Tips + Gear for winter running

I love winter running for the sole reason that I hate heat and humidity. I don’t, however, love all of the layering and gear that I have to put on. Therefore, I figured I’d make a post about some things I’ve learned that have helped me love winter running.

Tips

• During a storm, run from home if the roads are shitty.
• Give yourself a LOT of space for cars, have a spot to ditch to in case they slip, and ALWAYS run on the left side of the road!
• Know your temperature limits!
• Do NOT expect to beat a personal record during a snowstorm. Take your time, find your footing; snow running is more mentally exhausting.
• Snow/ice running uses different muscles than a normal run. Expect to stretch after and be sore in different place.
• If the roads are safe and you AREN’T running from home, bring a warm change of clothing for after. Sweat makes you significantly colder, and recovery is better if you change following a longer, sweaty run.

Gear (starting from head and working down)

• This is a helpful chart, but I tend to run a bit warmer than most runners.

• I like this beanie, but I usually stick with a headband like this one from JUNK or this one from my local girl Cris at RaveBandz.

• Sunglasses: I tend to wear too many cranial accessories to bother, but if I do; I wear my trusty Goodrs.
• Thanks to Covid, I have been starting to understand and appreciate the neck gaiter. I cut holes so that mine can hang on my ears.
• Tops: I like my winter tops fitted, and there are some great ones with finger holes. Lululemon makes a good one if you’re feeling a little bougie and want a little TREAT YO SELF. I’ve bought fleece-lined ones from Under Armour and EMS that I’ve liked and worn for several seasons.
• Puffy vest: I have a lighter and a heavier one from Columbia outlets. Get ones with zippered pockets to hold the gloves, which you’ll inevitably sweat through in the first 30 minutes.
• Gloves: I have a variety from lighter coverage to thicker ones.
• Hand warmers: optional, but a nice touch.
• Bottoms: Lightly fleece-lined leggings.
• Socks: I am a loyal Balega sock wearer all year round, but I buy longer ones for the winter. Look for ‘blister resist’ if you don’t hate yourself.
• Shoes: I have two pairs of YakTrax that go over my regular runners. They have a bunch of different types, ranging from coils to full trail spikes. Coils are best if you’re going to encounter pavement at some point, the nubs are good for combo conditions, and spikes are probably best for trails or hiking.

Hope you fall in love with winter running the way I have! ❄️

-TSR