First winter running - clothing advice

Support | Organizer Technology Solutions

Search Cool Running Community

Browse Cool Running

CoolRunning.com > Active > Running > Equipment and Gear >

1 2 Previous Next

trixienurse

3 posts since
Jun 13, 2008

Sep 2, 2008 5:45 PM

First winter running - clothing advice

This winter will be my first winter running (last year I was in a desert climate). I'm looking for some recommendations for good cold weather running gear (I live in Upstate NY where it gets pretty snowy).

In particular, when it comes to a top or jacket, should I go for something that blocks wind/repels water, or for warmth?

Any recommendations on bottoms?

And how many pieces of each should I get? I don't want to break the bank, but I run 5 days a week and will get a lot of use out of my stuff.

Thanks!

cdtibbetts

3 posts since
Sep 27, 2007

1. Sep 28, 2008 8:31 PM

in response to: trixienurse

I love the ToughGirl from skirtsports.com It's warm and comfy but the best part is it's slimming! They have a new one called the IceQueen that looks pretty amazing, but I haven't tried it. Feel free to use my discount, which is CATHYT all in caps. (I'm free to give it out to anybody).

lynna065

212 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Sep 29, 2008 2:54 AM

in response to: cdtibbetts

This is my first winter for running also. Some people have recommend Under Armour, you can buy that just about anywhere and I just bought a couple of tech shirts from sierratradingpost.com. That's my go to place for most of my sports clothing and they also have the best return policy I've ever seen. They will take back anything you've bought from them anytime.

Training Log

jordylee8455

2 posts since
Jan 15, 2008

3. Oct 4, 2008 5:42 PM

in response to: lynna065

I wouldn't go too crazy on buying a lot of wind/rain blocking, etc gear because you'll just get too hot. For winter running, layering is the key moreso than wearing one big bulky warm item. I have had good luck with the "turtleneck" shirts that underarmor/nike/etc has. also, running tights are your friend! If you have a TJMaxx nearby, check out their stuff... lots of times you can get lucky and they'll have great stuff on sale pretty cheaply. Some of the stuff can get pretty pricy, so i would suggest getting one of whatever you think you're going to like, try it out for a week or so, and if you like it get more. good luck!

emmygirl

28 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

4. Oct 5, 2008 10:49 AM

in response to: trixienurse

I live in Massachusetts and for the winter I wear: a thicker pair of socks, running tights (and if it's VERY cold, maybe some shorts/wind pants over them), sports bra, long sleeved moisture wicking top, long sleeved moisture wicking fleece with a hood, super thin/light windbreaker, snow hat, mittens/gloves. I often end up taking off the gloves and windbreaker and rolling up my sleeves. My legs generally don't get cold with the tights because they are doing much more moving (obviously) than my top half. You may also want to try putting Vaseline, Bag Balm or some other emollient on your cheeks, nose and lips because the wind sometimes kills them. Good luck! Emma

dwm082

1,019 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

5. Oct 8, 2008 6:32 AM

in response to: emmygirl

Welcome trixienurse! I recognize you from the RW Forums (I'm BuffaloGuy over there).

I live just outside Buffalo, NY so I know what you mean about cold and snow. A lot depends on your preferences for warmth/cold. I tend to like things on the cool side, so keep that in mind when I'm talking about my strategy.

Anything over 40F, and I'm pretty much fine with a short-sleeve tech shirt and shorts. My hands are very sensitive to cold, so I also wear a pair of light gloves for the first few miles when it's 45F or below.

Below 40F, I start looking at long-sleeve tech shirts. I've had excellent success with a couple of UnderArmour Cold Gear compression shirts. I wore one for a long run this past Saturday at 39F and I was happy as can be. I'm still in shorts for the upper 30F range, but below 35F I'd be inclined towards a pair of light track pants or tights. I might also look at a light top as well. A hat wouldn't be out of line, either. Gloves for at least the first few miles, though I'm likely to keep them on the entire time.

