I live in Saskatchewan and generally our winters are long, end of October-March, and often quite cold, -20C/-4F is often the norm and it can get way colder than that for at least for a couple of weeks. The wind can be so vicious making it unbearable at times. That all being said I like to keep my outdoor running routine outside as much as possible. I will say that I am somewhat of a fair weather runner, there are a lot of hard core people around here, but my general rule is outdoors up to -22C and then I move my runs to my treadmill. I also change up my workout routine during the winter months to incorporating lane swimming and spin classes once or twice a week, and only do 2 -3 runs a week. I run with my friends, solo or with my fur babies by my side. Sometimes I run 5 km, other times as far as 12km in the winter, all weather dependent. The important thing is that I keep moving and staying active thorough the winter months and a big part of that is dressing for comfort. Today, I am specifically focusing on the clothing that I use when running outdoors. Most of the items that I own are old and I don't update them very often to be honest (I've linked up new versions of these items). I made the investment 3 or 4 years ago and apart from bras and shoes which I buy once a year, they are still working for me.
1. Mitts & Buff: I have poor circulation so I wear an old pair of snowboarding mitts, they keep my hands warm but they can get sweaty inside. My next purchase is going to be specific winter running mitts that are breathable. I love my Buff and I wear it most of the time as a headband to keep my ears warm. When it's extreme cold or the windchill is nasty, I will use one to cover my ears and another one to cover my face. I don't like the full balaclavas, as I don't like something over my mouth, it gets soggy and gross.
Mitts
Buff
2. Pants to layer: I have a pair of Lululemon First Mile Tech Tight (they come in three colors) and you can wear these on their own when the weather is mild, around 0C, or my cheap hack for colder temps is to layer them under fleece lined leggings that I purchased from Costco. When the wind is nasty or the weather gets colder than -20C then I wish I had a pair of real thermal/wind resistance tights such as these Craft Storm Tights that are super warm and also wind resistant.
Lululemon Leggings (Underlayer, fall/mild winter running weather)
Thermal Leggings
Craft Storm Tights
3. Mid-Layer & Jacket: You need a good mid-layer that's breathable. I wear my mid-layer top from lululemon all the time, spring, fall and winter!!! I use it as my main layer in fall/spring and a mid-layer for winter running; it's well worth the money. My best purchase was my running jacket that I received for Christmas like five + years ago. It's breathable, looks good, fits well, , has reflective features, versatile and keeps me warm. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! It is $$$ but I have never regretted it.
Ron Hill Stride Hybrid Jacket (currently on sale!)
Swiftly Tech Lululemon Mid-Layer;
4. Spikes! If it's icy where you live, make sure to get some spikes. They are cheap and I was so surprised at how well they work. One of the things I hated about running in winter the few times I tried was that you had to be slow and cautious which ruined my stride. Not with the spikes, you can just run!
5. Shoes. I run a fair amount, approximately 20-30 km/week during the spring/summer/fall season, so good shoes are key. They are expensive but I do invest in shoes in order to help my knees, hips and back stay on track. I recommend going to a running store that will fit you in the right type of shoe. Also put the shoes to the test a couple of times on the treadmill to make sure that you like the fit, they should feel good and comfortable right off the bat and not be something you work into. I have the same shoes now for a number of years, I just get the newest model. I am not linking them up because everyone needs something different form their shoe so go and get fitted to save your feet.
6. Socks. I just wear my regular puma socks and it's enough for me but you could invest in some Winter Running Socks to keep your toes warm.
MONEY SAVING TIP: Don't go out and buy everything new because winter running gear is expensive. Go through your toques, mitts, and current running gear and use them as layers for the time being and invest in a good shoes, coat, spikes and pants over time. I am telling you, you buy them once and they will last you years if you take care of them well. This is one time, I don't care if I match or how I look, my goal is exercise and comfort, not fashion.
For more tips for running in cold weather check out this article Running Room.
The cold never bothered me anyway. - Elsa
