[justine]

For those of you that live in states where it gets pretty cold, what do you wear when you run?

I know a lot of people wear that Under Armour stuff but I don't know if it actually does anything to keep you warm? It's kind of expensive so I don't want to go out and buy it if I don't have to.

I just don't want to get sick when I run out in the cold weather and I have sports-induced asthma that can get bad in the cold.

Any suggestions?

 

[bearsdad]

I'm not a runner, but I used to mountain bike in winter + I cross country ski. Its all about layering. I snug fitting first layer wicks moisture from your skin, a fleece layer and then a shell is the way to

 

[blacklabparent]

I live in Canada, and it' gets cold. I run in layers. The worst thing you can do is sweat when it's cold out. I have some wicking long john type long sleeved shirts & tights by UnderArmour and some capiliene ones by Patagonia...like long johns, but not quite that I wear under my running pants. I usually wear one other layer under my shell and that's it. My midlayer is usually a lightweight fleece from MEC. I wear a toque & gloves/mitts. That's plenty, even when it is extremely cold..

Don't bother too mucg with brands. You can get store brtand made of the same materials, or get it on sale. I buy a lor from MEC here as it is just as good and far cheaoer. My UA was %75 off online, and my Patagonia was a treat for myself years ago. You definately do need the synthetic wicking base layer, as thin as possible.

 

[dweck]

UnderArmour here. Love it!! Well worth the expense. All the warm with none of the sweaty. Not sure of exactly the fiber makeup that enables this, but I can attest 100% that it works.

I'm thinking of investing in the UA gloves, too.

 

[Mama3tikes]

I am not a runner but I have 3 kids who are hard core! All 3 kids have asthma, they wear Under Armour and love it. DD also has asthma that is set off by the cold air, she run's with a bandana or knit headband over her nose and mouth. In fact she covers her nose and mouth when walking from building to building if it is really cold. Try it it works!

 

[theoconbrio]

When I used to run in the cold, I was always comfortable down to about 5F (-15C). Anything lower than that just hurt. These guidelines seem reasonable:

http://www.runningplanet.com/training/dressing-for-cold-weather-running.html

A cap and light gloves are crucial. You can also make your own cleats for running on ice:

http://www.competitiverunner.com/screwshoes.html

 

[justine]

Those are great links, thanks!

 

[Labs4life]

I love the UA cold weather gear. It really works. Shop around and look for any brand that has the moisture wicking properties. Champion,Hot Chilis, Patagonia,Columbia all offer the same or similar items.

This is a good time of year to explore the clearance racks for cold weather gear. I always buy now for next season.

 

[theoconbrio]

REI and RoadRunnerSports have their own generic brands, and you can often buy mail order during the spring at a significant discount, as Tom mentioned. The quality is not as good as UA--my UA gear is the best-quality stuff I have--but substantially cheaper. I don't think UA will keep you warmer than other gear; its main benefit is that it lasts a lot longer.

 

[MidwestGirl]

Again I will only run if I am being chased or my house is on fire