General Discussion Triathlon Talk » What do you wear to run in cold weather? Rss Feed  
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2006-10-30 4:17 PM

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Champion
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Brooklyn, NY
Subject: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
I'm still trying to figure out that fine line between too much clothing and not enough. I'm curious what others wear for running in the winter?


2006-10-30 4:30 PM
in reply to: #583456

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Pro
3906
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St Charles, IL
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?

For 20F to 40F:

  • Underarmor underwear ( boxer briefs )
  • Running Tights
  • Long Sleeve dryfit/underarmor type wicking shirt ( NOT COTTON!!!!
  • Running Shell ( windproof front, breathable back )
  • Lightweight hat, lightweight gloves

For Under 10F:

  • All of the above plus
  • Possible second dryfit/technical type shirt or lightweight fleece
  • A slightly warmer running shell ( windproof front and back )
  • Facemask
  • Warmer hat
  • Warmer gloves
  • Smartwool running socks

It varies depending on conditions.  25F sunny and no wind can feel warmer than 40F dark, mist, 15mph wind.

A good rule of thumb is if you're comfortable when you first walk out the door, you're probably over dressed.  You should plan to be a little cold when you first start.  Once you get moving for about 5 minutes, you'll warm up.

Things with zippers you can open help regulate heat too.  You don't want to get overly sweaty, as then you'll really get cold.  And avoid cotton anything at all costs.  Wool and synthetics are your friend.

2006-10-30 4:34 PM
in reply to: #583468

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Cycling Guru
15134
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
From 40-ish and up:

Shorts
Long sleeve tee and sweatshirt or
Long sleeve Under Armour cold tech shirt
Nike jacket if it's raining out
Light gloves (Pearl Izumi or the cheap ones I got at the Baltimore marathon for free)

For under 40:
Under Armour cold tech shirt or long sleeve tee
Nike jacket
Ski cap
Thicker thinsulate gloves

I ran year round this and last year, never bagged a run unless it was severe lightning/thunderstorm (even ran in snow and heavy rain).
2006-10-30 4:35 PM
in reply to: #583456

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Veteran
206
100100
Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
Haha...I guess it depends where you are. I live in Texas, and when it is it's absolute coldest I wear shorts and a sweatshirt.

I do highly reccommend getting a pair of good running gloves, they are priceless on those cold mornings! The other must-have is a good ear warmer. I like mine because it doesnt have a top to it (just a ring around my head and ears), so I dont overheat on those longer runs.
2006-10-30 4:45 PM
in reply to: #583456

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Frugal Gear Geek
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having fun with the kids
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
Mr. cheep here. I wear my dri wear summer tee under any number of old cotton sweet shirts and sweat pants. Gloves come before the sweat pants because my legs are working and staying warm. I tend to wear a baseball cap for most of the season and go to a knit hat when it gets colder. I must say though to me good warm gloves are a must. I like the old sweatshirts so I do not feel so bad when the sleeves get roled up so far the elastic characteristics go away.
2006-10-30 5:52 PM
in reply to: #583456

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Champion
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Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?

Today was 5C (40F) so I wore:

  • a tri suit,
  • lycra tights,
  • cotton socks,
  • a long sleeved bike jersey,
  • a lightweight nylon shell,
  • a short sleeved singlet, and
  • a peaked cap.

and I was too hot.  This would have been more suitable for -5 to 0C so I removed the hat and the singlet.

In much colder weather, I will add the following as the weather gets colder ... down to -30/40

  • wicking undershirt
  • light tuque
  • neoprene tuque for cold and wet
  • x-country ski gloves
  • Lyfa jacket
  • wicking long underwear for -30 or colder weather


Edited by Machiavelo 2006-10-30 5:59 PM


2006-10-30 7:33 PM
in reply to: #583456

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
Pretty much what the others have said, but also highly recommend the "DriClime" products from Marmot. Designed for climbers, this is a very lightweight water repellant and breathable shirt (or jacket or vest) that I find just perfect for colder weather runs (low 30F's and below).
2006-10-31 5:17 AM
in reply to: #583456

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Regular
74
2525
O'ahu or At Sea
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?

Everybody's covered it above but if you've got any knee issues at all, you might try to keep them covered below 50-60F.  I read somewhere a long time ago that below 60, cyclists should cover the knees and have since followed that.  My knees are much happier warm than cold both during and after exercise.  Everybody has a different furnace with different ducting but if you run slow as molasses (like I do), you may want to dress warmer than the guy gliding past you in his shorts and tank top doing 8' miles.  For me, the intended pace of the run has a lot to do with what I'm going to wear and always keep a cap in my pocket - just in case.

Cotton Kills.

EC 

2006-10-31 6:06 AM
in reply to: #583456

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Regular
74
2525
O'ahu or At Sea
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
Chris Carmichael's cycling book, "The Ultimate Ride," has a good section that explains fabric pros and cons and what to wear in what weather.  Bike based but good all the same.  Your LBS should have a copy to peruse...
2006-10-31 6:08 AM
in reply to: #583456

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Resident Curmudgeon
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The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?

40-50->Long-sleeve coolmax and shorts

30-40->Layered long-sleeve over short-sleeve, or two long-sleeves

20-30->UnderArmor cold-gear under another LS, maybe a cottonsweatshirt on top until I get started. Lower part of this range, or if it's windy, i'll wear running tights.

below 20-> Outer layer is the comforter on my bed 'cause that's where I'm staying.

