Due to the cold weather, you can spend only some of the winter on the treadmill. Runners no longer have to plod through outside winter runs wearing layers of thick and irritating clothing or stay indoors merely to stay warm, thanks to winter running equipment technology advances.To determine what to wear if you’re jogging outside in chilly weather, add 10 to 20 degrees to the outdoor air temperature (or the windchill temperature, if it’s lower).
For slower or shorter runs, use the lower end of that range.; if you run longer or do a more intensive workout, use the higher end to estimate the temperature. Once you’ve determined your “running outdoor temperature,” you can start putting together your outdoor run kit. Experiment with your running equipment to see what works best for you. Run in loops so you can add or remove layers or pieces of clothing as needed. The idea is to be a little cold while warming up and a little sweaty when you finish.
Maintain Keeping Your Head, Neck, and Hands Warm
Cover your head, ears, neck, and extremities on cold days, and to preserve sweat off your scalp, wear a moisture-wicking cap. You should also protect your skin from the cold and wind to avoid frostbite, chapped skin, and lips.
Earmuffs or a Hat
During winter runs, a fleece or wool cap will keep your head warm. You may easily tuck it inside your pants if you feel like you’re overheating. A hat with a visor or brim is also helpful in protecting against the sun and rain. Fleece earmuffs keep your ears warm while enabling sweat to escape your scalp.
Bandana or Neck Gaiter
A neck gaiter, similar to those worn by skiers, can be quite useful in protecting your neck and face on a cold, windy day. You can draw it up over your lips to warm the air you’re breathing, which is very useful when you’re just starting your run. For the same reason, some runners wear a simple scarf over their mouths. A Buff, a seamless tube of microfiber cloth that can be worn in various ways, including as a balaclava, is another option.
Face Mask or Balaclava
A balaclava, often known as a ski mask, is a sort of headgear that covers your entire head, exposing only your face or a portion of it and sometimes only your eyes. They are typically constructed of fleece or wool and are only required when the wind chill or temperature is below 10 degrees F. Exercise-specific face masks can also help keep you covered. They are designed to be breathable and pleasant while protecting you from cold air, pollen, or other irritants.
Lip and Skin Protection
Cold weather and wind can cause your lips to chap and exposed skin to crack. Lip balm or petroleum jelly can help protect your lips. Wear sunscreen since the winter light and glare off snow can cause sunburn. You can also apply petroleum jelly to prevent windburn and chapping on your face.
Mittens or Gloves
Keeping your hands and fingers warm while jogging in cold or windy circumstances is critical. You want insulated running gloves or mittens that wick sweat, provide breathability and warmth, and have features that let you use your touchscreen device for emergencies or route monitoring. Mittens are better than gloves in severely cold weather because they allow your fingers to exchange their body heat. Instant hand-warming packets are another alternative.
Build Up
Layering is the key to cold running attire. Layers trap body heat and allow sweat to pass through the layers of clothes, preventing overheating. Moisture-wicking textiles take sweat away from your first layer and transport it to your outer layers, where it can dissipate.
Bright Colored Clothing
Because the days are shorter and the nights are prolonged in the winter, you’re more likely to run in the dark. So remember to pack reflective or bright clothing. Choose lighter colors—white, yellow, orange, neon—or reflective clothes to guarantee drivers see you. Also, take safety precautions when running in the dark to keep yourself safe.
Keep Your Feet Safe
Your feet can stay warm as long as you keep them active and dry.
Avoid puddles, slush, and snow if possible. Choose a running shoe with as little mesh as possible, as here is where chilly air and water will enter your feet.
If you must run in the snow, you should consider purchasing trail running shoes, which are slightly waterproof and provide a little more traction in the snow. You may also try YakTrax Ice Grippers or other ice spikes, which slip easily over your running shoes and provide extra traction.
When running, never wear cotton socks (in cold or warm weather). They will not wick moisture away from your feet, leaving them soggy and prone to blisters. Instead, invest in wicking socks made of acrylic, CoolMax, or wool (in the winter). SmartWool and other modern wool blends are itch-free, machine-washable, and dryable. If you use thicker socks in the winter, check how they fit in your running shoes. You might need to go up a half-size or obtain a wide model.
What Should I Wear if I’m Running in the Rain?
Running in the rain has its own set of difficulties. Dress in layers for the cold, and add a rain-resistant shell jacket to keep moisture from leaking into other layers. Include a rain-proof cap with a brim to keep the rain out of your eyes, as well as reflecting lights or colors to help vehicles see you in the rain, fog, or gloomy situations.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
It’s critical to be prepared whether you’re jogging in high or low heat. Layer your running attire for maximum performance if you’re running in the cold. Remember to bring gloves, a thermal cap, a pair of wicking socks and a face mask to guarantee a comfortable and safe finish. Cold weather jogging necessitates additional precautions. On the other hand, you may like running in chilly weather, and your overall experience may be comfortable and safe if you plan ahead of time.
