Winter Running Gear

Winter running gear explained from a practical perspective.

The Foundation - your winter running shoes

Those light and airy shoes you love for the summer just won't cut it for midwinter comfort. Good ventilation equals cold feet when the temperature 15 or 20 degrees below freezing. Some shoes like the Spira are OK for winter running because they can be hot little hummers in the summer. This works to our advantage when temperatures turns cold! On the other hand, I have a wonderful pair of Asics which are just too well ventilated for cold weather. Comfortable in the summer, fast-frozen in the winter!

Check out a selection of trail running shoes - they make great winter running shoes: more support and stability, a little heavier construction, and usually good tread patterns. Some soles are made from softer materials that grip snow and ice better than harder, long wearing composites. Check out the Montrail Hardrock Trail running shoes, Nike ACG Air Trail Pegasus, or the Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail running shoes. These all make excellent winter running shoes.

If you want more cushioning, don't forget to look at the Spira shoe line, always an excellent choice for orthotics wearers.

Among the top of winter running tips is your shoe fit. Winter running shoes should allow plenty of toe and fore-foot room. Extra room in the shoe allows for flexibility in winter sock layering, and a bit of roominess also promotes good blood circulation and warm feet.

Socks

I've found that on all but the most severe conditions (thirty degrees below or worse) I really don't need any more than one pair of good wool socks. Synthetics just don't seem to have the natural insulating capacity of natural wool. My favourite brand: Totem Socks, available at Mountain Equipment Coop (MEC) in Canada (www.mec.ca). These socks are expensive, but that's relative because they last and last. Totem socks have great insulating capabilities, and if your feet get wet you don't loose warmth - especially important for good winter running gear. (MEC) in Canada. These socks are are not cheap, but that's relative because they last and last. Totem socks have great insulating capabilities, and if your feet get wet you don't loose warmth - especially important for good winter running gear.

Leotards and winter running tights

The Running Room Winter Running in November Jasper, AB

has a good selection of insulated and wind-stop running tights. Select a couple of pair: one for an inside layer, and another for the outer layer. Here's one of the most secret Canadian winter running tips: when it's really cold wear insulated shorts under your outer layers. Running Room sells this winter running gear, and Lycra bike shorts also do the trick!

You'll find that with a couple of pairs of tights and the right "foundation" you'll be very comfortable in even the coldest weather!

Winter running jerseys and outer shell

For your upper body, just layer more running jerseys. A short sleeve biking jersey makes a good first layer, and then a couple of long sleeve jerseys on top of that. Most days, you'll need less protection than that!

No cotton, of course - cotton has no insulating factor when it's wet, so cotton just won't do the job.

Your outer layer will most always be a nylon shell. Some of the better shells have an insulated zipper system which is really nice in the cold and wet. Also look for "pit zips" that unzip to give you extra ventilation under your arms if necessary. Make sure your shell arms are long enough to cover your hands. Many time I'll start a winter run with light gloves and I'll tuck my hands in my sleeves until I begin to warm up. This means you don't have to be removing heavy gloves after you're warmed up and carrying them around!

Hands

Select a tight fitting pair of nylon gloves and a looser pair of insulating winter sport gloves. It's rare that you ever require mitten for winter running once you're warmed up, but for extreme weather you can start with an outer mitten layer and remove them during the run.

Head

There are a lot of nice, light hi tech toques now. I have great toque from Outdoor Research Outdoor Research that's light and warm. As long as your head gear covers your ears you should be fine! We radiate a lot of heat from our heads so temperature control for heads in critical, but easy to control.

Conclusion

The right winter running gear makes or breaks your winter running experience, so stay active this winter with an investment the right gear that will keep you out of the house and off the couch!

Good winter running!

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