Winter Running

As the weather gets cooler, I tend to get a lot of questions about what to wear when running outside. Here's a few tips about what to wear as the weather cools.

The first thing I would invest in is a good light weight jacket. Look for ones made of moisture wicking material that will get your sweat out but also keep the weather out. One layer is usually fine and if it has a lining it may be too hot when it's just a little chilly outside.

Get a good pair of wind pants too. I find if I can keep the wind out, I'm much happier during my runs.

Apart from these two items just layer. You can wear two t-shirts under your jacket and you have the option to take one off if you're too warm. Again, look for wicking materials.

Once it starts to get colder you can get a hat and some gloves from the dollar store to keep your ears and fingers warm as these tend to be the places that feel the cold first. If the temperature dips below zero you should start to cover up exposed skin to keep it from freezing.

Always dress like it's 10 degrees warmer than it is. You'll only feel cold for the first 3-5 minutes and then you'll start to heat up. Also if it's windy, plan to run into the wind for the first half of your run. This way you'll be warm with the wind at your back on the way home and you won't go out too far not realizing just how cold it is outside.

Running through the winter is the best way to keep your fitness up and to help combat that depressed feeling most people get through the winter. It's nowhere near as bad as you imagine it to be.