm thinking of trying out some light gloves if/when if gets colder and maybe some lightweight tracksuit bottoms.

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate in reply to nickf]

I definitely recommend gloves.

[Frenc Graduate in reply to nickf]

Yes, some lightweight gloves really take the edge off. You can stuff them in a pocket once you’ve warmed up 😊.

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Mittens are surprisingly warm too and you can wiggle your fingers more easily

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

I’ve got a shiny new long sleeved top. I’ll. go for layers if it’s really cold. I remember from c25k on January, I usually started with hat, gloves, jacket etc but most of it came off. It’s trying to balance freezing on the warm up wall/cool down with not being too hot on the run. Pockets are my best friend!

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I second the pockets thing!!! I've recently bought a new wind-proof shell (a really thin thing that might also be rain-proof, though haven't tested yet that) and it has pockets! My old one didn't... Oh, my! What a luxury!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to ChannelRunner2]

Enjoy! Presence of good pockets is the first thing I look for in bottoms/jackets now.

I took my new top for a spin this morning and really liked it…so much so that I came home and ordered another one on sale in a different colour!!!! That “free” c25k app has got a lot to answer for….

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

🤣 They probably have a secrete contract with running clothes stores...

[Instructor57 Graduate]

My tights had their first outing this morning 😁

youtu.be/pc1am3KyYgA(Not working as expected?)

[MrsBump Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

😂

[chrisoula Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

😂

[NFJC]

Hi, it’s a problem for me: I always feel cold:). So I am wearing light windproof jacket and some warm layer underneath. I found that windproof jacket is very helpful and protects you very well from cold and wind. Mine is similar to this one: decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-t...

[misswobble Graduate in reply to NFJC]

I’ve got that one! It’s waterproof! I only wear when its’s tipping it down If it’s warm though it gets too hot and steamy. Hoping u5vwill come into its own when the snow/hail/snowy rain arrives 🙂 It was a Christmas gift 🎁

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

Gradually add warmer clothing. I move from shorts to 3/4 length to cold weather leggings, vest to t shirt to long sleeved running top. Then a running jumper. Then a lightweight wind and waterproof jacket. Along the way, gloves, a scarf/buff and hat.

Make sure your feet are warm and dry -- merino socks.

When it's really cold I run in an M&S Heatgen thermal top rather than a running top. My coldest run was -10C and I was fine (though my thighs were completely numb when I got home). Decathlon is your friend.

[Liono Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Unfortunately Decathlon has become a little over-friendly with me and so I am avoiding him 😂

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to Liono]

😂😂😂

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate]

In addition to all the above suggestions, it's helping me to keep track of the outside temperature and what I've worn (or just stuffed in my pockets) . That way, I slowly build up a list of what to wear when. (Things like: When it's below 10°C wear a cotton hat, which I don't need when it's sunny and 12°C as I learned today...)

Unfortunately, I've already figured out that my list from speed walking last winter isn't helpful as I warm up a lot more during running... Oh, well. More tracking...

[misswobble Graduate]

I only wear gloves when it’s really cold and then only til I warm up. If I’ve no pockets I stash them under my hat 🙂

Layer up! 🙂

I’m still in shorts . Lovely today 😎🌝🏃‍♀️

[Windrunner1]

As a naturist running in the countryside I just wear my trainers. I started the C25K running programme last January and found that once I got going I soon warmed up. I found the wind chill more of a problem than the air temperature but running on a cold still frosty sunny morning was really most pleasant. There is still quite a bit of warmth from the sun even in mid winter.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Windrunner1]

Ever thought of going barefoot? 🤣

[Windrunner1 in reply to nowster]

Yes but I have had a problem with thistles which seem to be hidden in the grass.

[nowster Graduate]

As a rule of thumb for me:

15°C or over is tee shirt and shorts.

12°C is when I start thinking about long sleeved tops, but still wear shorts.

8°C is where I start thinking about gloves and covering my legs.

5°C is thicker top layers and a more substantial hat, perhaps a buff on the neck.

0°C is a jacket and maybe trousers, depending on dampness and wind chill.

[MrsBump Graduate in reply to nowster]

Thank you - that's really helpful 👍

[Leotigris Graduate]

where I'm having difficulty in the colder weather is not so much what to wear when running but the fact that I have a long walk of roughly 15-20 minutes to the start of my run and then a similar walk back at the end. To avoid getting too cold I then end up having to tie jackets and thicker top layers round my waist once my run gets going!

I suppose what I need is something that I can stuff all this extra clothing in while I run but I can't find anything suitable. Does anyone have any recommendations (not too expensive!)

[OrangeDrizzle]

I cycle (10-25 mins) to get to longer runs sometimes. Even when it's warmer I need an extra layer for the 'wind'.

I got a cheap running vest/backpack from Aldi this summer and my back sometimes gets a bit sweaty and then cold but it's working well enough that I'm planning to treat myself to a bigger and more thoughtfully designed (and expensive!) one now I know what I like and don't, now I need to find somewhere to try them on first.

There are quite a few chats about using packs for water, or racing on the forum. Several got them from Amazon. I found this helpful too. Top tip: put your jumper in a plastic bag so it stays dry, unlike my back.

wildgingerrunning.co.uk/cat...

[Punkmummy Graduate]

I run inside so I don’t think my answer will count, but here goes:

Two jogging bras, one a size too small and the second the correct size.

T-shirt (I usually go do a sleeveless especially if I’m running outside

Cycle shorts with a pocket for my phone.

I get super hot when I run so I try and wear light layers I can easily lose during the run.