Below 30F, I start looking at heavier track pants and a heavier jacket. Santa Wife brought me a couple of pieces of heavier UnderArmour separates, and those got me through the winter, down to -7F (including wind chill). The hat's a sure thing, as well as a pair of ear grips.

My bigger problem is trying to figure out how to keep my water bottle from freezing....

Don

My Training Log

2009 Races
May 17 - Cleveland Marathon (3:58:39)
May 24 - Buffalo Marathon (4:12:19)
June 27 - UltimateXC Quebec Edition "Half Marathon" (~19.26 miles: 6:20:30)
November 22 - Philadelphia Half Marathon

Outdoor runner2

8 posts since
Mar 19, 2008

6. Oct 9, 2008 8:09 AM

in response to: trixienurse

I'm not sure how cold it gets ..usually here in Texas when it gets in low 40s here ..a thin layer of running tights ..sweat shirt and hat works fine..but it never snows in SE texas..so prob need something thicker in tights..perhaps more of a cotton blend.

Robert

Groves, TX

Outdoor runner2

8 posts since
Mar 19, 2008

7. Oct 9, 2008 8:14 AM

in response to: trixienurse

If you want something that works well and not expensive..try:

www.zyflex.com

tithers

1,261 posts since
Nov 26, 2007

8. Oct 10, 2008 2:49 AM

in response to: trixienurse

I wouldn't wear a sweatshirt. Even in the winter, I sweat a lot. It will hold your moisture, which will make you colder.

I go back and forth between Atlanta and Connecticut in the winter, so I need quite the extensive wardrobe.

The Ice Queen pants/skirt are GREAT! They block the wind, keep me warm, etc. I totally can feel the difference when I wear that in CT compared to the tights I would wear in ATL (which does get cold here too!) I've got really sensitive skin, in the winter I turn bright red in the cold...take off my tights, my bootie and legs are red and freezing cold.

Anyhoo-the thin lining inside the Ice Queen has prevented me a lof of grief in the cold weather. I don't feel the sting w/those that I feel when I wear my thin black tights in CT in teh winter.

Bonus-it's totally HAWT! ...unlike my black tights, you can totally wear the Ice Queen or Tough Girl around town.

cdtibbetts

3 posts since
Sep 27, 2007

9. Oct 10, 2008 8:55 AM

in response to: tithers

I wear my ToughGirl around town all of the time. It's a great piece of clothing. It's not always about finding the least expensive deal but getting something functional that you really like.

tithers

1,261 posts since
Nov 26, 2007

10. Oct 12, 2008 7:16 AM

in response to: cdtibbetts

I wore my tough girl to a triathlon end-of-season party yesterday...

Woot. I got so many questions/compliments about it!

emmygirl

28 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

11. Oct 12, 2008 11:42 AM

in response to: tithers

The ToughGirl pants are expensive! I think the cheapest were $70. I'd try TJ Maxx where you can usually find good quality running gear (New Balance, Nike, etc) for MUCH cheaper. Then if you find you really like the feel of something you can go for the more pricey stuff. Just a thought.

gardyner

27 posts since
Jan 15, 2008

12. Dec 7, 2008 8:42 AM

in response to: cdtibbetts

This was the first time I had heard of skirtsports.com , had to check it out and purchased a pair of toughgirls. Thanks for posting your discount code, it made a HUGE difference! Can't wait to try them. I live in CO, so I'm going to need something for the cold weather.

cdtibbetts

3 posts since
Sep 27, 2007

13. Dec 7, 2008 1:28 PM

in response to: gardyner

You are quite welcome! That discount code is for 25% only until the end of the year, so I have been doing some serious shopping. (you can usually use it on sales, too...so watch the web site). It may be back at 15% at the first of the year

gardyner

27 posts since
Jan 15, 2008

14. Dec 15, 2008 2:44 PM

in response to: cdtibbetts

Love the tough girls! Have worn them out twice so far: they are very attractive, comfortable, and functional. It was 13 degrees when I went out this morning, so I added some fleece tights underneath. Very happy with them, I'll want some shorter ones for warm weather, but hope to be another size by then.

Pam