Running in the cold of winter can pose many challenges. Once you begin running, your body generates a lot of heat. Therefore, if you bundle yourself in heavy winter wear, you will end up being uncomfortable quite quickly. On the other hand, the minute you stop running, your body tends to cool down very quickly, so you are back to feeling the cold. You can solve this predicament by dressing appropriately on your run during the winter. With the correct running kit, you won’t be forced to give up running when the cold season comes around. Here are tips on how to dress on your winter run.
Head and neck
It is just as important to keep your head, neck and face protected from the cold as your body. These are the protective items you will need:
- Neck gaiter: This is an article of clothing that is meant to protect your neck from the cold. Often worn by skiers, neck gaiters are made of a closed tube of fabric that you can slip on and off over your head. For further protection, you can pull it over your mouth to warm the cold air you inhale. This is a useful trick, especially when you have just begun your run.
- Face mask: Meant to keep parts of our face such as the cheeks warm. A face mask is less restrictive than a ski mask, therefore your breathing won’t be interfered with.
- Hat: Do not forget to keep your head warm as well. You can wear a fleece or wool hat, and when the heat gets uncomfortable as you pick up speed, you can effortlessly take it off.
- Skin and lip protection: Even under a neck gaiter, your lips may end up dry and cracked after your winter run. You can use Chapstick for protection. Apply Vaseline on the parts of your face that may be affected by cold winds
- Goggles: For the extremely cold and windy days, you can add goggles to your running kit, especially if you are planning to run for a while.
Upper body
Dressing your upper body for a winter run is all about the layers. Required items include:
- Run base layer: Also referred to as a wick base layer, this is a close-fitting garment that is designed to wick sweat away from your body. In the process, it keeps you dry and traps heat to keep you warm.
- Insulating layer: If you are planning to run in very cold weather, you will need an insulating layer. Along with wicking sweat from your body, this second layer additionally traps just enough heat to keep you warm without the risk of overheating. Fleece makes a good insulating layer.
- Jacket: The outermost layer should be able to protect you from wind and moisture. Women's snow jackets is recommended so that you can easily regulate your body temperature by opening or closing it. It is also relatively easier to take off when you don't need it.
- Gloves: Cover your hands with warm gloves that are not too bulky to avoid any restrictions. If the cold is extreme, you can wear mittens instead.
Lower body
Your legs and feet need to stay warm as well. You will need:
- Running tights: During a run, the blood flow in your legs increases, consequently generating a lot of heat. Therefore, you do not need heavy layers on your legs. Furthermore, tights compress your thighs, which also encourages blood flow, making tights sufficient to keep you warm during a winter run.
- Wind resistant running pants: For viciously cold weather, add an extra layer of wind-proof running pants to generate extra heat.
- Socks: Don’t overlook the socks. Cotton socks will leave your fit sweaty and blistered. Wear socks made of fabrics that don't absorb moisture such as wool and acrylic. Winter running socks with padding is also a good idea.
- Shoes: Running shoes are an integral part of any run. If you plan to run in the winter, wear running shoes that are splash-resistant with a tough sole to reduce the likelihood of slipping in the snow. Stay away from running shoes that incorporate mesh in their design to avoid getting your feet wet. Trail running shoes are also very good for providing traction while running in the snow. However, it is worth mentioning that shoes do not need to be comfortable only for running. For having a nice body posture and easy walking experience, you should have convenient shoes that you can wear at work.
With this winter running kit, you can safely run in extremely cold weather without having to worry about issues such as frostbite or exercise-induced asthma. Keep warm as you get your workout done. And always make sure you have adequate running shoes every time you head out. The cold weather doesn’t have to stop you from your daily or weekly sprint. Furthermore, If you’re going to run in a forest, park, or mountain, running in the time of Covid-19 will be even safer.