There is a general rule of thumb you can use to prepare yourself for running in colder weather: dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer outside than it actually is. The general tendency (especially for individuals who are inexperienced at exercising in cold weather) is to WAY overdress, which actually makes you colder in the long run because you sweat more. Wicking materials and effective layering can help you avoid the unpleasant sensation of your t-shirt turning into a sheet of ice.
The Layering System:
-Base Layer
-First layer against the skin
-Should fit snugly
-Should be an effective moisture manager
Smartwool NTS baselayer - as we know, merino wool is an especially good moisture manager. It is also soft against the skin and who could forget its antimicrobial benefits?
-Thermal Layer
-Provides insulation
-Should fit less snugly in order to trap a layer of warm air between itself and the baselayer
-Should be an effective moisture manager
Mizuno Breath Thermo 1/4 zip - Breath thermo fabric actually heats up as it comes into contact with moisture. If you haven't tried out the samples we have of this fabric, you will be amazed when you do!
-Provides insulation
-Should fit less snugly in order to trap a layer of warm air between itself and the baselayer
-Should be an effective moisture manager
Mizuno Breath Thermo 1/4 zip - Breath thermo fabric actually heats up as it comes into contact with moisture. If you haven't tried out the samples we have of this fabric, you will be amazed when you do!
-Shell Layer/Outer Layer
-Provides protection from the elements
-Holds in heat while allowing moisture to escape
-Should fit loosely over other layers
-Could fall into any of the following categories: Windproof, Waterproof, Water repellant, water resistant.
New Balance Windblocker Jacket - this top also comes in a 1/2 zip. As you might have guessed from the name, the front panel of the jacket is windproof and water repellant, but it is also fleece lined. This is my absolute favorite top to run in when the temperatures drop. It is extremely warm - I made it through most of the winter last year wearing a short sleeved baselayer underneath this top.
These layering principles are mirrored when dressing the bottom half of the body. Keep in mind that the lower extremities tend to warm up faster and retain a higher temperature, so generally fewer layers are needed. A quality pair of tights and either a thermal layer or shell should be sufficient to get anyone through a run or walk on even the coldest days.
Remember that different levels of experience will warrant different clothing. Introducing a beginner to three or four solid pieces can change their running experience for the entire season. A more experienced runner may already have all of the basics and may be looking to invest in more technical pieces like compression apparel or Breath Thermo product. Be aware of what we have and start thinking about pieces that you could put together.
Post a comment about what you would suggest to some one in any of the following situations:
-First winter exercising outdoors
-Experienced individual looking to upgrade
-Looking for a gift
-On a budget
-Walker vs. Runner
I have found as a beginner winter runner that my hands are sweating in mittens and fingers are cold in gloves. What types of hand protection would you recommend for cold winter running?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous -
ReplyDeleteThe most important first step, is to avoid anything made mostly of cotton as the material being worn next to your skin. This not only applies to handwear, but apparel all over your body. Cotton spends its life as a plant in nature trying to collect all the moisture it can, and unfortunately it does the same on your skin. Because of this, you will generally be too cold in the Winter as you sweat and remain wet, and perhaps even too hot in the Summer for similar reasons. As with any question relating to what to wear, I would suggest layering. Try wearing a thin glove under a mitten, and as soon as your hands start getting too hot, shed the mittens and just use the gloves. Usually, at this point, you will be warm enough that you won't need to put the mittens back on, but at least you'll have them in the event that you get chilly again. Another option would be the Mizuno Breath Thermo glove. This glove has a fiber woven into it that turns moisture into heat, therefore as you sweat, rather than getting cold, that moisture is generating warmth.
Great question! Glad to hear you're out there running, even in the cold temps.