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Matthew Boyd / October 14, 2019

Winter Running Gear Strategy

Winter Running Gear

Well, it’s that time of year again. The leaves are falling and winter is coming. If you hate the treadmill as much as I do, you’re bracing yourself for another winter of running. Now, many runners just kind of take the winter off. This is a terrible mistake as it puts you at significant risk of injury when you start running again in the Spring. You need to keep your weekly mileage up to help your tissues retain the resilience you have built up through your training and racing this year. So, you have two choices. Treadmill, or freezing. I choose freezing. To help you avoid actually freezing, you’ll need a Winter Running Gear Strategy.

In fall, I find it particularly difficult to choose the right winter running gear to don on any particular day. The temperature fluctuates too much right now and I find myself peeling off layers as I go or gritting my teeth and clenching my hands as my fingers slowly become frost bitten. Last year, to help me avoid these scenarios, I drew up a little list of what to wear depending on the temperature that day. I’ve found it super helpful so I thought I’d share it here.

How to use the Winter Running Gear Strategy

So here’s a breakdown of my winter running gear strategy. I just use regular running shoes and socks year round so I’ve left them off the lists. I’ve tried to provide links to the actual gear I use. I don’t get any money for this (I wish). All temperatures are in Celsius and you MUST use the “feels like” temperature. This will account for wind chill. So when you look up the temperature before donning your winter running gear just make sure to look at the “feels like”, “real feel” or “with wind chill” temperature. Then just click one of the quick links below to jump to that section:

  • +5° and above
  • -5° to +5°
  • -15° to -5°
  • -30° to -15°
  • -30° and below

Obviously, this is a very subjective thing. I’d highly encourage you to make your own Winter Running Gear Strategy.

My Winter Running Gear Strategy

+5° and above

  • Running Shorts
  • Running T-Shirt

-5° to +5°

  • Running Shorts
  • Activewear Run Tights
  • Long-Sleeve Running Top
  • Winter Run Jacket
  • Beanie
  • Thin gloves

-15° to -5°

  • Thermal Running Wind Pants
  • Beanie
  • Thin gloves
  • Thermal Socks
  • Balaclava
  • Long-Sleeve Running Top
  • Winter Run Jacket

-30° to -15°

  • Thermal Running Wind Pants
  • Beanie
  • Thin gloves
  • Thermal Socks
  • Balaclava
  • Long-Sleeve Running Top
  • Long Sleeve Base Layer Top
  • 2nd Long Sleeve Running Top
  • Winter Run Jacket
  • Activewear Run Tights
  • Winter Mitts
  • Winter Run Jacket

-30° and below

  • Use a treadmill you crazy idiot

Alright then, that’s that. Do you have a Winter Running Gear Strategy? Or any thoughts on mine? Leave a comment below.

Filed Under: Article Tagged With: Running Gear, Running Shoes, Winter Running

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Disclaimer

I am a Registered Physiotherapist within the province of Alberta, Canada only.

Any online consultations with individuals located outside of Alberta will be in my capacity as a Certified Running Coach. I do not provide Physiotherapy or injury rehabilitation services to anyone located outside of Alberta, Canada.

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