Question:
i enjoy running, like most of you but i hate cold weather. i used to run
3-4 times a week until it got cold around here (silver spring, MD).. i
wanna continue to run but it's just so cold. what kind of winter gear
should i get (please be specific.. kinds, brands, tips) to overcome the
cold weather?
Answer:
A long-sleeved shirt of some material that wicks moisture away from your
body (thermax, polypropelene for example), a windproof jacket (any good
tightly woven nylon), heavy tights (with or without moisture wicking and
other stuff like that), wool gloves or mittens, and a kind of hat called
a balaclava helmet will get you through some pretty chilly weather.
Get the jacket in a large size so you can layer an extra shirt under it
when it gets even colder. Maybe add wind pants (nylon like the jacket)
when it gets really cold too.
A balaclava helmet is like a ski mask in that you can wear it on top of
your head like a hat or pulled down. But when pulled down, rather than
having just eye and mouth holes, there's one big cutout so most of your
face is exposed. But you can pull the bottom over your nose and mouth if
you feel you need it.
You can get more or fancier stuff but just the items mentioned above
will get most people through some surprisingly cold weather. I'm
assuming that if your're not running every day, you're not worried about
trying to run in rain and other inclement weather.
If you have to run when it's dark, be sure you have clothing with
reflective areas of use add on reflective gear so you'll be seen by
motorists.
Brands aren't that important. I just buy whatever is on sale when I
shop.
