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Runners World Articles: Archives - December 2002

Gear up for Winter

The right gear can make winter running a blast. Here’s what you need

As daylight hour dwindle and temperatures dip, many runners head for the basement: some to hibernate until spring, others to run on a treadmill in the comfort of a controlled environment. But those shouldn’t be your only options, because winter can be a fantastic time to run outside. All you need is the right grear.

With help from some running-gear experts, I’ve put together a checklist that’ll get you out of the basement before the next Seinfeld rerun.

GOTTA-HAVE GEAR

REFLECTIVE GARB. As the days get shorter, you’re more likely to run in the dark or at dusk, making it harder for drivers to see you. Reflective gear could save your life.
How to Use: To make yourself as visible as possible, wear garments with reflective material on as many parts of your body as you can-shoes, pants, jackets, hats and gloves.

THE RIGHT LAYERS. To stay comfortable during a winter run, you need to layer your clothes just right. Your layers should be made of lightweight, high-tech fabrics designed to move moisture away from your skin while keeping body heat in.

How to Use: Your base layer should be lightweight and fit snugly. It’s usually made of high-tech polyester so it can wick perspiration away from your skin.
For your second layer, you need a garment that is more densely woven and will trap in your body heat. It should fit loosely over your base layer. You’ll probably only need this middle layer when the temperature dips below zero.

The outer layer’s main purpose is to protect you from the outdoor elements: wind, rain, or snow. This layer should be loose fitting, lightweight, and allow for some ventilation.

A JACKET WITH OPTIONS. There’s nothing worse than under- or overdressing for a winter run. Fortunately, many jackets today can be modified during a run to adjust to your needs.

How to Use: Some jackets come with zipper pockets big enough to stuff the entire jacket (and possibly another piece of clothing) inside if you overdress. There are also jackets with zippered sleeves you can remove if you want to pare down to a vest. And what if you forget your gloves? Some jackets now come with extended sleeves that can double as gloves.

HAT AND GLOVES. You can lose up to 50 percent of your body hear through the top of your head. And extremities, such as your hands and ears, are especially vulnerable to the elements while running.
How to Use: You’ll want to pick a hat that covers your ears as well as your entire head. And in very cold weather, keep you hands warm with layers. Wear a thin pair of liner gloves underneath a thick pair of mittens.

Getting Cold Feet?
Consider these tips for your shoes and feet this winter:
Get a grip. Snow and ice can make running hazardous. So next time you head out into these conditions, strap on a pair of Sure Foot Ice Joggers (available at www.roadrunndersports.com). These are metal grippers that attach to your running shoes to give you more traction. An alternative: Insert screws into the soles of your running shoes. If you try this, be careful not to puncture an air bladder or gel pack.

Option three: Check out Ti-GRRRIP.
Keep’em Warm. If your feet tend to get really cold on your winter runs, treat your shoes with a waterproof spray. The spray will protect the shoes from the elements and, in turn, keep your feet warmer.

Add a pair. When it’s cold, your feet don’t expand as much as they do when it’s warmer. So if your feet slide around inside your shoes during winter runs, wear an additional pair of socks. This will keep your feet warmer, too.