I have to confess, I once was a seasonal runner.
Yep, that’s right. I avoided running outside from December through April.
Let me tell you how completely miserable I was back then during those months of the year. I’m the type of person who thrives in spending time outdoors and because I didn’t know how to dress myself for winter running, I simply just didn’t run in the winter.
Silly, right?
One day, several years ago when I was suffering from a bad case of winter blues, my husband pleaded with me to go outside for a run. He knew I really needed to just get out of the house and out of my head. Begrudgingly, I went out into the cold.
And it backfired.
I came back from that run even more miserable than I started because I didn’t have the right running gear. Even though I was angry about the situation, I knew deep down he was right. I needed to get outside and run! I just needed to invest in the right gear so that I could run outdoors and do what I love best.
I’ve been running outside during the winters ever since! I do hit up the treadmill from time to time, but I get outside at least once a week.
Here’s a list of gear that can help keep you running outside all winter long!
- Asics Storm Shelter Jacket: adds a layer of protection from all the elements (rain, snow, wind) and keep is warmer than it looks! Runs true to size.
- Athleta Windy Peak Tight: I have a different version of these pants than the one list here, but these are a lifesaver! The front wind resistant panel keeps my thighs from going numb. Sizing can be a bit tricky with these, so be sure to try them on in the store!
- Lululemon Run Fast Neck Warmer: This is a piece of gear, I never knew I needed. It keeps my face warm on those blistery cold winter days.
- Sweaty Betty High Intensity Run Bra: Okay, so maybe this isn’t an absolute necessity since your regular sports bra functions just fine, but I love the high neck on this bra and feel it adds a little extra warmth. Every layer counts when the wind chill is 9.
- Hybrid Running Gloves: These are the best style of gloves for people who have exceptionally cold hands. The two-layer system keeps your hands dry. I have this brand, but I’m not sure how easy they are to find since I bought them a few seasons ago.
- Thermal Run Top: Bonus points if this layer has a high neck, thumbholes and a 3/4 zip. All of my thermal tops are from several seasons ago. Winter gear might be expensive, but it lasts for a really long time! This one from New Balance looks great!
- Features Merino Wool Socks: A quarter length sock can make all the difference in the winter. These wool socks are simply amazing. I was sent these to try out and they’ve quickly become my go-to winter sock.*
- Lululemon Run With Me Ear Warmer: This is the perfect layer to where under the hood of a weather resistant jacket.
Are you running outside this winter? Tag your winter run photos on instagram with #racepacerunner. We’re all in this together.
This is not a sponsored post. I did receive samples of some of the items mentioned in this post.
I just wrote something similar for WR online. Why does it seem so difficult to dress for the cold? I usually get it right these days but, when I get it wrong I suffer!!! For me, keeping my brutally cold hands warm and dry is key to my winter running happiness.
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Ohh! I have to go check out your post! It’s much easier for me to get dressed right now because I’m not training for anything and its not a deal-breaker to be too warm. Therefore, I almost always aim to be slightly overdressed! It’s definitely more complicated for speed workouts and long runs.
I know AUSTIN isn’t the East Coast but it has been freaking freezing here in the mornings. 20°. Apparently I need me some better socks!!
Carla recently posted…My 4-step process to becoming a LARK.
Better socks really do make a difference! I didn’t think they would, but they do!
I never thought I’d be a winter runner, but I love it! The only problem in my current neighborhood is that people don’t shovel, so it’s not so much running depending on how much snow is on the ground, but more high knees! 😉 I just have to plan ahead a bit more and pack things to run in the city after work in those moments.
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oooh! I need some great glove/mittens like those Craft ones! Winter gear is here to stay for awhile in NH. Great list!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…When good isn’t good enough.
For me, it’s often the WIND not the cold that bothers me so much. I wrote something about this recently. Love your tips. Here are some more from me: https://cuckoolemon.com/2016/12/18/cold_weather_running_clothes/
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Thanks for all of the tips! Being from MN – I can’t afford to be a seasonal runner! And usually I get everything right … but boy did I suffer in the wind yesterday. I will check out the Lulu neck warmer! Thanks!!!
Hi, Let me tell you how completely miserable I was back then during those months of the year. I’m the type of person who thrives in spending time outdoors and because I didn’t know how to dress for winter running, I simply just didn’t run in the winter. This site also offer any type of outwear.
So weird, I literally added Naomi Novik’s new book to my Goodreads earlier this week because I saw a review of Spinning Silver on another blog and wondered what she was up to next…and saw Deadly Education! I couldn’t find a non-EW cover at the time either, but looks like one is available on GR now if you want to switch it out – I don’t know your preferred image size, but that one looks okay to me I hate featuring watermarked covers too even though I understand why they have to do that.