Gearing Up for Winter Running
If you are registered for Boston or are planning to run another spring marathon, you may have to gear up for winter.
Last year, I trained hard right through the winter season, in preparation for the 2010 Boston Marathon. It was the first year that I trained seriously through the winter. I found out what worked and what didn’t.
The key is to wear insulating polyester or wool fabrics that wick moisture and breathe, in combination with wind proof shells. Here’s what I wear for winter running, from head to toe.
Headgear
I like to have a couple of different types of hats available. I have a thin Nike beanie and a medium weight polyester knit hat made by Wigwam.
If it’s above 32F and not windy, I usually don’t wear a hat. If I’m going on a long winter run that will last more than an hour, I sometimes bring an extra hat with me to change into, if my first one gets soaked with sweat.
Tops
If it’s really cold (<20 F), I wear three layers of clothing. The inner layer is a Patagonia Capilene 2 Zip Neck Top. The middle layer is a Nike Element Half Zip Top. I like to have a zip neck so that I can regulate how warm I am.
My outer layer is a Patagonia Windproof Capilene Jacket that isn’t made anymore. The closest thing that they sell today is Patagonia’s Traverse Jacket. With these three layers, I’m good down to about 0 F.
On warmer days (20 F - 40 F), I wear just the Nike Element Half Zip Top and a thin, windproof jacket.
Gloves
I have three pairs of running gloves, a thin set of Nike running gloves, a pair of Patagonia Lightweight Glove Liners, and a thicker, medium-weight Patagonia Glove Liner that isn’t sold anymore. I also have a thin, wind-proof mitten shell from Road Runner Sports that really increases the warmth of the glove liners. Again, on long winter runs, I will sometimes carry an extra set of gloves, in case the first set gets too wet.
Bottoms
On very cold days (<20 F), I wear an inner layer of Patagonia Capilene 2 Bottoms over a pair of shorts. I wear Nike Thermal Running Pants as an outer layer. On warmer days, I just wear the Thermal Running Pants.
Socks
In the winter, I wear SmartWool socks.
What do you wear on cold winter days? Tell me in the comments.
Related Posts:
Running a Spring Marathon? Keep Your Sweats On!
Men - Running in Cold Weather? You Might Need an Extra Layer of Protection!
Running Safely on Snow and Ice
Snowed In? Don’t Stop Running!
Running in Winter? Watch Where You Put Your Feet!
