If I’ve said it once on this blog, I’ve said it a thousand times, outdoor winter running changed my life. I’ll never forget the time that in my pre-outdoor winter running days, my husband suggested I take my moody self outside for a run. I put on some workout clothes, laced up my sneakers and headed up to Central Park. I returned home more angry and in a worse mood than when I left.
You wanna know why? It was 20 degrees out and I was wearing an old pair of cotton workout pants I had bought from Target 8 years prior. My legs were bright red and they were stinging with pain when I returned home from Central Park.
Naturally, I blamed my husband for sending me out in the cold which ensured a lovely weekend was had by all. When spring finally made it’s appearance my running partner and I made a pack to run all year long outdoors. The most challenging parts were figuring out what to wear and how to not spend too much money on new clothes that hardly anyone would see me wearing.
I thought I’d tell you what I consider to be the “bare bone essential items” for the winter season. These items can be found at all different price points.
6 Essential Items You Need for Winter Running
#1) Two base layer tops:
- A light weight, snug fitting, sweat wicking, long sleeved top that’s long enough to tuck into pants (Also read this article for more tips on finding the perfect top).
- A thermal top that has either a mock turtle neck or a 3/4 zipper that covers part of your neck. It should also have a snug fit, wick sweat, and be long enough to tuck into pants.
#2) A running jacket that helps block the wind. The fit should be roomy enough to wear both shirts together underneath it for those extra cold days.
#3) Thermal running tights: Assuming you own workout pants that you can wear until it gets to be 20 degrees, these are the only bottoms you need to add to your running wardrobe. These should have a zipper at the bottom and not to many seams. Also, watch out for an itchiness factor when trying them on.
#4) A hat: You most likely already have one that’s suitable for running. A $5 hat you buy on the street can work just as well as a $20 one from a running store.
#5) Gloves: Look for ones that have some sort of wind-blocker. If you’re hands don’t get that cold than a $1 pair off the street may work for you.
Bonus item include: SmartWool socks
Do you have any advice for newbie, bigger runners? I used to run in high school and I loved it to pieces. I’m well out of college, and pushing 235 pounds now. I’m not comfortable wearing the tight fitting running clothes, nor do I want to invest a lot of money into something I can’t seem to stick with. I’d like to work on getting back into shape over the fall/winter so I can participate in some 5ks in the spring, but really don’t know where to start. I’d appreciate any advice you can give.
Have you looked at the couch to 5k program? It’s a great for people who are starting out/re-starting with running. Do you enjoy the treadmill? If you don’t want to invest in some winter gear then, that’s your best bet. I personally recommend outdoor running for everyone. Nothing beats being outside, unless you hate cold weather.
If you do decide to look for some outdoor clothes, check websites like sierra trading post for deals on last year’s stuff. Also, Target carries Champion’s C9 line of clothing which is rather affordable. As far as base layers go they’re fitted to keep you warm, however the top layer is loose and should comfortably fit over layers of clothes. For bottoms you could wear any sort of synthetic type of base layer tights (like something you would wear under ski pants) under a standard pair of workout pants.
Thanks so much for the advice- I’m happy to report I did pick up some stuff at Target this week and I just did day 1 of the couch to 5k program- made super easy with an app that prompts you at the interval changes. The clothes I picked out were super cute and comfy and kept me the perfect temperature (and it’s chilly today!). Being warm and having this dummy proof app makes me feel confident I can really do this over the winter!
Somehow I’m just now seeing this comment! I’m so glad you found some stuff at Target! It’s really the best for the price. Keep in touch and let me know how the running is going! Looks like you’re going to be running for a long time!
I swear it’s like you read my mind. I’ve actually been going over your old posts the past couple of days to figure out what I need for winter running this year. Last year I only made it until it got to be about 20 degrees out but this year I have a half in January that I need to be prepared for so I’ve got to man up.
I’ve been scouring websites for a good deal on thermal leggings, is there anything you recommend (or recommend avoiding)? They are kind of pricey but it seems like there are good deals to be had.
Also – do you do anything special for snowy/icy conditions? A friend gave me a pair of Yax Trax but they kind of look like a recipe for disaster.
Okay, so winter gear IS an investment. I’ve been wearing one pair of mine for the past 4 winters and they’re still in good shape. My warmest thermal tights are these: http://www.threeactive.com/Craft_Women_s_PR_Thermal_Tights_p/craft-1900412.htm Which I think I got two years ago. I wear them for 20ish degree days and anything colder and they are super cozy. In fact they can be too warm if it’s in the 30s (without crazy winds). I can’t find my oldest pair, but the brand is hind. I like them because they are super soft, have a decent pocket and no weird seams.
