Become a Winter Running Pro + Favorite Winter Gear
It’s no secret that winter running isn’t for the faint of heart. Here’s the thing though – most of us are way tougher than we give ourselves credit and with the right gear and know-how a lot more runners could enjoy cold weather running. The treadmill is a great tool and there’s definitely a time and place for it but I’d like to give you some tips on how to enjoy winter running more and share my favorite gear with you that really makes the difference. Additionally- I will also help when it’s wisest to choose the treadmill. .
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1- Outfit yourself properly. It makes all the difference. Things like gloves, head warmth and socks are often overlooked and they are dealbreakers. A good pair of fleece lined tights and a breathable, warm top seal the deal. I’ll have all my favorite winter gear and runner-ups on my website later this week.
2-Warmup well! This is super important for a few reasons. The colder it is the longer our muscles take to warmup. Prevent injury and start your run extra slow or do a warmup in your living room before you head out the door. Also, you will welcome the cold just a little more as your body temperature increases. A good warmup helpful on many levels.
3- Shoes matter big time! If rain, snow or ice are a factor, you are going to want to choose a shoe with a better grip then your average running shoe- even for the roads. An all terrain shoe is a great choice. I’ll also have my recommendations on the website this week.
4- Be flexible with paces. Don’t expect your paces to stay the same. Consider running for time rather than distance. Be flexible and patient.
5- Skip outside when 1 or more of these 3 factors- super slick ice (High injury risk), tempo or speedwork when you need to hit your paces and the terrain will make it tough or when it’s bellow 20 degrees (per medical advice), however I usually stop a bit before that but single digits truly are just fine if you are dressed properly.
6- Meet a friend! It’s super hard to get out the door when it’s cold or even more so when it’s cold and dark. Chances are, if you have plans to meet a friend, you won’t flake out. It’s the best insurance to guarantee you will get that run in. Plan ahead and get a friend to join you!
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Last, I’ve survived running through 7 Midwest icy winters, grew up running in the Sierra Nevada mountains and have lived in Utah off and on since I was 18 so I can truly say all of these factors make a big difference. More questions? Ask away!
Favorite Products
** I am getting no financial kickback from any of these products. I say that so you know I am truly just sharing my favorites and what I find works great for winter running. Note to self- you can usually find cheaper versions of most of these products at outlets, on sale or something similar from a different brand. The items I have listed bellow are tried and true and oftentimes you get what you pay for. However, they are also meant to get you on the right track. Don’t get discouraged if these items are out of your price range. Now that you know what to look for- you can slowly build up your winter running collection over time (that’s what I’ve done). To start, choose an item or two to shop for a go from there.
Headgear
EARBAND OR BEANIE FAVORITES
You don’t need both on the same run. Choose one or the other. I definitely have both in my winter running collection. My head gets hot so unless is super cold (bellow zero), I tend to stick to an earband. Choose a beanie that goes a little lower so that it covers your ears. I have a small head and still run into this problem- if it’s not going to cover my ears what’s the point. For my coldest of runs I have an old fleece lined beanie that keeps me nice and toasty. Not mentioned bellow is Prana- they have great winter sales and cute beanies. I always keep my eyes open for post winter sales online and try to pick up new cute pieces here and there.
Oiselle Lux Running Headband $20
Super comfortable and will never bother you unless it’s way too hot. If you typically get hot easy, this is a great choice for you as it’s light and breathable.
Brooks Notch Thermal Beanie $24
Thin but super warm and goes lower than your average beanie.
Lululemon Cross Chill Run Beanie $24
Fashion meets function. I love the ponytail opening in the back- a must have for your winter running collection. It’s actually pretty affordable which doesn’t go with Lulu typically.
Warm & Cozy
GAITER/NECK WARMER FAVORITES
Buffs are one of my favorite ways to stay warm and they are multipurpose- great for head, ears or neck. I typically start with mine around my neck and when I warm up mid run I wrap it around my wrist and use it for my snot. I, as with many others get a drippy nose on cold runs and it’ great to have a place to wipe my nose. Oftentimes I run with one buff on my head or neck and another wrapped around my wrist (if it’s super cold and I know I won’t take my buff off at some point. I love the actual BUFF brand.
Buff DryFLX $25
Thick and great for extra cold temps
Lux Gaiter $26
Soft and dreamy, much like the headband.
Body
It’s all about the layers. High quality layers that wick moisture and keep you warm and dry. I typically start with a base layer and then add a jacket if needed. A single good base layer will keep you warm though some pretty chilly temps (I would say down to around 30-40 depending on personal preference). One thing to remember- would rather be cold for 5-10 minutes or super hot for an hour or two? Think about that as you layer up before you head out the door and maybe leave your outer layer at home.
BASELAYER FAVORITES
Favorite long sleeve running top- hands down. Seamless with thumbholes - it’s perfection. Also, pro tip- It goes on sale via running warehouse a few times a year- keep a look out for it there but it’s worth every penny and I love supporting Oiselle.
