What is a girl to wear?

[Bikingmomof3]

Okay, I need some pointers and as always I turn to my greatest source of inspiration. :)

This will be my first winter running. I do not live in the coldest place, but I do need to know the basics of layering for 30-40 degree temps.

TIA! Have I mentioned how much I am loving running?

If this has been covered, please point me in the right direction.

Weird Observation-I rarely ever see anyone out running, jogging, or walking. I must live in the most under-exercised (is that a term?) area.

[chickwhorips]

i just got an email from mile marker sports (http://www.milemarkersports.com/). they are having a clearance sale right now and have clothes for certain "zones". sounds like you need it for zone 2.

there are a bunch of other places i could point you, but i just got that email so i figured i'd send it your way.

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you for the link, I am off to check it out.

[chickwhorips]

here is the clearance link: http://www.milemarkersports.com/clearance.php

[Grog]

Runner's World has a funny tool on their page just for that:
http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0-0-0-0-0,00.html

This being said, below 10C I start wearing long tights, although as light as possible (not lined). I'd save the lined ones to below 3 C weathers. On top, below 10C, I'll go with long sleeve and probably a windbreaker most days, unless it's not really windy, not rainy, and sunny.

A small wool beanie is great (or a warm running hat, not the cool summer-type), light gloves are absolutely necessary for me. Warmer socks are nice, too, but I don't remember how necessary from last winter's experience...

[jobob]

There've been a couple of useful threads about cool-to-cold weather clothing, maybe you can find some ideas here ?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=10022

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=9416

[yellow]

I find I don't get nearly as cold running as I do cycling in a cold temp. My normal winter aerobic outfit down to about 30 F is tights of some sort (I really like the Hind Munich pants for running), a long sleeve wicking shirt, and maybe a vest. I usually start out with gloves and a little hat too but they end up coming off and going in the vest pocket.

Below 30 I switch to a light, breathable jacket with a T shirt under, LS thermal if it's below 20. And a little thicker tights. The gloves will stay on (they are thin) as will the hat.

Happy running! I too am quite enamored with it right now...to the point that I'd rather run than ride. :eek: Scary, but true. (But then, I was a runner before I was a cyclist and only quit running because I had to.) There are some really beautiful places to run in these parts. Looking forward to running the trails in the snow with my YakTracks!

[deidre]

I live in the Atlanta area so compared to a lot of places, it doesn't get too cold here (though I find it very cold).

Last year, I ran my first 10K in February and it was between 20 - 25 degrees and raining. I ran in clothes (a top) called Cold Gear (some brands may call it Sub Zero) and was very comfortable throughout the race. The clothes are lightweight and still have that wicking technology (what I call "breathable").

I posted a couple of links to brands that my husband and I have (SUgoi) or have considered (Under Armour):

http://www.sugoi.com/consumer/section.aspx?id=2045 - tights, pants, capris
http://www.sugoi.com/consumer/section.aspx?id=2043 - long sleeve tops (I wore the speedster for my Feb 10K)

http://www.underarmour.com/Product.cfm?site_id=2&dept_id=1&coll_id=103

Hopefully you find this information useful.

[Lise]

Folks have given you some great tips here, B3. I would add to keep a journal/log about your running. Last year was the first time I ran through the winter. I wrote down the temperature, what clothing combo I tried that day, and what I thought of it. I tweaked it until I found what worked for me depending on conditions. I'll refer to it again this winter, because, of course, I don't remember!

As yellow said, I get pretty hot while running. Only the wind really chills me. Headband and gloves are usually in my pocket by the end of the run, and I'm dripping sweat, even in the 20s. I just ordered some Smart Wool liner gloves. The poly liner gloves I ran with last winter are still good, but I patched up the seams a couple of times! I figured it would be good to try out some new ones, and keep one pair as a back up.

I got some Nordic Walking shoes from Asics, which are also great for running when it's slippery out. http://asicsamerica.com/product.asp?PRODUCT_ID=240004820&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001389&BACK_CATEGORY_ID=250001384

Have fun! I'm so glad you're enjoying the running. Here is a link to a Nordic walking site--you might find that interesting, too. http://nordicwalker.com/

[Kitsune06]

How many of you folks wear something light (a bandanna or something) over your nose and mouth for cold air? I'm finding it feels like it's just shredding my throat, and I end up having a nasty cough for hours afterward...

Is it just wishful thinking that a nose/mouth covering would heat the incoming air a little and maybe at least slightly reduce the harshness of the air?

[Lise]

How many of you folks wear something light (a bandanna or something) over your nose and mouth for cold air? I'm finding it feels like it's just shredding my throat, and I end up having a nasty cough for hours afterward...

Is it just wishful thinking that a nose/mouth covering would heat the incoming air a little and maybe at least slightly reduce the harshness of the air?

I do, when it's really cold. I got a silk balaclava from ...some website... last winter. I didn't need it often, but when I needed it, it was perfect. I tried a bandana, but the cotton gets too wet with my breath. The balacalva was perfect. Light enough that my head didn't get too hot, but warmed my breath and protected my neck and chin.

[colby]

Okay, I need some pointers and as always I turn to my greatest source of inspiration. :)

This will be my first winter running. I do not live in the coldest place, but I do need to know the basics of layering for 30-40 degree temps.

I think others have done a great job, but I'll add my two cents (last year was my first winter running). I am a sweater and very cold-tolerant, so I can't wear too many clothes or I end up getting frustrated. It takes me about 1/2 mile to come "to temperature" and determine if I need to make adjustments for the next day. On cloudy/windy/rainy days I'll dress one thickness up from a sunny day (though those sunny days in the winter tend to be colder to start out with). I actually enjoy running in winter more because I can manage my temperature better. When it's hot outside, you are at the mercy of the sun a lot more. When it's cold, you dress smarter and control your own destiny better.

Last winter my options included short sleeve tshirt, long sleeve tshirt, long sleeve slightly thicker wicking top, compression suit (same thing I wear skiing), light wind stopping fleece jacket, wind stopping but not lined gloves, and beanie. Mix and match! I ran every morning down to about 5-10 degree (F) days, as cold as it got. At 30-40, you're not in a bad climate. :)


Weird Observation-I rarely ever see anyone out running, jogging, or walking. I must live in the most under-exercised (is that a term?) area.

I would guess I probably pass or am passed by about 10 runners/walkers in the mornings, not counting moms that walk their kids to school (I live by an elementary school) or kids walking to the middle/high school bus stops nearby. It sure thins out in the winter, though ;) I also find in the winter that I have to watch out for dog poop more, people stop picking up. :confused: :mad:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

How many of you folks wear something light (a bandanna or something) over your nose and mouth for cold air? I'm finding it feels like it's just shredding my throat, and I end up having a nasty cough for hours afterward...

Is it just wishful thinking that a nose/mouth covering would heat the incoming air a little and maybe at least slightly reduce the harshness of the air?

Kit, you could get a couple of thin merino Smartwool-type neck gaitors. Leave one on your neck and pull the edge of the other one up over your mouth and nose. The thin wool breathes, and won't hold moisture as much as cotton. I actually plan on sewing two together so I have a TALL neck gaitor to pull up over my mouth and nose when it's really cold.

[stacie]

http://tools.runnersworld.com/dresstherunner/dress-form.html

just put in your info and it recommends how to dress. Great for traveling when you're just not sure how many layers. stacie

[Bikingmomof3]

I woke up to find all these wonderful posts and links. :)

I will be checking them all out today.

Lise-I like the idea of keeping a journal.

Colby- I too am a sweater and very cold tolerant.

Thank you everyone for the advise, the links, and the support. :)