active network espn
Active Home | Directory | Community | eteamz | Results | Support Support | Event Directors & Organizers
Community: Exchange advice in the forums and read running commentary Resources: Personal running log, calculators, links and other tools for runners News: Running news from around the world Training: Articles and advice about fitness, race training and injury prevention Races/Results: Find upcoming races and past results Home: The Cool Running homepage
Cool Running homepage  Search Cool Running Community
Login to Reply
Click to view Kikki76's profile Rookie
Kikki76
1 posts since
Mar 22, 2005

Nov 12, 2007 10:49 AM

Winter Running Gear?

Hello - I'm about to start training for my first half marathon, which will take place mid-March. To date I've never been an avid runner and most of my running this time of year tends to take place on a treadmill. I'd like to begin running outdoors for a training experience that is closer to the real thing. Does anyone have recommendations for the best winter gear to wear while training - I live in NYC, so it's going to get pretty cold by January and I want to be warm, but not weigh myself down with heavy sweatshirts, etc. Thanks for the advice!
Click to view NYLarry's profile Amateur
NYLarry
9 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
1. Nov 12, 2007 10:55 AM in response to: Kikki76
Re: Winter Running Gear?
I live in NY (Westchester), when It gets below freezing, I start with
- heavy running tights
- a patagonia merino wool zip top (wicks like a charm)
- thorlo sox
- super light weight fleece vest
- a lightweight fleece windbreaker
- fleece hat
- polypropelene gloves
The vest and jacket can zip up or down depending on how hot I get.

I have a pair of heavy fleece liner pants that I can add if it gets below 20 degrees. The first mile might be a bit nippy, but I've never had to stay in because of the cold and I've been out there in 10 degree weather... I have had to chip the ice off of my collar when I got home a few times
Login to Reply
Click to view figbash's profile Legend
figbash
620 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Nov 12, 2007 11:55 AM in response to: Kikki76
Re: Winter Running Gear?
I've run year round for the last six years here in Michigan. My clothing of choice is multiple layers of long sleeve running shirts and regular weight tights. I add an ordinary long sleeve cotton race jersey on top if it's extra cold or windy. Since I'm a guy, a pair of Cool Max briefs is also a necessity on runs at below freezing temps.

Never wear anything made of cotton next to your skin on a cold weather run. It will get wet and conduct heat away from your body. That goes for socks and gloves as well. I've used this combination on runs at temps as low as -10F (three layers top and bottom plus the jersey) with great success.

You should dress so you are chilly for the first mile or so. Your worst enemy when running in the cold is sweat so it's better to under dress than over dress.

Tom

------------------
My Profile[/URL" target="_blank">
My Running Log[/URL" target="_blank">
Login to Reply