I also have a pair of Champion thermal tights that were sent to me this past summer. Obviously, I haven’t worn them yet, but they feel comfy on. I just don’t think I would wear them for really cold days, but I also don’t really like to be cold. http://www.championusa.com/workout-clothes/women/pants/regular-length/champion-double-dry-reg;-ultimate-womens-running-tights?&d1=CSEC&cm_mmc=ComparisonShopping-_-google.com-_-Women%3EPants%3EView%20All%20Pants-_-CH8238&CAWELAID=1005502455
I have one pair of tights that I strongly dislike, they’re pearl izumi. They itch, the zipper’s chafe and they’re super uncomfortable. You want as few seams as possible, a zipper at the bottom of the leg that’s at least 6 inches, I prefer a drawstring waist for tucking and un-tucking my layers as I warm-up or get cold. You also want to make sure they are long enough to go cover your socks.
For snowy conditions: Although, it’s slow going the thing that works for me is to run through the un-plowed parts, because there’s less likely to be ice. If it’s plowed and powdery white, then I just run nice and slow. If it’s icy I don’t run. The best time to run in the snow is either as it’s falling or just after it’s stopped. The worst part is after it’s been plowed, melted and iced over again. I haven’t tried Yax Trax, but I’ve heard people like them.
Okay, that concludes this lengthy reply. Ask me a question and I’ll write you a book. 😉
You are the best, seriously. This is so helpful – thank yo so much!
Can I chime in with a vote for Under Armour’s cold wear tights? They. Are. Awesome.
Also on yak tracks… I ran in them through most of the winter in Boston last year. They’re great and I advocate them but I must warn you. When I pulled a tendon in my foot really badly in yoga, the doctor said that she 100% thought running in yak tracks had contributed. She said they create an automatically unstable surface and it actually weakened my feet. So be careful with them!
Thank for the tips, Michelle!
Oh this is very helpful to know. Thank you!
I have those under armour tights too. they are awesome!
Thank you for writing this!
Yes, yes! The first time you realize you are not prepared is the worst, I share a similar story.
Your recommendation on the hat is my fave winter accessory. Well, that and my hoodie with thumbholes- I need to navigate my iPod:)
Great tips!
Oh man. I would make this 7 things and add those socks. My winter running life CHANGED 100% when I got warm socks!!
I’ll never forget going into the local running store for a warm running hat and explaining to the dude that this would be my first winter attempting to run through Boston outside all winter. He just gave me this big smile and was like “Welcome to club.”
One thing I need this winter that I didn’t have last winter – running jacket to block the wind. It’s on the must-buy list!!
Good thing we don’t get snow here! 😉 Although, I do go out in mid to high 30’s here in southern CA in the winter. It does get that cold at times & most times it is low 40’s.
I was kind of surprised at what I could use to make do on some colder days in December last year – old polyester long underwear under yoga pants, etc. I’m a two-pair of gloves person, so I wear sweat wicking ones under a pair of cotton gloves. And earwarmers under a hat. (All the women in my family get cold quickly – we consider 50 degrees to be run-with-gloves weather.)
Why tights with a zipper at the bottom? Just curious – none of mine have zippers and I’d like to know why you’d recommend them. (This will only be my second winter as a serious runner.)
Because they are easier to get on and off, and to put on over layers. Also if they are too long you can leave part of the zipper undone instead of bagging up at the ankle. Lastly, the zipper can add ventilation if you start to get over-heated. They are great for body temperature regulation.
Cool! Thanks for the info. I’m not sure if I’ll have the “too long” problem but the other reasons are good to know. 🙂
Hey Jess! What socks do you prefer for super-cold running? I have a couple of pairs of regular SmartWool that I usually wear, but they’re not for running specifically–does that matter in their wicking ability or overall performance? Sometimes I get a minor blister on my arch after wearing them on a longer, maybe b/c they’re much thicker than my normal socks. What do you use??????
Also, do you have different shoes for winter that are less breathable and therefore warmer?
I usually wear smartwool socks. I have a pair of the thinner ski socks that I like, because they add extra leg warmth. However, I think the running specific ones would be better. I bought Rick a few pairs of the running ones last year and he loves them. They come with various amounts of cushioning and I’ll most likely get the ones with the least amount of cushion. I’m pretty sure all smartwool socks are wicking and for athletic performance of some type.
Last year, I ended up buying a pair of shoes that were 1/2 size bigger for winter running but not winter specific ones. I also happened to need new shoes at the time so it worked out.
Loved this post! Exactly what I was looking for. This is my first winter running the outdoors (I’ve always been a gymrat until I decided to save my money instead) so Ive been trying to figure out how to run in freezing temperatures without passing out. I cant wait to go shopping for some affordable winter-running gear. I read this post and the one about running in the snow and combined them to make my shopping list! Love your blog by the way! adding it to my reader list.
PS; Do you really have a rack only for gym clothes?!?! thats awesome.
No down running skirts for keeping butts cold? 🙂
Ha ha! I didn’t even know those existed when I wrote this post.
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