Winter Running- A Complete Cold Running Gears & Accessories Guide
Do you find it challenging to run during winter or in cold weather? You probably need to change your approach and plan in advance for your runs. The most crucial part of a successful winter run is the way you gear up for the weather. On knowing this, we have gathered crucial information to help you understand the most appropriate way of dressing and gearing up before you head out to your cold-weather runs.
Follow this guide to learn what winter running or running in the cold calls for in terms of clothing, gears and accessories.
Is running in the cold dangerous?
No, as long as you dress appropriately for the weather. Inappropriate gearing up for winter runs will expose you to health risks as follows:
First, if you are bundled up with wearables, which is tempting to do in such weather, your body is at a risk of overheating when you start running. We all know that too high body temperatures will compromise the normal metabolic process in your body.
Overheating is not the only problem that comes with cold running. Once you are done with running, you are likely to cool faster and this makes sense considering that there is a big temperature difference between your body and the environment. If you did not carry along dry clothes, the wet clothes might put you at risk of cold-related illnesses such as Hypothermia.
So, what should you wear?
The rule of thumb when you want to be comfortable running during winter is dressing in layers. In general, you will layer your clothes in the following ways:
Base layer- These are the clothing in contact with your skin. The layer should contain soft, light and moisture adsorbent clothes. You can, for example, pick a long sleeve running shirt as your base layer.
Mid-layer-The mid-layer is responsible for keeping your body warm. If it is extremely cold, you should go for a layer with synthetic insulation, but if the temperatures are mild, a fleece will do the job.
Outer layers- The outer layer should act as proof to prevent wind and water from compromising the mid-layer’s warming function. A waterproof and breathable jacket is perfect for an outer layer.
Winter Running Accessories
As mentioned above, you can only enjoy winter running if you gear up the right way. These are the must-have winter running accessories:
Running shoes
No matter the shoes you pick, ensure that they have enough grip to help you gain traction when running on the snow. The outsole of winter running shoes should be designed to provide better grip on wet paths. Also, ensure that the shoes are waterproof and comfortable to run with. If you don’t go for the spiked ones, you can settle with the trail running shoes that come with larger ridges and a little more grip than standard running shoes.
Running socks
Here, you want to invest nice wool running socks. There are two main reasons why you need wool socks. First, they will keep your feet warm even when the paths are icy. They will also keep your feet dry by absorbing the moisture around your feet area.
Tights, leggings and Underwear
Even if you are not a tights fan, you should pull them on for easy winter runs. Good winter running tights should be warm and wind/waterproof. Ensure that the tights offer mild compression to ensure that they do not restrain your muscles during your runs. For the undies, just make sure that they are breathable to provide ventilation during the sweaty running experience.
Warm gloves
When you are running, most of the blood in your body flows around the muscles needed to power your run. Body parts such as the hands can in this regard get chilled easily during winter runs. Invest in warm gloves and/or hand warmers to keep these extreme areas warm.
A Gilet
Unless you live in an area where temperatures go below 0◦C, you should consider investing in a Gilet rather than a full jacket. The good thing with a Gilet is that its sleeveless design is less restrictive during hard runs. Just ensure that the Gilet is windproof and waterproof.
A face mask
Considering that you will be breathing more as you run down the icy paths, you would want a face mask that does not restrict the intense breathing. Make sure that the face mask is soft, moisture-wicking, a little warm and quick drying. A face with a ventilation flap around the mouth and nose area will add to enhanced breathability needed in cold running.
Tips for Running When It’s cold
Invest in some visibility and reflective clothing
If you wish to run at night, you need to remain safe and seen. That’s why it is crucial to invest in some reflective clothing. Note that just the outer layer, say a running jacket and tights needs to be reflective.
Run into the wind on your way out and against the wind on your return
It is easier to get chilled easily during windy days if you run into the wind when you are wet and sweaty. That’s why you need to strategize your runs to match wind direction requirements.
Change your running routes
If you are used to cold running in the same routes, you can easily skin a run when the outside is cold. Spice things up by trying new and different paths from time to time.
Closing thoughts
With the right winter running plan and gear, you can still do your running activity even when the outside is frigid. Before you head out for a run, understand the prevailing weather to ensure that you dress in the most suitable way to withstand the weather. At least for now, don’t forget a breathable and comfortable face mask as a means of preventing the spread of COVID 19 and keeping your face warm. Get out of your bed, gear up and go for a winter run for an energized and a fitter body.