Fall is over, and we're in the middle of Winter sports season. This also means runners and other outdoor sports are having to deal with show, ice, and overall cold practices. Running in the winter can be very tricky but the grind never stops!
How you dress is key. If you dress too warm, you'll sweat buckets and next thing you know you're wet and freezing! That kind of defeats the purpose… It can be tempting to bundle up during the upcoming freezing cold months but you must refrain. Yet, if you don't dress warm-enough, you start off cold and never really warm up. Layering is your best friend; start with all your layers and peel away as you heat up. That said, here are 6 pieces of gear you need to get your hands on for your winter workouts.
Related: 5 Best Places to Find Affordable Workout Gear
- Thin gloves: A good pair of running gloves is SO important. Running with cold fingers is miserable, but it's even worse when you get home and can't go an hour without lotion because your hands got dry and cracked from the cold. Notice we do say “thin” gloves. You want cloves that are warm enough to protect you from the wind, but light enough that you're not sweating through them. Most athletic brands carry awesome running gloves at all price ranges, but if you can't decide, this SmartWool pair is a good place to start.
- Base Layer: Never forget your base layer. This can be a tight-fitted Under Armour tee-shirt or a dri-fit long-sleeve. Base layers are usually light and breathable, but-tight fitted so they keep your core warm and cozy under your other layers, but if you get too hot, you can strip to your base layer and let your body breathe a bit.
- Windbreaker: At first, a windbreaker may seem silly when you're running in 20 degrees. But, it's not! Windbreakers are a winter runner's best friend because they block the wind (duh!) and they're super light, so you won't overheat. Plus, they're an easy layer to strip.
- Vest: A vest is perfect for layering over a windbreaker or long-sleeve shirt. It will keep you warm and insulated while still letting your body breath. A fitted running vest with pockets is also perfect for storing your phone or keys so they're not bouncing around while you run.
- Headwear: Regardless of your choice of style, headwear is crucial on cold runs. You lose a lot of heat through your head, so good headwear will help with temperature regulation and will protect your ears!
- Sweat-Wicking Socks: Finding good winter-running socks is hard. You need socks that will keep your feet warm, but not sweaty. While style is your choice, winter is a good time to test out some crew cut socks to keep your ankles warm. A favorite among runners is SmartWool socks. They keep your feet warm, but let them breathe to prevent blistering.
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* Originally published on February 1, 2022, by Madison Machado
