Re: Question about cold weather gear
Everyone responds differently to cold so you're going to need to do some experimenting to figure out what works for you. But in general avoiding overheating is at least as important as staying warm. If you leave the house toasty warm you'll be miserable and sweaty very quickly once you start running. (and sweaty is really bad in the winter because eventually it makes you really cold). If you start out a little too cold you'll be more comfortable when you're running. I think you'll be surprised how little you need to wear to keep running down into the teens or below (which I think should cover you in NJ).
Here's my complete list of winter-specific running gear: hat, gloves, neck gaiter, two zip-neck long sleeve wicking tops, two pairs tights (one light, one heavy), windbreaker with zip front and pits, wool socks. That was enough to keep me running outside all last winter in Boston (OK, except three days on the treadmill when it was raining - I do wet, I do cold, but not wet and cold).
Stuff that you can adjust (with zip necks, fronts, pits) or take on and off and stash in a pocket (hat, gloves, neck gaiter) is really key so you can regulate your temps as you run. Otherwise lots of layers don't really work because you'll end up too hot and have to take stuff off and find somewhere to stash it or have to lug it around.
Since your legs are constantly moving they don't really get cold. Unless it's very windy I can wear a single layer of tights and be fine. I have two pairs with a heavier pair for in the 20s or below. When it's extremely windy and cold I will need to wear both pairs of tights but that's only a couple of times each winter.
Wind's tough because you'll be running both against it and with it and that makes a world of difference. That's where the neck gaiter which you can pull over your face and a windbreaker really help.
Feet are easy. I wear SmartWool socks almost all year anyway but I think as long as you stay away from cotton (remember, sweat is the enemy in winter) that isn't so important. Dry snow doesn't stick to shoes as long as you keep moving. Very deep snow can be a problem so you may have to run in the streets where it's plowed. If you'll be encountering ice you might need either slip-on treads or screw shoes (see the YakTraks thread from a couple of days ago for more info).
Good luck and have fun. Once you're prepared and accustomed winter can be the best time for running. I'd much rather run in the 20's than in the 80's.
You guys are tough!!
