The Secret to Warmth and Comfort During Winter Running

Those that love running in the winter-time have probably already discovered the answer to staying warm and comfortable when running in harsher elements and this is….layering.  The best way to wick that sweat off your body and stay dry and warm is to Layer Up.  Depending on what kind of climate you are running in will depend on how many layers you need to wear, but typically you would start with a:

Base Layer - this layer should be lightweight and made of a technical fabric such as Coolmax (not cotton).  This layer should wick that moisture away from your body and deliver it to the outside.

Mid Layer - the mid layer should insulate.  While this layer should continue to move the moisture to the outer layer, it should also trap warm air for insulation.  This layer should be heavier than your base layer, but not too heavy that you may overheat.

Outer Layer - the outer layer should be breathable but waterproof - this could be a vest or jacket.  It will depend on the weather and temperature that you run in as to what you choose for your outer layer.

Last but not least - no winter running attire is complete with a hat and gloves.  The majority of our body’s heat is lost through our extemities, so a simple hat and/or pair of gloves can go a long way in keeping you comfortable on your run.  The nice part about it is that should you overheat during your run, hats and gloves are really simple to remove and either carry or put in a pocket for the remainder of the run.

Essential Running Gear

One of the best reasons for running is the cost and flexibility.  No high-priced monthly gym fees, no structured class schedules that you need to be on time for - just a pair of running shoes and your off - right?  Well, that picture is almost right, and you can go a long way with a good pair of running shoes, but eventually you will find your run alot more comfortable if you include some basic runner’s apparel in your running gear. 

Typically every runner’s wardrobe should consist of:

• Socks
• Shorts or tights
• Shirt
• Jacket
• Sports Bra (for women)

You will also want to consider the weather.  In colder weather, you may want to wear layers to stay warm and long tights instead of shorts or short tights.  Personally, I wear a light sleeveless wind jacket 6 months of the year.  Sometime, I will get out there and realize that it is too warm for the jacket, but it is easy to unzip and then the wind will cool you down.  They are so lightweight but yet offer such great protection to keep your body warm on the inside.

Today’s technical athletic clothing is primarily made of synthetic fibers, and you can find lightweight running shirts, sports bras, shorts and tights made from multiple layers of nylon and polyester based materials that are designed to wick moisture away from the skin, rather than absorbing it into the garment.  The new materials facilitate moisture movement, temperature management, breathability and support.  Remember those old cotton t-shirts that were worn for a run, and some still do, they tend to hold up to seven times its weight in water.  I think that we can all imagine how uncomfortable that would be on your body after you are getting into your run.

Female runners need to choose a sports bra that will minimize the breasts bouncing.  Look for a snug fit in a sports bra.  Today’s sports bras are well designed and often serve as outwear as well, which is great for those particularly hot days, where it is quite acceptable to go running in nothing more than your sports bra and a pair of shorts.  Large breasted women should look for molded cups, whereas smaller breasted women can go with the compression type bras that flatten the breasts.  Also important to consider are the seams and where they are positioned - are they rough or smooth and could they cause irritation during movement in your run.

One last tip:  In cold weather, a hat could prove quite useful.  70% of body heat is lost through your head, and wearing a hat really helps in keeping warm.

So, you really need a little bit more than a pair of running shoes.  But good quality running gear will keep your body comfortable in your runs, it will wash up very nicely and you should get years of use out of it.