Cold Weather Running Gear

With the return of fall comes the return of cold weather running.  I had my first experience of the season this weekend.  I ran 10 miles in mid 40 degree weather with strong wind gusts.  I wouldn’t exactly label it as delightful.  However, as I mentioned in a recent blog posting, long runs in real weather conditions help prepare me for whatever race day may bring.  It also helps me get a sense of what I want to wear during different conditions.  I give a lot of thought to the temperature and clothes and accessories I need to stay comfortable.  

Adding arm
warmers helps
protect my skin
during chilly
weather.

No matter if I’m going out for a run from my home or driving hours to make a race start, having a variety of clothing options available is most important.  The weather, especially in the morning, can change quickly.  Layers are a great way to help me control my comfort level when running.  One way to layer is with arm warmers.  I’ve repeatedly read that during cooler weather you should dress as if it is 15 degrees warmer than it is outside.  If I know I’m going to feel most comfortable in a short sleeve shirt for the majority of the run, then I throw on arm warmers for my warm up walk and first mile or so.  I can either roll down the arm warmers or remove them and tuck them in my shorts.  Sometimes there’s just enough chill in the air that I keep the arm warmers on to help protect my skin.

If it’s just cool enough that I want long sleeves, the next evaluation point is the thickness of the shirt.  It’s nice to have light weight options that again protect the skin from windy conditions but don’t help build up heat.  If it’s really chilly out, I add a second layer or wear a thicker shirt.  In the last couple of years, I’ve noticed that long sleeve gear is coming with thumb holes pre-cut and sewn.  The benefit of having a loop to hook your thumb through is that it keeps the sleeve protecting part of your hand and your wrist.  Otherwise, as you run, the sleeve starts to ride up your arm and exposes more skin.  This option is good for me if it’s just warm enough that I don’t need gloves but just chilly enough I want protection near my hands.

Some running shirts have a thumb
hole pre-sewn into the shirt so that
you can hold the sleeve in place
while you run.

Gloves are another accessory to evaluate.  There are many different types of gloves!  Some gloves allow you to pull the tops back so half of your fingers are exposed.  Some gloves are very thin and vented to allow air to more freely flow through.  Some gloves have only three slots – one for the thumb and two to take two fingers each.  These are sometimes called lobster claws.  Each type of glove is used for different weather conditions.  During my run this weekend, I opted for a thin pair of gloves to keep my skin protected.

Another accessory to consider in cold weather is a hat.  These can vary from what a typical hat with a bill looks like to more of a beanie that fully covers the head and ears.  I often wear a hat while running in cold weather because I especially dislike my ears being cold!  Running gear companies have catered a few options for women by offering small cut outs in the back of hats and headbands to pull through a ponytail.  When I have to curl my ponytail inside of my hat, the sweat that collects on hair makes my neck cold.  It is nice to be able to pull my hair away from my skin.  A headband is generally meant to cover the ears and/or forehead.

Companies have geared some
products to women by adding small
openings for ponytails.

When it comes to running shorts and pants, there are options to cover every part of the leg.  Shorts have different inseams; crop pants can run just above, on or below the knee and full length pants run from skin tight to flared out at the feet.  I prefer wearing shorts as long as I can and then switching to full length pants.

There are many other cold weather clothes and accessories to consider when running outdoors.  It will take some experimentation at different temperatures and conditions to decide what works best for you.  I can always find a purpose at the right temperature for pieces I decide to purchase.  I want to be the most comfortable and safe as the weather starts to cool down for the season.  For some, the coziest is exercising indoors (and at times, it’s the best place for me!).  Be smart and safe no matter where you decide to exercise.  Be mindful that as the sun sets earlier (and rises later), if exercising outdoors, it’s a good idea to wear reflective gear so that other people and automobiles see you.  

How do you decide what gear to wear if you exercise outdoors?  Do you have a favorite accessory that keeps you cozy?  Feel free to share your experiences!

Miss FitGab