I always find that winter reminds me, more than any other season, what tough people runners really can be. With the “Arctic Blast” (man, I hate that term) that has hit most of the country over the last couple weeks, I think the line between tough and stupid is kind of blurry, so let me just say right now: don’t risk your life running in below zero temperatures. Duh. But, living in Colorado, I can certainly understand that you have to deal with the winter weather if you want to run outside. You have to.
We all have our lines, and mine is about 20 degrees (F). As I get older, that number creeps up a little, and if there’s wind, pretty much all bets are off. But regardless of where your line is, you have to dress for the weather. In light of the arctic blasts that are clearing the grocery store shelves of all bread, milk, and eggs, I think talking about winter running gear is inevitable.
(Aside: Since when did a cold spell with 2-3 inches of snow require we buy out grocery stores? Exactly how long do we think we’re going to be stuck inside without staples? “OMG, stock up on the Wonderbread, honey! We could be in this house for 48 hours!” I mean, I get if there’s a foot or two of snow expected, but a couple of inches? People, come on. That is why I hate this new fun weather term “Arctic Blast.” Hello, it is called cold. Keep your door closed. You’ll be fine.)
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There are a couple things that I cannot live without if I decide to run outside in the winter.
The first, Smartwool socks:
I’ve heard it’s bad circulation, but in about two seconds flat, my toes will go numb outside. And yet, somehow, my feet will be completely sweating in that same amount of time. These socks are all I can wear in the winter because wool is wicking enough for running (and therefore avoiding blisters) but keeps my feet warm enough so that I can still feel them. Smartwool socks (and other apparel) can be found just about anywhere these days, but I get mine at R.E.I., and often during sales they’re 20% off. They are expensive, but they do last a long time (I haven’t had a pair wear out yet), and are worth it for your feet.
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The second thing I cannot live without is glove liners:
The liners pictured above are by
The North Face (
found at R.E.I.). For me, though, it really doesn’t matter what kind of liner it is, as long as I have them. You can give me any mitten, glove, or other freaky hand contraption made, but if I don’t have a liner, my fingers freeze. Another good thing about liners, they’re fairly cheap, and sometimes I find I only need a liner and no glove at all.
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And finally, pants. A lot of people I know wear tights. Here is a little fact about me and tights: I hate them. I don’t look good in them. My booty, no matter my fitness or weight at the time, does not look good in them. In fact, it looks quite scary. There, I said it. (Another aside: and for the life of me, I will never, never understand why they make running tights in colors other than black or dark blue. As perky and well-shaped as a butt might be, it doesn’t need to be covered in red spandex. I’m sorry, it doesn’t.)
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My favorite pants for winter running right now are the
Ultra Run Pant by
Athleta. It can be pretty tough to find pants that are made to keep you warm, and don’t stretch out during a run, and these pants have been perfect. I don’t wear them for every run, but when you’re talking temperatures in the 20’s and below, even
my well-insulated butt has to stay warm.
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So there you have it, my winter running essentials. And of course, I also wear a hat, a couple of layers on top, and occasionally
YakTrax on my shoes.
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As a winter runner, or just as a person who has to go outside when it’s below, say, fifty degrees, do you have any gear you can’t live without? I’d love to hear about it. Because it’s 45 degrees here in Colorado today, but I know that won’t last, and when I’m done crying about it, I’ll need to go out and run.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Love my SmartWool socks, too. Those Ultra Run pants look good.
I’m with you on the 20 degree thing… with special consideration for windchill.
Happy New Year running.
It’s been in the single digits and teens in the mornings here in Nashville since the first of the year, and I’ve been wearing the heck out of my Under Armour leggings with any of my fleece pants on top. My hands get cold, too, so I usually wear a cheap pair of cotton stretch gloves (thanks, Target!) underneath my LiveStrong gloves. I make a conscious effort to keep my hands balled into fists to keep the heat in.
Thanks for the post! Happy running.
I was in the park with Dingo Girl this morning and there were runners wearing masks. No, not Jason type masks, surgical masks. Do you wear a mask when it gets cold?
Surgical masks? I have never seen that… at least not with runners. I guess it might help, but I’d think a full touque/mask would be better. Hmmm, leave it to New Yorkers to be up on the latest running trend.
ha, dingo’s comment made me laugh. seriously, surgical masks?!
those pants look good! i have a great kinda/sorta spandex-y pair of nike’s (from marshalls!) that are fleece lined and really warm. my feet also get cold so im going to need to check out those socks.
all that said, it’s rarely above 20 here lately, especially in the early morning, so im kind of off outdoor running until later in the season.
This post gave me goosebumps. Seriously. I’m a wimp and won’t run sometimes if it’s below 60°. I know, I know… Anyway, I always liked wearing my little fleece head/earband when I trained in cold temps before. My ears will get so cold they ache, so it was nice to have that little warmie over them. I can’t believe you run in 20° weather. Brrrrr!!!
My temperature is closer to 30 degrees but more importantly is I need the sun! I like to run in the morning but won’t go out until the sun comes up. I also love Smart Wool socks for running, hiking, skiing.
good idea on glove liners. i have actually never even heard of them, so thx! i recently bought some arm warmers and love ‘em. Lately though…i think i have needed a face-mask!
It never really gets too cold here (or for long enough that I can’t just take a running break until it warms up) but one thing I do use in the winter is my reflective vest. I never make it home early enough to run before the sun sets. I run on in my neighborhood, which has street lights, but it is nice to know I am extra easy to see!
well, I had to skim but I caught up!! I haven’t even touched my blog, not even sure I know where it is, in forever…Winter stuff…well, thank God for the gym I can say as we got hit so bad thankfully it’s finally warming up a bit. Anyway, I have to have a balaclava or my gaiter…something to cover my face. And I do tights AND pants and sometimes windbreaker pants even over all of that. I’m going to have to check into those liners though. Before this weekend. I am going to be out in cold on Sunday tailgating and cheering a hopeful victory to my boys in purple on Sunday and thankfully my winter running stuff will work nicely for that day!!