I've joked for a while that I need to make a chart that would tell me what layers to wear based on the temperature. Instead of wasting minutes pondering what would work best at 30*, I could just reference my chart, make the pile, and go to bed. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this was actually a good idea, not just a joke, and I thought some of you might appreciate the details, too. As a disclaimer, I am, of course, in no way qualified to give advice on cold weather running or fashion (definitely not fashion!). But the following guidelines work for me, and if you are wondering what to wear in the cold months ahead, take a gander.
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| A sea of black with isolated pink: my winter running staples. |
When temperatures are in the 50s:
We don't see many 50* days in winter around here, but when they show up, I like to wear:
- capris
- long sleeve technical shirt
- vest
- regular wicking running socks
When temperatures are in the 40s:
I love 40* runs! The air feels fresh, my legs are speedy, and it doesn't take me hours to dress. My usual layers include:
- capris (in the upper 40s) or running tights (in the lower 40s)
- long sleeve technical shirt
- vest
- wool running socks
- gloves and ear warmers
When temperatures are in the 30s:
30* still feels pretty good to me, at least once I get going. To stay warm at this temperature, I wear:
- fleece-lined running tights
- long sleeve technical shirt
- vest
- wool running socks
- gloves, ear warmers, and arm warmers
When temperatures are in the 20s:
This starts to be the point at which I dislike outdoor runs: too many layers and too much cold air for my lungs. But when I prefer frozen lungs to treadmill boredom, I keep warm(ish) with:
- fleece-lined running tights
- long sleeve technical shirt
- short sleeve technical shirt
- vest
- wool running socks
- gloves, ear warmers, arm warmers, and a balaclava
When temperatures are in the 10s:
These are usually the lowest temperatures we see, and fortunately, we don't usually have them for a sustained period. When they come, however, I do my best to keep warm by wearing:
- fleece-lined running tights
- long sleeve technical shirt
- short sleeve technical shirt
- vest
- jacket
- wool running socks
- gloves, ear warmers, arm warmers, and a balaclava
For me, the wool socks are a game-changer. I wore them very regularly last winter and then couldn't find them before a 20* run in February. Grabbing other socks, I figured it wouldn't be a big deal on a quick 3-miler. Boy, was I wrong! My feet were so cold throughout the run that I could hardly think of anything else. Since then, I've been sure to have my wool socks handy for any run where the temperature hits 40* or lower; my body is much happier that way.
How do you layer for winter runs? Do you have a go-to piece of winter running gear?
