What To Wear Running In The Cold This Winter So You Don’t Freeze

I love to run, but in the Winter, it’s really cold!

It can be a reason not to bother, but if you like to keep fit, or it’s something you enjoy, the cold weather doesn’t need to stop you.

Something you need to think about is what to wear running in the cold. Getting your gear right is key, and will ensure that the weather is the last thing you’re thinking about.

Picking out the right clothing can be a task. You need to stay warm, but also you’ll be running, so you’ll heat up in no time.

Here’s what I usually wear for when I go on a run in the Winter.

Wearing Layers While Running In The Winter

Sometimes it’s cool and stylish to wear layers, but when it comes to doing activities in the cold, it’s substance over style. The NHS agree that layering up is key to a good work out when the temperature drops. The following is a good system of clothing to wear:

• Base Layer
• Mid Layer
• Outer Layer
• An Extra Waterproof Layer (If required by weather)
• Hats & Gloves (If required by weather)

Winter Running Gear For Men

Base Layer

You can buy special base layers of clothing, designed specifically for running or any kind of fitness work. Brands such as Adidas, Nike and Under Armour are market leaders in base layers. Personally, I have a tech fit base layer which is from Adidas.

I’ve owned a few of the T-shirts and shorts, which are not only great for sweat, but also keep you nimble and flexible while running.

The base layer is for both the top and bottom half, so this will be a long or short sleeve T-shirt, along with a pair of base layer shorts or running tights.

Mid Layer

When it comes to a mid layer, I prefer to wear a sports T Shirt, the same kind as I would wear in the summer. Think polyester, the same as a football shirt, which are designed for sweat running around in. This can be your second layer.

Bottoms On Your Lower Half

Along with your running tights or shorts, you’ll want to put on something over them, and this will be a pair of track bottoms. I prefer the tracksuit bottoms style which are made from cotton or polyester, rather than the sweat pants which you can get.

The fabric allows for more freedom when running, and deal with sweat a lot better than the absorbing sweatshirt material found in sweat pants.

Outer Layer

When it comes to an outer layer, I wear a ZNE hoodie from Adidas. I think this works well as an outer layer which will keep you warm when you run. You can try any kind of thick layer top such as a track jacket or hoodie.

Outer Layer 2 – Waterproof Jacket

In the wind and rain, you will want a waterproof layer, and that’s where a light waterproof jacket comes in. This does not need to be thick or insulating, as you’ll already have multiple layers on doing that job. This is to keep you dry and the rain off you. This step isn’t necessary as such, but is always a good extra if you really want to get out there, even if it’s raining.

Hats & Gloves

When you’re out in the cold, you lose heat through your head, and your ears will be freezing, even if you’re running hard. When the temperature drops to sub zero conditions, wearing a hat could be something you may want to consider.

Wearing a pair of gloves is also a good idea for keeping your hands warm while your running.

Running In The Dark? Stay Visible!

With shorter days in the Winter, you may be running in the morning, or in the late afternoon or evening. If that’s the case, you should wear something bright or reflective.

This could be as simple as ensuring you’re wearing bright colours, fluorescent colours or reflective style ‘glow in the dark’ effects on your clothing.

If you can, you should try to run when it’s daylight, it’s not only safer, it’s also the warmest part of the day.

Verdict

Staying active and keeping fit it definitely important, and I do run in the Winter, but I have to admit, it’s hard to get motivated.

It’s so cold, the days are shorter, and the weather is generally not good to run in. But that shouldn’t stop you, and I think of it as a warm up to the rest of the year, running a couple of times a week, building up perfectly for when the Spring eventually comes.

If you follow these winter clothing tips then you’ll be able to run in comfort, without freezing, and get back to what you like doing the most: Getting out there in the fresh air.