What outdoor running clothes do I need?

[Itscurtainsforyou]

Went out to have a walk/run today and was freezing. I know you warm up on the go, but I also know it's going to get colder.

Is there anything I need to get for exercising in the cold? I thought of a fleece but then thought I might get too hot!

It's trial and error, I find. Lycra can be good b/c it's breathable and insulates when wet. I like to keep my knees warm, so half length running tights work for me in cool but not cold weather. I like to have lots of layers to add/take off, bottom item something with pockets I can put stuff in. For some reason, if I keep my ears warm I can handle cold rain.

I go from three quarter length tights to long tights, just a vest in summer to a vest and a long sleeved top over it. I also wear an ear warmer as I suffer terribly with even the hint of a breeze in my ears. That's usually enough once I get going. I don't tend to run if it's been frosty though, it gets too slippy on my normal route, and I go on the treadmill. I'm not a terribly committed runner though, I'll happily replace it with other exercise.

I'd go for layers .... definitely not fleece or down-filled jackets.

I read a couple of tips recently ..... dress for a mile or two in was one. So basically, you will warm up quite quickly .... so dress for the warm you, not the cold you. And, keep extremities warm ..... fingers and ears. Although when researching Raynaud's / poor circulation .... there's a theory that as long as your wrists are warm, doesn't matter so much about wearing gloves. So, maybe a top with the long-length sleeves with holes for your thumbs!

Long running tights, long sleeved base layer (skins when really cold), headband that covers my ears, thin gloves. I trained for a spring marathon over one of the coldest winters in recent years, once you get going it's fine! I don't bother trying to stay dry.

Gloves, and ones with the coating on the fingers so you can still operate a phone with them on

Headband with earwarmer bits

I've got a jacket that converts into a gillet by unzipping the sleeves. I can then tie the sleeves around my waist
I wear a thin but long sleeve top underneath so can roll the sleeves up if I get too warm

That's great thanks. I was wondering about gloves too. What kind of head band do you all go for?

More for the rain than the cold but I find a baseball cap an absolute must. Headbands also as recommended above.

If you can wait a little while, keep an eye on the Aldi or Lidl weekly specials; they always have a running one each season. You can get the accessories like a headband there for very little money and perfectly fine quality.

I prefer mittens over gloves myself and have a fab lightweight pair from Asics - mittens keep the heat of the fingers together whereas gloves isolate and freeze my fingers one by one. The Asics running mittens let you fold back the finder part once you warm up. Thy also have a handy zone specially for wiping your nose - gross but convenient for that cold-weather nasal stream

Don't forget visibility too - anything with reflective strips is a good idea for the dark winter.

I have running headbands like this

They stay on your ears better that ones which are all one width, and usually have fleecy ear bits and non-fleecy head bits so they stay put

If it's (much) colder weather when I need to strip after warming up, I keep the first mile local then loop past the house and chuck my fleece over the wall past my car out of sight

Light layers. Race t-shirts are good for that (mens/ "unisex" small is not equal to women's small!). Longer leggings/ t-shirts.

I second Aldi/ Lidl. I've got some lovely thick Aldi leggings with a sort of fleece lining.