Running Cold

My wife's friend Eddie got in touch with me recently and asked about some gear for cold weather running.  He's new to running (so new, in fact, I don't think he's yet BEEN running) so I was obviously perplexed as to why he'd want to get started NOW, in February, when running is just about its suckiest.

In the northeast, February is a month where you'll either be greeted with snow or freezing rain about 50% of the time.  Not to mention the average temperature hovers around 30 degrees on a good day.  I can't stand cold weather running, and I try to avoid it as much as possible.  I'll only run outside maybe twice a week, oppose to in warmer weather, 5-6 times.  I supplement the rest of my weekly running indoors on gym treadmills, but I cut my mileage significantly, because running on treadmills is bad for your knees and hips.

But never to be undaunted by a cry for help (or advice) I pieced together this list of cold weather running gear, keeping in mind that Eddie, being a beginner runner, is likely to be either A) on a budget, or B) not so committed to running as to want to drop 100 dollars on a pair of tights.



EMS Techwick Beanie and Gloves:

Your mom was right; you'll catch a cold if you don't at least cover your head and ears while you're playing outside.  You lose nearly 90% of your body heat thru the extremities, so it's in your best interest to keep them covered.



I like EMS's Techwick stuff, because it's comfy and it breathes, so you're not going to get too gross or sweaty while wearing it.  I used to be a huge opponent to wearing gloves when I ran, because I didn't like how my sweaty digits felt after only a few miles.  EMS's glove liners will allow the stagnant moisture escape but keep your flanges dry and warm.  ($15 bucks each, ems.com)

EMS Excel Running Tights:

I'm not the biggest fan of running in long tights, because the leg muscles being as big as they are, they tend to produce a lot of heat very quickly (usually before your first mile) so covering them up tends to lead to overheating or moisture.  However, again, EMS comes thru with a tight that wicks away moisture and allows heat to dissipate slowly over time, keeping you warmer (but not too warm) longer.  ($35 bucks, ems.com)

Underarmour Base Layer Top:

What I lack for love in running tights, I make up for in a good base layer top.  There are many to chose from, but Underarmour gets the job done for the right price.  It's a durable product that for the money, you can expect to put tons of mileage on.  I still have a set from nearly about eight years ago that still gets weekly use this time of year.  ($50 bucks, ua.com)




Underarmour Compression Sock:

Gotta keep those toesies warm too!  These socks feed heated blood from your quads and calves down to the tips of your feet and back, allowing you to get in a few extra miles before you can't feel your feet anymore.  They're a little pricey but have you ever had to run with numb toes?  It sucks, especially if you hit one of those barely-iced-over-puddles.  ($20 bucks, ua.com)





Nike Training Long Sleeve Jersey:

Layering is important.  You don't want to be out there with just a base layer (at least til April) so Nike's training long sleeve is a good "middle layer" that still insulates but allows for air to circulate.  Moisture from your base layer will transport to this middle layer and evaporate more efficiently.  ($45 bucks, nikerunning.com)





Nike Windrunner Jacket:

Keeping in mind with the layering, you need something to keep those sudden and harsh gusts of cold winter wind off your body.  Nike makes a fairly decent light weight windbreaker complete with hood (incase you get caught in a freakish ice downpour) and water proof pockets that'll keep all your goods (ipod, gels, cell phone, etc) dry.  ($80 bucks, nikerunning.com)






Brooks Defyance Running Shoe:

Lastly, I swear by Brooks, but picking out a shoe for someone else (let alone a beginner runner) is dangerous work.  However, I wish someone had pointed these out to me when I first started getting serious about my runs.  The Defyance is a neutral running shoe and great for people who put between 5-15 miles or more a week on the road.  ($100 bucks, brooksrunning.com)