Happy Tuesday! This week’s topic seems perfect considering the crazy Winter we’ve had so far. While I’ll admit that Connecticut hasn’t been that bad when it comes to snow, we’ve still had some pretty cold days. While I don’t recommend running outdoors when it’s dangerously cold, wearing the right gear for “normal” winter running can make all the difference.
This week’s Tuesday Topic: What are your cold weather running essentials? You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
Here are a few of my winter running essentials!
Wool Compression Socks
Keeping your feet cozy and warm in the Winter is super important, especially if you’re dodging puddles from melting snow. When I was training for the Shamrock Marathon last year, all of my long runs were in the winter. I clearly remember doing a long run in negative temps and feeling SO thankful for my wool compression socks. I love my Pro Compression Marathon Wool Grey socks, and a little birdie told me these socks will be available in a new color this week!
Under Armour ColdGear
I’ve been wearing Under Armour ColdGear items for a few years (fyi – I’ve had these pieces for years so they are very durable). I love the ColdGear leggings and the base layer tops. Both items keep me nice and warm, no matter the weather. Tip: You can save money by buying these in the off season. Also, check out Marshalls or TJ Maxx – I purchased one of my base layer shirts there for half the price!
Coming in a close second are these items I purchased from GAP a few weeks ago. The Heat Base Layer T-Shirt and Layer Turtleneck have kept me warm on a few runs this Winter.
This handy item is perfect for winter running. You can use is as a headband to cover your ears or as a “mini” scarf to keep your neck warm. You can also pull it up around your mouth to keep your face warm, especially during those cold AND windy runs.
Rocking the Buff as a headband
Infinity Scarves
Most of my infinity scarves are from Old Navy. They have really nice fleece ones that aren’t too thick so they are perfect for running. I find that the infinity scarves work best for really windy runs.
Tell me: What are your cold weather running essentials?
Join the Link-Up!
Topic for next week – Next week is a “Free topic” week so feel free to write about any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
I’m also linking up with Marc from Train With Marc and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
I would never have thought of using an infinity scarf for running but I do use buffs in the winter — my Wonder Wool Skirt Sports tops don’t come up around the neck (and are obviously one of my essentials) — the Toasty Vest was a surprising one for me because I don’t like vests. And then there’s the Toasty Cheeks skirt . . . Mudgear compression socks . . .
I’ve thought about wearing a Skirt Sports skirt over my leggings because sometimes my butt gets cold, lol.
I am also a fan of wool socks. I also have the same buff but I call mine a gaiter? I can also vouch for the Under Armour gear. I wore those pieces before switching over to Oiselle.
Yup I’ve heard it be called a gaiter before too. I really love that I’ve had my UA gear for over 4 years and it’s still in good condition.
All of the above!! And, a lot of my gear is from Old Navy as well. I wore a similar buff at my race a few days ago…it was thing, but just having that little bit of fabric (periodically) over my mouth/nose made a huge difference., and it wasn’t super thick so it was easy to breathe through. And, of course, I”m a strong advocate for the puffer vest 😉
I love that the Buff is so versatile too. My ears are normally the coldest thing on my body so once I get them warm I’m good to go!
I wore a puffer vest during a 5K once and really liked it. I need to do that again.
I LOVE how the infinity scarf can totally add character to a race outfit! (Your Christmas one is adorable!) I never even thought about wearing one – great suggestion!
Me too! I actually got that Christmas one from Kohls. I couldn’t resist because it was so cute!
I just linked up with a race recap because I don’t have cold weather tips haha. I pretty much just wear everything I own and pray when it gets cold that I don’t die. #FloridaProbs
LOL! Heading over to read your race recap now 🙂
Hah, I just did the same. I could have cold weather running, but talking about a Florida race is way more fun
I used an infininty scarf in my first race. I found it annoying but should give it another go now that I’m more experienced. Buffs are magic.
Yeah i think the trick is just too make sure that the infinity scarf isn’t too bulky because then it can get really hot!
I did my first run outside in a month this morning! My injury felt fine. Yay! Love wearing a buff as a scarf in the cold weather. Snow and freezing rain predicted here for tomorrow. I think I may be back to the elliptical again. Ugh!
So glad that your injury didn’t flare up on your run!
I love the Under Armor cold gear stuff too. I found a good price on their leggings at the outlet store so that’s a good option to save some money too.
I always love when I can find a great deal on UA leggings!
I love my Buff during the winter months!
Me too! It’s probably one of my favorite go-to running pieces for the Winter.
Wool compression socks – I never knew they made such a thing! I know this winter hasn’t been THAT bad considering but I’m over it. Ready for single layers LOL
Yup, the wool compression socks are amazing!
I feel like we’ve been lucky this winter, especially why compared to the mid-west!
I have been into hats this year and fleece lined tights. The buff comes out under 20 degrees.
Fleece lines tights are so good too, especially when it’s super windy!
Admittedly (and thankfully) our Botswana winters are never quite cold to warrant too much winter gear! But I have used a buff before and found it made such a difference and my husband and cousin can’t step out for a winter run without gloves. Their fingers stay ice cold for so long!
The buff is really great because it’s so versatile!
Great tips! Clearly, I need to go shopping! I love the infinity scarf idea – I’ve been using the BUFF neckwarmer which is great but sometimes it feels too restricting. I will have to check out Under Armour and some wool socks!
I need to look into getting the Buff neck warmer!
It’s all about layers for me when it’s cold out. Gloves, something to cover my ears, and I’ve never thought of a scarf before but I’m going to be adding that to my list so that my chin wont freeze 🙂
Same, although I have to be careful not to overdress since I tend to get pretty warm after the first mile!
I’m so happy I don’t have to deal with crazy cold weather. I do wear compression socks and UA gear as a base layer even in my comparatively mild temps though. And I wore a buff (that’s the same as a gaiter, right?) at the Mesa-PHX marathon. It kept my neck warm and actually helped me from breathing in the debris from the start line campfires!
Yup, the buff is the same thing as a gaiter! I really love mine because I can use it in really cold to moderately cold weather!
Just picked up some feetures higher length socks. They’re merino wool… Oh my, they are fantastic!
Yes! Those wool socks make a huge difference, especially in super cold temps.
I never would have thought to use an infinity scarf for running! Genius!
Even on our coldest days, we just don’t need to bundle up quite that much. Gloves and ear warmers, tights and maybe an extra long sleeve shirt. It’s always so humid that within the first mile or so, I’m usually back to one shirt anyway.
I used the infinity scarf on a whim one day because my other scarves were in the laundry basket. Although it wasn’t planned, it ended up working out great!
a gaiter, beanie, skirt over my leggings, mittens, wool socks…layers
That’s it.
I am anxiously awaiting wearing none of the above.
Yup, it’s all about the layers!
I never would have thought of wearing an infinity scarf! That’s actually pretty brilliant! I’ve always just suffered until my husband finally bought me a buff. lol
And wool socks, definitely! Didn’t know they came in compression, too!
My essentials are no cold weather, please and thank you. haha! But, because that’s not going to happen unless I move somewhere cold doesn’t exist, my essentials include all the layers. All of them. And my minion hat. 🙂
LOL well I’m glad that your husband got you a Buff!