I don’t think I have ever mentioned my love for UA ColdGear. It’s a fantastic collection. It has gotten me through a freezing Worlds Toughest Mudder in New Jersey and many cold midwest winter runs with wind chills far colder than I want to think about- burrrr! It’s great and fits very tight so it works well with layering.
JACKETS
Oiselle Flyte Jacket and UA ColdGear Tights Pictured
This is my favorite running jacket hands down. I have last years model (2018) which is slightly different and without the Time’s up logo but other than that I think it’s the same. This would be a great Christmas or birthday present and is worth the price. If it’s out of your budget- a more affordable option like this one via no name brand on amazon runs you about $40.
Salomon Waterproof Lightning Race Jacket $105
Waterproof, lightweight, functional. Every runner needs a good waterproof jacket. It’s essential. Layer this with a warm base layer and you will be surprised at how dry you can stay. This is only needed for super wet or snowy runs. I have a mountain hardware jacket that’s for the most part, exactly like this. It’s no longer made and this is the closest to my favorite Waterproof jacket that I have found.
Tracksmith Franklin Fleece $138
This definiliey is a pricey fleece but worth every penny. Tracksmith is very high quality and you can wear it running but also with a cute pair of skinny jeans to dinner. You can also find a great affordable fleece like this one for $33 bucks on amazon. If you have a nice base layer, you can probably get away with a cheaper outer layer. Fleece is a great winter running addition but it’s got to be worn on a dry run unless you pair it with a waterproof outer layer.. You definitely don’t want to wear this one alone in a storm.
Legs
A great pair of running tights goes a long way! Here are a few of my favorites.
Compression yet 4-way stretch, breathable and warm. The newest version even have a wide pocket for your phone. I have 3 pairs of these that I have collected over the years. Can’t go wrong. I really like these for longer runs, lots of support with the added compression.
NorthFace Winter Warm High Rise Tights $85
Tied for my favorite cold weather running tights. They really do keep your legs warm and aren’t too thick.
The website says “they feel like a thick warm glove for your legs” and that’s totally the truth. These are a dreamy warm pair of winter running tights. If you like them thick and it’s extra chilly, these are a big winner.
Hands
BASE
Super comfortable and fashionable. Not for the coldest of runs but are my go-to gloves as my hands get hot. They also have a touch screen finger and go all the over your wrists. Runner up- are the pair I purchased from Target $10 for the C9 brand. Affordable and functional and on sale on amazon.
WARMTH
These are freaking amazing. I have an older version but I have had them for a good 5 years and they keep my hands so dang warm. Trick of being a triathlete- sometimes cycling gear is the best for chilly temps because on the bike you deal with wind too. Try these out, you won’t be disappointed.
MITTENS
Super Puff Insualted Mittens $42
I don’t own these (yet) but they are on my Christmas list and I have heard incredible things from my cold weather running friends. Can’t wait to get these beauties.
Feet
SOCKS
SmartWool Crew $20
I love SmartWool for winter running. Be sure to get at least crew height to protect from snow and ice coming in. You can find SmartWool running socks all over. I find great deals on running warehouse regularly.
SHOES
It’s extremely important that you pick a winter running shoe with plenty of traction- whether you are on the roads or trails. You want to feel stable and secure and like you aren’t about to slip and fall the entire time. Every shoe I am recommending bellow I currently have in my shoe rotation. My recommendations are more meant for the trails but if there is snow or sleet on the ground they work great for roads as well. The Solomon Sense Ride handle dry road as well as trails. If the road is dry and you are going for a traditional pair of running shoes, make sure the tread is good and they aren’t an old worn out pair (don’t do it or you will end up sprawled out on your rear end).
On Cloudventure $150
They are a tad higher and offer a little extra ankle support for winter trail running. They help you feel stable yet they are responsive and comfortable. Favorite current trail shoe.
S Lab $180.
Super pricey but worth it if you want to go fast on the trails. I feel very in control when I wear these on more technical winter trails. I trust my legs and know that the traction on these bad boys will hold up. More on the stiff side. They are low profile so I wouldn’t recommend if you need extra ankle stability.
Solomon Sense Ride $120
Very comfortable and work great on both trail and winter slick/icy/wet road running.
LaSportiva Bushido $130
Responsive, comfortable and plenty of stability.
Footgear
Yak Trax Pro, Solom S Lab, SmartWool socks, UA Coldgear, Oiselle Flyte Jacket, Prana Beanie Pictured.
Last recommendation here, bare with me. I am obsessed with Yak Trax. I believe that with a good shoe and a pair of Yak Trax you can handle just about any trail. They are even affordable.
Yak Trax Run $40
Ze BEST . . . trust me. These are easier to put on then the pro and are specifically meant for running
Yak Trax Pro $30
$10 cheaper, I run in these too, love them both. These are more meant for hiking.
SPIKES
I haven’t tried winter spikes yet but I have heard really great things.. They can easily screw into most trail running shoes and are supposed to offer maximum stability and support. I will be trying them this winter. Bonus- affordable too!