The right clothing makes all the difference. Last year I ran through winter here in OK. Maybe not as cold as some areas of the country, but it did get cold for me. I ran in sub 20 degrees with a 20-25 mph wind several times and that makes it feel pretty cold.

I'd suggest layering a couple of long sleeve tech shirts (maybe even 3) and when it get really cold add a light jacket. Ear protection is a must...either a head band that protects the ears or a stocking hat. When it really gets cold and windy I wear stocking cap/face mask type hat. Against the wind I'll keep the face mask down, and with the wind if I get too hot, I'll pull the face mask part up. Gloves are needed too...sometimes these have to come off and I put 'em in my pants. Tights or long running pants. When it gets really cold tights under the long running pants. Be sure to have the wicking type material next to your skin to keep the sweat off of you...that'll make a big difference in comfort also.

The cold weather NEVER had an affect on my comfort level last winter. I was amazed that I could go out and run for a couple hours and not get cold.

It is kind of a trial and error type thing. My final suggestion is...don't let the weather keep you inside.

Hope this helps.

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Around here (Michigan) I'm good in shorts and a wicking type running shirt down to about 40F. Below that I start adding layers of tights and long sleeve running shirts with a long sleeve cotton jersey on top to break the wind. I've worn as many as three layers top and bottom (plus the jersey) on runs at -10F. Guys also need to wear a pair of Cool Max briefs on runs below 30F to keep the plumbing from freezing (literally). Don't wear anything made of cotton next to your skin and dress as thought the temp is actually 20 degrees warmer. I'm not sure what you mean by "thermals" but it doesn't sound like something I'd like to wear while running, especially if they are made of cotton.

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Cold is different for each person. I'm in year 4 of my running and this is the first winter running I'm actually trying to do. I've run in sub 30 so far wearing tights and a light long sleeve shirt and gloves and half way into my 6 miles, I rolled the slleves up and took the gloves off. However, I am not planning on running in anything below 20 as I "HATE" the cold, but feel that if I really wanted to, I could dress warm enough. However I'll stay indoors with my stationary bike and threadmill when the waether gets cold.

As for where? I got some decent tights from Dicks without spending a lot of money, but they also have the brands that cost 100$ a pair. I also saw some on the site below that were reasonable, but the product varies everyday. The other link is an article on winter gear. Good luck and for those of you that run in the extreme cold, I'll be thinking of you as I drive by in my warm car!

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/[/URL" target="_blank">
http://running.about.com/od/running101/a/coldrun101_2.htm[/URL" target="_blank">

it's 30F so far and will get much colder into December. i usually just wear long pants, 2 long sleeve tech shirts, and a long sleeve cotton jersey, gloves, and a skullcap. i'd like to get maybe some tights and a windbreaker or jacket but money is tight at the moment.

My recent nemisis has been the wind! I'm 6'4" and don't exactly make a small cross section! In fact, I had another runner on the trail running in my shadow to stay out the wind. I was not 'cold' but how do you keep your forward momentum? Do you cut your miles at all because of the extra effort, or just go slower?

And, just so you know, as obvious as it sounds, if your butt gets cold while wearing your tights, just put a pair of regular running shorts over them. I can't believe it took me 4 runs to figure out that "DUH" statement! Maybe the cold got to my brain and froze it in dumb-land (The "cold"below 60F and I aren't friends.)

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Anarius:
My recent nemisis has been the wind! I'm 6'4" and don't exactly make a small cross section! In fact, I had another runner on the trail running in my shadow to stay out the wind. I was not 'cold' but how do you keep your forward momentum? Do you cut your miles at all because of the extra effort, or just go slower?<HR>

Anarius, here in OK it can get pretty windy. I seldom let the wind/weather dictate my running schedule however. You just have to lean into it and gut it out. Yes it definately slows you down while the effort increases, but when you're done it serves as a great mental toughness exercise.


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