A how-to guide and gear review to help runners stay active all winter, despite COVID-19 gym restrictions
“There is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing” -Scandanavian mantra
COVID restrictions have left many runners out in the cold, without gyms and treadmills to slog their winter miles on. Rather than allowing COVID to ruin another of your favorite activities, this guide will help you take your runs outdoors this winter. Freezing temperatures, icy trails and limited daylight are certainly deterrents to running outdoors but with the right gear there is no reason that your winter run will be anything but enjoyable.
Shoes
To avoid freezing and slipping a pair of waterproof trail shoes is essential. The waterproof exterior of the Altra Lone Peak RSM will help protect your toes from freezing winds and icy puddles while the trail lugs will help to prevent slipping in the snow. Altra shoes have a wide toe box to accommodate thick, warm socks.
Crampons
In super icy conditions add a pair of crampons and you'll be able to run no matter the road conditions. The Katahoola Micro Spikes may seem clunky at first but they will keep you on your feet in the iciest of conditions.
Socks
Wool or wool blend socks are the key to warm toes on freezing runs. Wool wicks moisture and insulates when wet, helping you stay warm no matter how hard you work. Merino wool, has a soft and fine texture compared to regular wool products. Darn Tough socks are warm, comfortable and offer a lifetime warranty making them the perfect winter sock.
Pants
The Patagonia Peak Mission Tights are a perfect go-to tight for fall and mild winter days. The tightly woven and insulating fabric keeps your legs warm without feeling compressive or restrictive.
On cold, windy days, windproof material makes all the difference. The Patagonia Wind Shield Pants are great as a layer over tights or on their own, depending on the conditions. The Wind Shield Pants are stretchy enough to allow you to run unrestricted with a windproof front and back to keep your quads and buns from freezing. The deep, stretchy pockets on the sides are the ultimate mitten storage compartment for when your hands start to warm up.
The Craft Storm Balance Tights will keep you warm even in the most extreme running conditions. These pants are great on exceptionally cold days or on easy runs and walks when you aren’t working hard enough to produce much body heat. Layer these over tights and you will be able to run with warm legs to -20F (-30C).
If you have a cold butt but hate bulky, restrictive pants, try insulated skirts or shorts like the Craft Storm Thermal Skirt or Shorts over a pair of tights. Insulated skirts tend to be easier to run in but shorts are often warmer.
Tops
Base layers are the innermost, next to skin layer of your winter get up tasked with the job of wicking sweat and providing a layer of insulation. Opt for a stretchy, synthetic, long sleeve shirt that fits nicely under a jacket or midlayer. Synthetic materials wick moisture away from your body to keep you warm even when you get sweaty and wet. It is best to avoid cotton fabric when working up a sweat because cotton absorbs moisture and can give you a chill and cause chafing. Lululemon carries a variety of running tops that perform well as a stand alone piece in mild weather or as a base layer in the cold. The Run Briskly ½ zip long sleeve works well as a layering piece to keep you warm without adding bulk.
Merino wool is another excellent option for winter running. Wool is very warm for its weight and insulates while wet, keeping you warm on your run no matter how cold the conditions. Winter athletes everywhere swear by the stuff because of wool's insulating, moisture wicking and anti-stink properties. If you have sensitive skin and tend to get itchy wearing merino as a base layer add it on top of a light synthetic base layer for all the merino warmth without the itch. .Smartwool makes excellent gear like the Merino Sport Long Sleeve to help you stay toasty warm while exploring the trails.
Jacket
On your hunt for a winter running jacket it is important to look for synthetic insulation only. When the feathers in down insulation get wet they clump and no longer provide warmth. Synthetic insulation is key when you need to stay warm while being sweaty.
The Patagonia Nano Puff jacket is a great all around jacket to be used as a layering piece or as an outer layer. It is the perfect weight to keep warm and without feeling bulky and restrictive. Add layers underneath as needed to match the temperature and easily throw on a windproof or waterproof layer overtop for bone chilling days.
Gloves and Mitts
For most days a light glove inside a windproof mitt is the perfect running combination that allows you to adjust heat on the go. Pair any light glove like the New Balance Lightweight Running Glove with a windproof mitten like the REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens to make a personalized version of a crowd favourite, the Patagonia Peak Mission Gloves.
On extremely cold days look for a fleece or insulated option like the Thinsulate fleece mitten to keep from losing your fingers.
Head
Any hat that is comfortable, covers your ears and keeps you warm is a winner. The head is a major heat loss zone of your body so keeping it covered and insulated is imperative for a warm body. The merino cuffed beanie from Smartwool Merino Sport Beanie and the Montane featherlite are great options for cold runs and can be paired together for extra warmth.
Neck
Finding a necktube, neck gaiter or balaclava that is comfortable and warm is essential when battling freezing winds to protect your face from wind burn and frostbite. Fleece is warm, cheap, easy to wash and comfortable against your skin making the Fleece neck gaiter from amazon an excellent option for cold runs.
Airhole face masks are awesome for freezing temps when you need to keep your mouth and nose covered but have trouble breathing through a frozen neck gaiter. Airhole necktubes are perfect for any chilly adventure.
Eyes
It is important to protect your peepers from ice crystals and snow glare in the winter. When running in flat light use glasses with a clear or rose tinted lense like the Goodr Nakatomi Tower glasses.
Goodr sells great sunglasses that won't slip while you run, protect your peepers but won't break the bank if they get lost in the snow.
Light
With limited daylight hours and trails to run you have to get comfortable with the fact that your morning and evening runs may be dark. To manage dark runs, use lights, bring moregear than usual and stay safe. Flipbelt has created a system that allows for customizable lighting and safety options for your moonlite runs.
The Running Waist Light is bright and casts a wide area of illumination and is perfect paired with a headlamp for dark, twisty trails. Throw a soft flask and some gels in the belt along with your phone for extra piece of mind while getting the early morning miles in.
Phones fit snugly in the flip belt with plenty of room to stash some pepper spray and a whistle to help you stay safe. The Flipbelt Safety Bundle comes with easy access safety features including an alarm to keep you safe and protect yourself when out in the dark.
I hope that these tips and suggestions help you to get out on the trails no matter the conditions.
Remember,
Comments