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.