Key is to layer, and dress as if it's 10-15 degrees warmer, which is how it will feel when you get warmed up.

2006-10-31 7:53 AM
in reply to: #583456

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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
what do you mean by 'cold'?

cool day (35-55 degrees):
+ running capries or lighter sierra designs long tights
+ smartwool running socks
+ regular trainers
+ 3/4 sleeve lands end wicking shirt, or ss wicking shirt
+ patagonia houdini jacket along, just in case
+ smart wool glove liners along, just in case
+ maybe a light fleece hat
+ maybe arm warmers

cold day (0-35)
+ thicker patagonia tights w/ wind proofing
+ smartwool running socks
+ maybe my sugoi barrier socks, if its really cold and windy and snowy
+ regular trail runners or gore-tex trail runners, maybe w/ yax trax if its icy
+ ls duofold light weight shirt & a windstopper vest (and maybe arm warmers)
+ OR patagonia cool weather top
+ patagonia houdini jacket
+ smart wool glove liners
+ outdoor research thick fleece gloves or lobster gloves (pushing the stroller my hands get almost as cold as they would on the biike)
+ light fleece hat and/or light balaclava
+ burt's bees lifeguards choice lip balm
+ dermatone on my face and any other exposed skin

now, do you want me to list what fi gets to wear in the jogging stroller? let's just say it involves lots of layers of down and fleece and wool and thinsulate...and then more layers of down and fleece, and a big plastic cover that encases the stroller. she usually over heats.


2006-10-31 7:56 AM
in reply to: #583848

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molto veloce mama
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Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
the bear - 2006-10-31 6:08 AM

below 20-> Outer layer is the comforter on my bed 'cause that's where I'm staying.




awww. well, i guess even the bears up hear hibernate when its that cold out


Key is to layer, and dress as if it's 10-15 degrees warmer, which is how it will feel when you get warmed up.



i would add layer with things that are easily stashed too. that's one of the reasons i LOVE my houdini jacket. it fits in a pocket. same goes for the smartwool glove liners. good warmth for the size, but easy to stash when i'm shedding layers as i warm up.
2006-10-31 3:08 PM
in reply to: #583456

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Runner
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
Depends on several things.

Heck, I ran Sunday in shorts and a long sleeve shirt for 10 miles, including 2 water crossings. It was chilly, but no big deal.

I've run in shorts in the winter. Keep in mind, we're talking about PA here, not LA (no offense to the bear).

Generally, for training, I wear warm-up pants the Army gave me. You can buy them from a surplus site. Up top, long sleeve shirt and either a zip fleece or a sweatshirt. Knit cap or a hat, and some gloves. That's it. Regular running socks.

Racing, I wear thin set (unlined) of running tights, maybe shorts, a t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a hat and gloves. Regular running socks. But hey, that's me. I warm up quick, and sweat quick. I'm more concerned about AFTER than during. Training is no big deal, but after a race, yeah, I bring stuff to bundle up in that's dry. YMMV.
2006-10-31 3:30 PM
in reply to: #583848

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.

Edited by AcesFull 2006-10-31 3:33 PM
2006-11-01 11:18 AM
in reply to: #583653

Extreme Veteran
474
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DFW Metroplex
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?

grandhavenbill - 2006-10-30 7:33 PM Pretty much what the others have said, but also highly recommend the "DriClime" products from Marmot. Designed for climbers, this is a very lightweight water repellant and breathable shirt (or jacket or vest) that I find just perfect for colder weather runs (low 30F's and below).

 

I second the Driclime windshirt.  Excellent piece to have.  It is a staple in my mountaineering set up and I will add one this year either to replace my mountaineering piece or use as a running piece.  The Houdini looks absolutely awsome as well.  It is very close to the Driclime windshirt.  Both can be found on sale at any number of places. 

2006-11-02 3:25 PM
in reply to: #583456

Regular
71
2525
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
I never put on long tights unless it's below 40 degrees. When it's that cold, I usually wear a long sleeve microfiber for a base and then depending on the weather, I'll layer up. For 30-40 degrees, 100-weight fleece is all I typically need unless it is windy. If it's windy, then I'll put on a breatheable softshell.

a lot of mountain gear is good for running; REI and other stores usually have an excellent selection with a variety of prices. Softshells are coming WAY down in price and are versatile and awesome. A lot of times they are designed for climbing and have zipper vents all over the place, are waterproof/windproof/breatheable. I use my softshell all the time.


2006-11-02 3:40 PM
in reply to: #583456

Pro
4672
200020005001002525
Nutmeg State
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
This is going to sound strange, but if I use a thick moisturizer (like a body butter) before going outwhen its cold, it helps keep me warmer.
2006-11-02 4:06 PM
in reply to: #587085

Lethbridge, Alberta
Bronze member
Subject: RE: What do you wear to run in cold weather?
kaburns1214 - 2006-11-02 2:40 PM

This is going to sound strange, but if I use a thick moisturizer (like a body butter) before going outwhen its cold, it helps keep me warmer.


From what I've read, this is a common technique for open water distance swimmers when they try swims like the english channel or one of the great lakes. Those are the folks that mostly think using a wetsuit is cheating.


Edited by Micawber 2006-11-02 4:08 PM
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