Running outdoors in the winter requires some special equipment to handle the freezing temps, wind, ice, and snow. As I’ve trained for a half-marathon all winter, I’ve come to rely on these five essentials, plus a few great basics all runners should have.
The Star Wars half-marathon is this weekend – so hard to believe it’s finally here! I’m so excited and nervous about it. I’m not too nervous about being able to finish it, but the heat and humidity scares me a bit, since 80 degrees and humid will be so different from how I’ve trained! Let me know in the comments if you want to see my costume from the race! 🙂
Why run outside in the winter? First, I needed a way to train that included childcare. Since there aren’t any gyms in town that offer childcare, I needed to take Bennett with me in the jogging stroller. Since I couldn’t take the stroller on an indoor track, running outside was the best option.
Secondly, I wanted a way to train for a half-marathon that didn’t break the bank. Gym memberships can be pricy, while running outside is free.
Thirdly, I find that it’s easy for me to get bored on a treadmill. And when I get bored, I lose my motivation. I’d hate to pay for a gym membership only to be bored and not use it!
Watch the video below to see my winter running favorites:
5 Essentials for Running in the Winter
- Fleece lined leggings.These are from Target, as are most of my running clothes. These seem thin, but they are WARM. I ran a 10k in subzero weather and my legs were not cold at all. I love the large pockets on the sides, and the zipper pocket in the back.
- Ear covering/hat and gloves. My headband is fleece lined as well, and I usually wear a stocking cap on top, if it’s really cold. Bonus, it holds in my headphones! I wish I had these touchscreen gloves.
- Layers. For weather close to zero, I’ll wear a thermal layer, a tech shirt, and a fleece lined jacket on top. It can be tricky to figure out how many layers you need, since you’ll heat up when running. I’ve learned what I should wear by trial and error! I’m a big fan of this tech shirt from Target (love the thumb holes) and also this fleece lined jacket. The asymmetrical rose gold zipper makes it cute enough to wear anytime.
- Yak Trax. These stretch over your running shoes and provide spikes or springs on the bottom to give you traction on snow and ice. At first, I was skeptical, but after running on ice I became a believer. I could actually run just as well on the ice covered sidewalk as on dry pavement! They’re not a big investment and they’ll make a huge difference in your running.
- Face warmer. Mine is basically a tube of fleece fabric, and it’s okay, but for running in more wind, you really do need something that covers more of your face. It gets really painful without it!
6 Basics All Runners Need
When I first started running, I wore two pairs of leggings, two pairs of socks because mine were so thin and worn out, and a yoga bra. My running shoes were six years old. I had literally none of the right stuff – but if it’s something you really want to do, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.
But if you’re a newbie runner, like me, and need to get some basics or replace some worn out things, I’ll list my favorites when it comes to basic equipment:
- Good running shoes. My new shoes are the Nike React Legend, in pink. They come in several other colors too if pink isn’t your thing.
- Running bra. My favorite is the Fiona sport bra, it’s on the pricy side but so worth it. I’ve also liked these cheap ones – I was pleasantly surprised by how good they are!
- Socks. Take care of your feet at all costs! I like these from Target.
- Wireless headphones. The enemy of a good run is boredom. These wireless headphones made my life so much easier! I’m not constantly getting tangled in my headphone cords anymore.
- Hand and toe warmers. These are fantastic for keeping in your pockets and slipping between layers of your socks on really cold days.
- Plastic bag trick. As I explain in the video, slipping a plastic sandwich bag over your foot can work wonders!
Have I convinced you to try running outdoors in the winter?!
Other Posts You Might Like
5 Friday Finds: New Workout Pants
3 Reasons to Get Out of Sweats and Into Style
Q&A: Work, Motherhood, and Self-Care
