What do I need to run in winter

[ditavonteesed]

I have agree with a friend to do a half marathon at the end of March, since neither of us are particular runners right now (can both mange 5k in 30mins) we are going to have to start training immediately. So what do we need so we don't die of hypothermia and what is just a waste of money?

Unless it's raining I just wear a windproof and a long sleeve top with thumb holes 90% of the time. Today is extra chilly so I'll add a t shirt on top.

I don't bother with hats (not comfortable to wear with headphones or glasses) or gloves (I'd need to take them off after ten minutes).

I always wear a buff - really helps keep you warm to cut out drafts down your top & doubles as a snot rag (sorry!)

In the dark I add something reflective - usually leggings (Decathlon has a good selection of reflective stuff) and/or a head torch.

A hat or a headband to keep your ears warm! I find running in a chilly wind agony if I don’t cover my ears!
I go by the rule of dressing for 10 degrees warmer than the outside temp and taking a light rain jacket to protect against windchill. Thermal leggings are also nice on frosty mornings.
make sure your running clothes are sweat wicking rather than cotton as damp clothes will make you feel cold quickly

Personally I wear long running tights and a long sleeve running top. If it's very cold, I'll wear a short sleeved top underneath for an extra layer. And gloves and a hat or headband for the ears, although I often take them off mid run.

A club mate of mine tells new runners "dress for the second mile". Yes you'll be cold to begin with, but you'll soon get warm. I've never owned a running jacket in 20 years of running 5 times a week.

I rate decathlon stuff in particular the head torch, running gloves which have a mittern as well which are excellent.

Would also recommend a high vis vest to wear over a jacket.

I wear leggings, tshirt, fleece jacket.
headband (with ear phones) when below 5 degrees.
I don't runon ice, go to the gym when that's the case.

A treadmill....! I do love to run outside but the cold sets my asthma off so I gave up. When I do venture out I wear a thin running jacket over a sports bra and long running tights. Thin pair of gloves and a light if it's dusk

A lot depends on where you live. If you run in non-streelit areas, a headtorch is essential

High vis clothing is essential everywhere. I also use thin gloves and a buff around my head.

You’ll need a decent running waterproof if you’re planning to train in the rain. I get reflective ones so fine for night too.

i get too hot in a hat but I do need to wear gloves. They’re very thin running ones though.

Other than that, I wear long leggings and a thicker long sleeved top with a zip up neck. If it’s really cold I’ll wear a thin long sleeved top under or a tank.

I do find I need more/warmer layers for a long run compared to a 5 or 10k. I run a bit slower and can be out for quite a long time.

I dress for the second mile, and I tend to be a hot person generally, but a light jacket is essential up here in the cold northern badlands! 😂

I only wear it when it's properly below zero though.

Thin long sleeved top (the sweaty betty commuter is good) and full length running tights. Thin gloves. A Buff. Normally I'd take two buffs out, one round my neck, and one round my wrist that I can use to double up, make into a hat, snood etc if needed. They weigh practically nothing and are very useful.

If its very cold I'd add a hat and a thin fleece.

If you are going out in the rain you'll need a proper waterproof jacket with taped seams. (For 'water resistant' or 'showerproof' read as 'completely hopeless')

Also a headtorch (Petzl ones are great, cheap ones can be really crap, its worth spending money on a proper one. Even if you are only running on pavements, not road, it is still well worth wearing a reflective vest, When you are crossing minor roads the cars will struggle to see you without one.

Buy secondhand and wear shit clothes - this, as things get muddy, wet and stinky and, as it's dark, no one can see you!! It'll also save you ££. The only thing worth spending out on are your running shoes.

I wear a thin hat, as much for the rain as the cold. I also wear thin gloves, and as other people have said, a high vis, reflective jacket.

My top tip: if you plan on running in the mornings, get your gear ready the night before and put it by your bed. Get dressed while still warm/half asleep - you'll be out the door and halfway down the street before your brain registers it and tries to put you off. Best of luck with it, and the race in March.

Determination!

