What Do I Wear To Run In the Winter? Your Guide To Cold Weather Running

RUNNING IS SIMPLE RIGHT? YOU JUST GET UP AND GO! RIGHT?

KIND OF.

Yes, running is relatively simple and YES, we were born to run. But running regularly or training for races like half marathons or marathons can complicate things! From all the tech and gear, training plans, and training philosophies, improving your mental game, to all the cross-training and strength work necessary to stay healthy and injury-free, RUNNING CAN BE REALLY CONFUSING!

We asked the Badass Lady Gang to submit their running and training-related questions so that we can help you understand how to have more fun on the run!

TODAY’S TOPIC…what to wear on a run when it’s cold outside. AKA Winter running gear AKA cold weather running clothes AKA HOW TO NOT FREEZE TO DEATH RUNNING WHEN IT’S FREEZING AF OUTSIDE.

“What do I wear to run in the winter?” -Beth N

WINTER IS COMING!

And that means cold, dark and sometimes slippery running is coming too!

What to wear to stay warm during the colder months can feel confusing and complicated. Here’s what you need to know - it’s very, very personal. Some people run hot and will be running in sports bras, gloves, and pants when there’s snow on the ground (ME!) and some people run in puffy vests and long pants when it’s in the 50s. (Looking at you Florida.)

That being said, there’s one cardinal rule for cold weather running: YOU CAN ALWAYS SHED LAYERS BUT YOU CANNOT ADD LAYERS YOU DON’T HAVE. When in doubt, wear a long sleeve or jacket that you can tie around your waist.

What does that mean? That means that sometimes, it’s better to tie a layer around your waist and have it JUST IN CASE instead of taking off and freezing your ass off the entire time.

TLDR on winter running and staying warm:

• COTTON IS YOUR ENEMY.

• Seek out wool/fleece/and athletic fabrics that are sweat-wicking.

• When it starts to get really cold, think 3 layers:

  1. Baselayer wicks sweat and should be tight

  2. Mid-layer insulates warmth (think puffy stuff and feathers),

  3. Outer layer (keeps you protected from wind/snow/sleet/rain).

  1. You want to trap heat!

  2. Keep your ears, head, and your hands covered and warm.

  3. Always add 10 degrees to the weather when planning because this is how it will feel when you’re running.

  4. The first 5-10 minutes will be cold, cold, cold. But then you’ll warm up. (Lots of BALG-ers have a dance party before leaving the house to get their heart rate up. Try it!) If you get too hot on the run, shed a layer.

  5. Your effort level will affect how you feel. (Running REALLY HARD? You’re going to run warmer and sweat more. Running slow, steady, and strong? Layer up.)

  6. Wind chill? Add a layer that will help block the wind. BRING CHAPSTICK OR AQUAPHOR WITH YOU TO PROTECT YOUR LIPS!

  7. Sunny and cold? Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, or water! Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the normal rules don’t apply. Stay hydrated!

  8. NEVER WEAR COTTON. COTTON IS EVIL. COTTON WILL MAKE YOU REGRET ALL OF YOUR DECISIONS.

  9. Winter running = less sunlight. ALWAYS wear reflective clothes and lights. BE SEEN.

  10. You can always strip but you cannot add unless you go shopping mid-run. (Which I often do often because I don’t know how to take my own advice.)

This guide is just that - a guide. Only you will know what feels comfortable in certain temperatures. Trial and error is the name of the winter running game but you do not need to spend a lot of money on winter gear to survive cold weather running.