What do you wear to run in the winter?

[GoodbyeRubyTuesday]

I'm building up to starting Couch to 5k. I am just walking at the moment but I should be ready to start running in a few weeks.

I'm not planning to go over the top and buy lots before I've started but I really feel the cold at the moment so I don't want to make myself ill or miserable, and end up giving up just because I haven't got the proper kit.

So I was just wondering, what do you wear to run in the winter?

I think 5k is enough for me, I don't have any strong desire to run races, just enjoy being outdoors and getting fit. I won't spend too much but I do want to be comfortable as I don't see the point in being cold and miserable (don't mind being wet too much, as long as not soaked) just for the sake of waiting until I reach a certain target, especially as I'm less likely to keep up with my running if I don't enjoy it! :)

Plus I don't have enough clothes at the moment for all the exercise I do - I do Pilates and yoga classes as well as running.

Anjelika I can't recommend any specific jackets, although can report back on my Karrimor one when it arrives next month, but the Sports Direct website has quite a few cheap ish ones, there are some Karrimor ones with hoods I think. Personally I decided against a hood as I don't really like them and felt removable sleeves would be more useful.

I have a nice Adidas long sleeved running top with thumb holes and fluorescent yellow cuffs. I'm not running on roads so not fussed about visibility, but it is very comfy and a not too thick.

My absolute must have for cold runs is my karrimor running headband - my ears get really sore (must be the wind whistling past at my lightening pace ) £4 from sports direct.

I agree with others, the karrimor cheapo stuff is great for winter, I have tights, jacket, gloves & just invested in quality trainers, bra & running top (I think the expensive tops wick sweat away better).

I wear cottony bootleg gym trousers, a long sleeve tshirt and a very thin windproof jackety thing of dh ( i wear this in all weather to cover my bum ). I wear a peaked pack (a bit like a baseball cap) all seasons to keep my fringe and ponytail out of my way and to secure me headphones. In winter a wear a black beanie hat over that cap to keep my ears warm. Peak is great for k eeping rain and snow off imvho! Think black gloves too.

A winter headband is on my Xmas list as I get cold ears. Like the previous poster it is my ears, nose, hands and feet that feel the cold. I ran in the snowy weather last year and just layered up a lot but I think I'd like a jacket this year. Running may be free but it can be costly in other ways! I find a new bit of clothing gives me a bit of an incentive to go out. I bought some great winter tights and a top (which performed really well in the rain) from TK Maxx the other week.

Just realised I said I'd update on how the jacket is. I have only worn it without the sleeves so far as I haven't been cold enough for the sleeves yet. It's nice and warm though. I have been lucky with my timing and never been out in heavy rain so I can't comment on how waterproof it is. It doesn't seem to make me sweat any more but it might with the sleeves.

I've been wearing a pair of full length Karrimor running tights, the sleeveless jacket, long sleeved top with thumbholes in sleeves and fingerless gloves. That's been plenty warm enough so far. I also start off with a Buff over my nose and mouth as the sudden transition from warm to very cold air triggers my asthma.