And layers. I wear long leggings, leg warmers to keep my calves warm, T shirt (long sleeves if really cold), running jacket, buff around my ears, gloves. I find if I warm up the gloves come off quickly and the buff gets shoved up to be more of a sweatband, I can always u zip the jacket and at worst tie it round my waist if it needs to cons off. But having the comfort of warm hands and warm ears gets me out the door. Baseball cap if it’s raining to keep the rain out of my eyes. Flashing armbands for visibility.

Good luck and remember running in the cold and wet makes you bad ass x 10!

All of the above but if it's raining a cap keeps the worst of it out of your eyes

I was just heading out to running club when I saw this thread, so took a couple of pics.
From the top:
Buff as a beanie
Head torch, with flashy blue clip light on the back.
Buff round neck.
High viz top (not v reflective) with thumb holes.
High viz bib with reflective bits
Tights with reflective dots
Thin gloves

Only wear a jacket if it's tipping it down.
Will often double up on top if colder.

It's about 5C here.
Hmmm it's not letting me add photos....

Ta da

Light layers all over, although I like thermal leggings as my legs cramp if they're cold.

Aldi/ Lidl tend to do running accessories around new year so good for cheap and cheerful hats/ gloves/ snoods and hi-viz items. Decathlon is great for value too.
I try to make sure I have combinations of bright and reflective in winter because light can be poor quality, either dull or glaring.

On the top half most weather can be covered with combinations of long-sleeved t-shirt/ thermal long sleeve top/ light water-wind proof.

I was running HM distance in 2+ hours today, had a phase of running in my t-shirt after warming up, but my skin cooled off and I had to put my thermal top back on after an hour.

A cap keeps rain out of your face.
You need a belt/ vest for phone/ small drink/ snacks for longer runs.

A useful strategy for long runs is to have a base where you've got supplies e.g. park the car at a central point and run loops/ legs from there and can check-in, swap layers and food/ drink without having to carry everything all the way. Handy if the weather's changable or you're not sure what layers you need.

I get VERY cold
In this weather (we’ve highs of 0 degrees for the foreseeable)
thick leggings.
Thermal top - the Nike ones are good
Or long sleeve with a windbreaker.
If you can afford them, waterproof trainers - the sauncony run shield are good
Yes to a buff I have millions!
Hi Viz
headtorch really helps
I wear gloves.
Huge array of hot drinks for when you get in

yup I make myself a in an insulated mug before I go out.
it's the perfect temp when I come back.

need to get gloves - last weekend's run has left me with frost'burn' on my knuckles.

Another fan of those Aldi leggings here!

Love them. Best reflective leggings I own. Shame they only did them the one time.

I get more compliments on my spotty leggings than any other leggings I have. I got 2 pairs at the time. I don't see how Sweaty Betty can justify their prices; my Aldi ones were about 1/4 of the price, have all the same features that I like. I guess if people buy the SB ones then good on SB!

You lot are all hardcore! I get very cold when running, (Raynauds) so do sports bra, vest, thermal long sleeve top and long sleeved running jacket too, oh and gloves.

Racing tomorrow, and I will be wearing:

Trail shoes
Long tights
Long-sleeve base layer
Club T-shirt on top
2 pairs of gloves (Reynauds). Will probably whip them off at some point
A Santa hat. This is not essential equipment however 😁

Will possibly start with a buff around my neck, but might not bother

I have a gilet for when it’s very very very cold but probably won’t bother with it tomorrow as I don’t want to faff around taking it off halfway through.

Yesterday at XC race, 0 degrees but sunny: Club vest, short sleeve T-shirt underneath, arm sleeves in case I need to roll them down, 7/8 leggings and running gloves.

Today's recovery run 5km, 2 degrees: T shirt, leggings, arm sleeves and gloves. Going slowly but didn't feel too cold after the first kilometre.

I usually factor in the distance and intensity I will be running on the day, but I prefer to have removable sleeves and a T-shirt rather than a long sleeved top if going for longer distances when I will warm up towards the end of the run.