Cold-Weather Running Gear

Source: glassphotography.com

Ah winter running. The most wonderful time of the year. Nothing says "yuletide" like frozen extremities and a thin layer of sweat between you and the jacket that is too thin in the beginning of your run and too thick at the end of it.

I personally have had my fair share of cold weather days, including on race where I competed in shorts and a singlet, while running through 4 inches of snow and sleet. Cozy!

Yep that's me. I was near frozen to death after that 6k, my normal skin tone is a lot less reddish, blue, I promise. I made quite a few mistakes that day that I vowed not to make again. Namely, I run in pants now. There are tons of different things you can buy to protect you from the winter chill, and I'm going to start at the bottom.

FEET

Traction. While we all love our running flats lets face it, they slip and slide as soon as things get slick. Snowy trails? Forget it. I don't want to risk spraining, or worst, breaking my ankle. These are Kahtoola MICROspikes. A little on the expensive side at $64.95 a pop, but absolutely worth it. They come in red and black in a variety of sizes. They are intended to be kept in your pocket or running pack and taken out and slipped on for snowy or icy spots!

Warmth. Most running shoes are extremely breathable. Which is nice in the summer, and troublesome in the winter. These are Drymax Cold Weather Running Socks and I love them. Fairly reasonable in price ($11-15) and I love the higher rise. In the winter a lot of times that little piece of ankle that shows gets really cold, personally when that happens it's similar to having a rock in my shoe, annoying and uncomfortable.




LEGS

Warmth and protection. In general I'm a huge fan of SportHill. They divide they're clothes into three zones based on the temp you'll be wearing them in! (How smart is that?). These are the Saga II Tights for women. They come with 7" zippers and gripper elastics around the ankles. They come in 7 sizes (which includes 2 length options), and are not only are they warm they are also windproof up to 35 mph! Tons of bang for your buck (the newest model is $109 when earlier models are cheaper they lack the leg zipper and other details).

UPPER BODY

Warmth. Placed in Brooks "Extreme Warm" category the Brooks Utopia Thermal is such a good investment (men's version: Brooks Utopia Softshell). Both versions come in a solid black, which is the little black dress of runners. We all need the classic black thermal (I'm wearing one right now). These are priced from $75 to 150 (men's). 

Warmth and visibility. Being warm is just as important as being visible. Especially because a lot of the coldest runs are at dusk and dawn. This is the Women's Nightlife Ess. Run Vest II (men's version: Men's Nightlife Ess. Run Vest II). These Brooks vests are set a $75 and absolutely worth it. Place in their "Warm" category these vests are perfect to pair with my next piece of running gear.

Toasty arms. Complete with thumb holes and a key pocket the Asics Thermopolis LT Arm Warmers are great for runs that are going to start cold and end mild. Once things start to get warm just roll them off and stow them in a pocket. They can even be used as a base layer under a running jacket! They also come with gripper elastics so you don't have to worry about them riding up. These little babies are right around $24 (which is pretty standard for arm warmers)!

No numb fingers! If you're looking for thin mittens that are still super warm the Saucony Ulti-Mitts are made for you! At $45 it seems a little pricey for "just" a pair of mittens, but that's exactly what they are not. These little babies are mittens are a 3 in 1 miracle. Not only do they have the classic mitten to glove conversion, but they also have a convertible thumb and fore-finger option, that come with silicon grips. When not in use you can fasten them together with their magnet fasteners and stash them in your pocket!

HEAD

Warm necks and face. A gator is a must have for cold weather running. You need to protect your neck, cheeks, and if it can can convert into a balaclava that's just icing on the cake! The Mountain Hardware Hardface Stretch Convertible Balaclava can do all of that. It might be a mouth full to say, but it's definitely affordable at only $35. Comes in black and grey.

Ears. Sometimes it's chilly, but not chilly enough for a balaclava. That's what ear bands are for! The Brooks Infiniti Headband  is only $18 and uni-sex. The cut of the headband allows it to be worn like a headband while still fully covering your ears. If things get too steamy simply cuff up the ear covering section! The best part? It comes in 8 colors! So there is absolutely one in your favorite color!