Winter Gear and Cold Weather Running Tips

Good afternoon.

We have been talking for a long time that proper gear and clothing can make training comfortable in any weather. Therefore, you should remember about some basic things.

There is a wide variety of advice but I'd like to call for a good old rule "dress for the weather". It means it's you who will be a "creator" of your own comfort.

The rule of three layers can be applied for any weather when it is lower than +10-12 C degrees. It means that thermal underwear will be the bottom layer wicking away moisture from the surface of your body. Depending on temperature conditions at which you are going to use thermal underwear you can vary its thickness.

The next layer is one that keeps the warm of body and at the same time wicks away the moisture from the bottom layer outside. Usually fleece clothing or other elements of gear made from similar material are used as the second layer.

And the third layer is windproof jacket that protect you from wind and moisture. Today, there are modern materials combining properties of two layers (fleece and windproof jacket). 

I recommend you to go for a run only if the temperature is not lower than minus 18-20 C degrees.  At the beginning you should try to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth (as you increase your pace and warm up after 2-3 km you can start to breathe though the mouth).

Also, it's worth paying attention to running shoes you wear in winter. Usually preference is given to trail models of running shoes with a good tread allowing you to feel yourself more comfortable and confident in winter.