Happy Fall, {will run for margaritas} readers! My name is Ashley and I blog at Healthy Happier Bear – a blog about trying to find moderation in the city that never sleeps, NYC, as I balance corporate life with the roles of wife, friend, workout partner, and blogger. I hope you all are enjoying your runs before the days turn to short and cold. When Melody asked for guest posts I knew I had to talk about winter running gear. Each year I receive at least a few tweets, emails, or comments asking me how I survive running during the winter. Well you know what? It’s actually one of my favorite running seasons, behind Fall!
In just a few short weeks, everything will be transformed into a winter wonderland complete with snow and ice.
Believe it or not, this shouldn’t keep you from leaving the treadmill behind and heading to the streets and parks for both short and long runs alike; especially if you’re training for a Winter or Spring half or full marathon.
Running in the cold is something I actually really love as long as I’m dressed appropriately, which for me means ensuring that my body is well covered. After living north of the Mason Dixie line for five years, I’ve quickly learned that I have a few favorite pieces of winter running gear that I wear almost daily from December to March.
Running Tights: Suguoi Subzero Tight Lined in fleece, these tights keep the wind and cold out even when the wind is blowing and the temperatures are barely breaking zero. They also serve as a great base layer while hitting the ski slopes. If you don’t need the water or wind proofing I suggest their midzero tight. I’ve also worn the Nike Element Thermal Tights and love the way they fit along with their length. The last thing I want to do while I’m running is pull up tights and these stay in place for the long haul.
Base Layer: C9 by Champion® Women’s Cold Weather Athletic Top I tried this top for the first time last season and immediately fell in love. I could spend $50 or more on a similar Under Armor top but this one does the job for only $22.99 and comes in some great colors, especially flashbulb fuchsia which I wore this morning.
Tank to keep you core warm: I always wear one of my slim fit tanks under my base layer to keep my core warm while running. Since the fit is so tight I barely feel it or see it under my other layers but it keeps me warmer than a sports bra alone. My favorite is the Athleta Energy Tank.
Top Layer: Sugoi Mid Zero Zip has been a favorite of mine for two years! It’s on sale right now for only $50 which is a great deal when you consider the quality of its construction, the hidden back pocket, and the perfect midZero fabric which has kept me warm on the coldest of NYC running days.
Gloves: Asics Thermopolis Gloves Due to Raynaud’s Syndrome, my hands get extremely cold in even cool weather. Therefore ensuring that my hands are warm and dry is my number one priority when I head out on a winter run. I love these because they are windproof and the fingertips allow you to use your iPhone or ipod easier while running.
Headband: The Lululemon Brisk Run Toque provides more coverage than a headband while allowing space for your ponytail.
winter runs: what do you wear to stay warm?
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Love this post!! Sending it to Evernote. I’m a new runner, living near Rochester NY so I’m right there with you on the winter weather!
Great post & advice Ashley! It usually gets pretty chilly in Spokane during the winter so I really layer up and always wear a hat & gloves. usually tights and a long sleeved shirt with arm sleeves underneath keep me warm enough.
I don’t think I’ll need anything other than capris out here in SoCal. For some, this may be fantastic but I am one of those people who loves running in the cold, the colder the better as long as it’s not windy. These are some great pieces you have recommended, I will remember them when I coming to visit! Hope Germany was great! xoxo