Cold Weather- what do I wear? (Read 1248 times)

Hi all, I want to start a running program, but I live in Michigan (winter is pretty darn cold!) - what should I wear on my outdoor runs so that I am not too warm by the end of the run & not to cold at the start! I used to run cross country back in the day, but our seasons never went beyond the month of November so I really have no idea how to dress appropriatley Dec-Feb. Any advice would be great, thanks!

The best advice I've heard is to dress appx 20 degrees warmer than it really is (ex: it's 55 degrees outside, so dress like it's 75 degrees ... shorts/ singlet and tshirt). That said, when it's really freaking cold: -- layers, like Blaine said -- resist the urge to REALLY bundle up --- you'll be surprised at how warm you get once you start moving -- warm hat that covers the ears -- gloves/ mittens

Thanks for the replies guys , I figured I would at least need two top layers. I went out & bought a fleece zip up today, and it's ready to go come morning! Zoom- Glad to know I won't be the only one enduring the cold! Good idea on sunglasses, cold + wind bothers my eyes too, I wouldn't have thought of that thanks!

I just bought some wicking underpants. Last Winter I had some cold-related pains in the groin region. A discussion in this very forum about the sins of cotton underwear set me straight.

I'm in MI, too (howdy, neighbor!). Last Winter I found that for most runs a single layer on the bottom and 2 on top were good (base layer + fleece or windbreaker...always make that outermost layer something that can easily be zipped all the way off and tied around your waist if you get too warm). When it's really cold and/or windy I would wear wicking long undies under my pants and an additional layer on top. I'd wear heavier gloves, too. I always wear a hat, but for extra cold runs I might wear something like a balaclava or add a neck gaiter. And this Winter I plan to wear sunglasses, since the wind and cold always bug my eyes (in addition to snowflakes hitting my eyeballs and sticking to my eyelashes). I found a nice pair of Tifosi photochromics that I think will be perfect...now I just need to get some sort of anti-fog treatment for them, like Cat Crap, or something. k

Even better than sunglasses for very cold temps are ski goggles. Get good quality and no worries on fogging. My #1 item for zero degree running in added comfort is the goggles.

Another Michigan runner here. I've been running year round for the last six years and have learned a bit about running in the cold. My clothing system of choice is multiple layers of long sleeve wicking type running clothes top and multiple layers of tights on the bottom. If it's exceptionally cold or windy I'll add an ordinary long sleeve cotton jersey as an outer layer to break the wind and being a guy, a pair of Cool Max briefs is a necessity on all below freezing runs. I've worn as many as three layers plus the jersey on top and three layers below for runs at below 0F temps. A couple rules to remember for winter running is to never wear anything made of cotton next to your skin because it will get wet and conduct heat away from your body and always dress as though it's 20 degrees warmer than it is. Moisture in your enemy so it's much better to under dress than over dress. Also, if the temps are in the single digits be sure to stay close to home or at least close to help. A turned ankle can become a very big deal for a lightly dressed runner at sub zero temps. Tom

isn't that the New Year's Eve run????

I am in Green Bay. I will second the layer approach. Up until about 10 degrees (no wind), I am fine with 2 layers on top with at least one wicking layer by skin, preferably two. If a male, compression shorts or extra layer in private area is a good idea. Learned this the hard way during a race at 2 degrees and not enough layers. Oh my god! When it goes to 0 or windchills then you need mittens, all areas of face covered and an extra layer.