Winter running gear

Peter Noyes

I am from Southern California and I just learned that I will be in Bulgaria and Germany in 2 weeks. What do I need so that I can run outside and not freeze?

Coach Rich

Posted By Peter Noyes on 04 Feb 2015 04:50 PM

I am from Southern California and I just learned that I will be in Bulgaria and Germany in 2 weeks. What do I need so that I can run outside and not freeze?

Bring this home to the family for dinner every night between now and the trip. 132lb ain't gonna get it. 

MattAaronson

What is the temp expected to be? This topic is subject to extreme personal preference, and in general I believe most people massively overdress. For me:

- 40-50: shorts, t-shirt, light gloves

- 30-40: shorts, long-sleeve base layer, gloves with a windstopper "mitten" (http://www.saucony.com/en/ulti-mitt/12011U.html?dwvar_12011U_color=SA90476-VPE#cgid=mens-apparel-accessories&start=1)

- 20-30, or 30-40 and windy: tights, long-sleeve base layer, long-sleeve technical garment over the base layer (but not a jacket and not a specialty winter garment...I use a "freebie" from a race), gloves with a windstopper "mitten", hat (http://www.saucony.com/en/drylete-skull-cap/11772U.html?dwvar_11772U_color=90224-VP#cgid=mens-apparel-accessories&start=1)

- teens: all of the above, plus a balaclava

Below the mid-teens I don't think it's worth it and will hit the treadmill instead.

Peter Noyes

@Rich Hehe. I have actually been craving in n out recently! Maybe I will go tomorrow!

@Matt Thanks! I think it will be 20s - 30s. I think all I need is a base layer and better gloves! What base layer do you recommend? Also, what about a hat?

MattAaronson

For a hat, I use anything that covers my ears. I have a few Saucony ones that are running-specific and they work well...http://www.saucony.com/en/drylete-skull-cap/11772U.html?dwvar_11772U_color=90224-VP#cgid=mens-apparel-accessories&start=1). If you want to be identified as a triathlete and not a runner you could try this one: http://zootsports.com/mens/accessories/m-thermo-beanie-f14

As for base layers, I'm not too particular. I have a Nike one that is a bit too heavy so I only use it when it's really Cold. I have one from Performance Bike that I use when it is pretty warm since it is pretty light. And I have a bunch of cheap-ass ones I got on clearance a few years ago, some no-name brand, I think it is "therma guard" or something like that. In other words, I'm not too particular. Oh, and needless to say that in the past year I've accumulated a number of Zoot items...in fact I wore this one in a low 30's run tonight actually: http://zootsports.com/mens/apparel/m-ultra-megaheat-ls-tee-f14

Zoot also makes the gloves I mentioned, although I have so many Saucony pairs that I've never bought the Zoot ones even with my discount! http://zootsports.com/mens/accessories/m-ultra-flexwind-glove-f14

crhurd

I live in Syracuse, NY and went to college in Annapolis, MD. I truly hate treadmills so here is how I roll.

Always have gloves. Always a hat. I even wear gloves when it's 50. I run a lot when it's in the teens. I wear Under Armor Cold Gear top and bottom and then another layer on both. I prefer some sort of quarter-zip light running jacket top. If it's 30 I can unzip and fold the hat up to expose my ears. At 14, I'm zipped up. On the bottom I have light weight running pants by Sport Hill, they have pockets and are somewhat loose (not wind proof). Probably sold for cross country skiing. I also have an all weather zip up vest with LED lights. I wear this when it's 60 or 20. It helps cut wind from chilling down your core. It's also bright orange, so helps keep you alive too.

If you're expecting temps below the teens, thats where I start wearing a Baclava to cover my nose, mouth and cheeks. 

Hope this helps. I believe Coach P had the quote "no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices".

Al Truscott

In addition to "no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing" when bike commuting, I also learned when running or cycling hard in the cold and/or rain, "you can either be cold and wet, or warm and wet". meaning, even at lower temps you'll sweat. You can approach that like Matt, and dress so it evaporates into the air, or carry it with you in several layers of clothing. I prefer the latter. I suggest you start "overdressed", and learn how little you can get by with, rather than the other way around.

One other aphorism for cold/wet conditions: "cotton is for cadavers". Meaning, its what they dress corpses in; and it;ll kill you if you wear it in bad weather. Go with polypro (old skool guys say wool is better)

When I started running, I was told a simple rule of thumb was dress as if the temp is 20F higher, and you ought to be OK.

davidpettigrew

In general for running I dress as if it were 20degs warmer than it actually is versus how how I would of just walking about. I.e if it is 30 outside I dress for 50.

Peter Noyes

Thanks everyone!

@Matt I hope you have stock in Zoot cause I just put in a big order!

Robert Sabo

Funny how my running attire for the cold is one stop down from Matt's, meaning I would wear the next warmer cloths for the temps. But that is for training. If I was racing then I would be right on with Matt's recommendations.

Peter Noyes

I ordered some tights as well just to be on the safe side. I am a big baby.

MattAaronson

Haha Robert, if you're racing you're on my TRAINING recommendations. You didn't ask me about RACING recommendations. Down to the low-30's racing I'm looking at a singlet, 2" splits, gloves and a hat. Down in the low-30's I'll add arm warmers. Mid-to-low 20's is a light base layer with singlet on top. No tights until <20 for races. But that said, I don't do a ton of races that cold. The Turkey Trot this year was damn cold and I had the base layer on. The really fast dudes were singlet+arm warmers.

Joe Matchette

Keeping in mind Al's "20 degree Rule", I also find this to be helpful if I don't really want to think about it:

http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear