Sometimes the most challenging part of Winter Running is figuring out what to wear. Here in the DC area, our weather seems to change dramatically from day to day, so much so, that it can leave runners super confused on what to wear.
This is also a big topic of discussion within my Moms Run This Town group. Worry no more ladies! I’ve come up with guide that I use to figure out what to wear to stay comfortable and warm (but not too warm) on my winter runs. Keep in mind that you are “supposed” to dress for temps 5-10 degrees warmer than it is as you will warm up as you run.
For temps 50-55 degrees:
Ah the perfect temps! For these days I wear shorts or a skirt with a short sleeved tech shirt. If it is raining, I would wear a tank and a light water resistant jacket. (Pictured here Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra in Tantrum)
For temps 45-50 degrees:
For this temp I find I am most comfortable in capri pants with a long sleeved tech shirt or a tank with a light half zip. I might start with very light gloves. (Pictured here Redemption Capri)
35-45 degrees:
Full length tights with a long sleeved tech shirt and vest or light jacket. Thermal head band and gloves. (pictured here Go the Distance tights and Lululemon Run Swiftly top)
25-35 degrees:
Lined running tights with a turtleneck or long sleeve + medium weight fleece or jacket. Warmer weight gloves and a fleece hat. (Here I am wearing the Skirt Sports Heartbreaker skirt . I like the added warmth of the skirt covering my butt). I will frequently add a hand warmer into my gloves.
Under 25 degrees:
I am adding a second pair of tights a thicker running jacket with some wind protection or Gortex. Double gloves or hand warmers plus a balaclava or neck gaiter. I prefer the neck gaiter that I can pull up over my chin and face.
I always have a stash hand warmers in my car for winter runs. I hate it when my hands are cold.
I hope that I’ve given you some useful tips and ideas to keep warm and comfy on your winter runs.
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Layers!! My mom is all about the layers when she hikes in the cold weather… But as she warms up, the layers come off – It looks like she’s doing a strip tease and tossing clothing off as she hikes LOL!
ha I can just picture it but yes layers are good!
My favorite piece of cold weather gear is by far my Craft base layer…It seems so thin, but is sooo warm. Super easy to move in too. I need to invest in one more pair of awesome tights this year. Great graphic!
I have not tried Craft I need to check it out. I have a few under armour and lulu base layers I love.
Good post. I struggle with layering on race day because I really heat up at race efforts. Turkey Trot time is always a challenge. I find if I have gloves and arm warmers with a t-shirt I can always push them down or take them off. And 25 and below, I’m on the treadmill 😉
I only take to the mill when I absolutely have to! It can be challenging sometimes
What, you don’t have a polar vortex section?
How terrible was that? I hope that doesn’t come again. My polar vortex section says: road trip!!
Love that chart you made! I will be stuck in the 25 and under category here soon… for probably 4 months or so 🙁
lol that is why my daughter did not go to Syracuse!! We should have a blogger meet up in South Beach or something 🙂
Great infographic! Cold hands are the worst!
Cold hands are the worst!
I must be a wuss then because at those temps I’m bundling up! LOL Of course I’m walking not running so that may play a factor.
It’s invigorating 🙂
great guide!!!! I will warn you if it gets under 25 degrees here, I am in trouble ! LOL! I am still waiting on the 60’s!!!! I do have a thermal headband so bring on the cooler weather!!!!!
Yes I suspect it’s not as useful for you. If it gets too cold this year I might just take a road trip down to visit you
Awesome post! Winter running>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>summer running. I would rather take off layers when I get hott as opposed to starting off hott in the summers.
I agree! Thanks for stopping in
We just moved to a colder climate this past year, and this is a fantastic list that I need to bookmark and look back to frequently!! I get so warm when I run, so layers are critical!!
Thanks hope you find it helpful
It’s funny – but my attire depends more on how fast I plan to run and the wind and the sun than the actual temp. I can be perfectly comfortable on a really cold day not wearing much if I’m racing. If I’m going easy, sometimes I never warm up. Thankfully, I’m learning more and more what works for me, so don’t often completely screw up anymore.
The wind and the sun do impact as well but that was way too technical for me to figure out 🙂 How much are you loving this weather though?
I am constantly second guessing my winter layer selection! I am pretty sure I have to google/pinterest layers depending on the weather at least 3 days a week… Thanks for the extra info!
Ha ha yes it is confusing!
This is so helpful! And also probably why I don’t run outside much unless the weather is perfect (I’m a gym loving type of girl), I’m not well equipped for it! Another staple for me when running outside during most seasons: my inhaler for allergies!
Yes do not want to forget that! I love the gym too for spin and weights etc but love to run outside when I can. Thanks for stopping in!
Love this guide! I can’t believe how warm it still is outside! I keep starting in a light running jacket and having to take it off a few miles in.
It has been fabulous but we both know it can’t last 🙂
I usually wear more and warmer clothes than you are suggesting but I know I am a bit of wuss! I do like to be warm even when running.
I always over dress at the beginning of the season then end up too hot!
Oh no, I don’t want to think about winter running yet! This is a great guide. I’m hoping the winter this year won’t be as bad as last year…I may need to get hand warmers and a balaclava if that’s the case!
Well it has been beautiful but we both know that is not going to last! I love the hand warmers
I don’t even want to think about this yet! We’ve had such a spectacular fall. I’ve worn gloves once so far! I know it’s all going to change and very soon. But yes, these are great guidelines!
Thanks! It has been such an amazing temp the past few weeks. We both know what’s coming though 🙂
This is a great guide! I love winter running because I get to layer. My favorite pieces are the neck gaiter, gloves (until I get too hot), and Bondi Bands because they cover my ears.
The neck gaiters are great I love to pull it up over my face.
I love the pictures!!
I am one of those who is always so confused what to wear!! I found a website on runnersworld where you can plug in the time of day, temp, wind/no wind, sky factors, type of run and how you want to feel. Hit enter and it tells you what to wear. I don’t always agree with it and have often regretted not following because I end up too hot-lol!
http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear
I like your diagram too! Gonna print that out and put it by my running clothes! Thanks!
Thanks! The wind and time of day do make a difference but that was too scientific for me 🙂
It’s always below 30 here once winter starts…I hate winter! Great tips!
Yea it’s been gorgeous here the past few weeks but I know it won’t last!
Your post is exactly the dilemma I was facing before my Marathon this weekend. First we thought the race would be in the 50s, but then it turned out to be in the 60s. I went through so many different type of clothing options. I know this sounds funny, but living in Florida my initial thought at first was that I might need cold gear for temps in the 50s:). I’m glad I opted for running capris and a short sleeve shirt. My favorite piece of Winter running clothing is a long sleeve shirt and long running pants. It feels nice to get a break from the usual tank and shorts.
Ah I am headed over to read your re cap right now! I was thinking about you that day.
Ohhh! Good topic. Great graphic that I had to share and pin! Layers are key and all those wonderful materials out now that keep you warm and dry are fantastic.
Thanks for sharing! Layers are key have a great day
Great list. It’s important to have a plan and the proper gear. The weather here in DC can be such a pain with how much it can change day to day or even just within the day.
I know our weather is crazy but we can’t complain lately! Unfortunately we know what’s coming soon
This is a fabulous infographic that I need to print and put in my closet! I’m forever showing up to our non AC/heat gym in shorts when it’s freezing or vice versa. Maybe this will help me get it together!
thanks hope it does help you!
I did something very similar two years ago that I keep on my “Coaching” tab. It’s a great resource for each new season when I just can’t remember what felt best when the temps dropped. I’ve always run hot, so I’d need to take a layer off for every temp you list. Last Tuesday my friend showed up for a run at 38° in long tights, long-sleeved shirt, and balaclava (just around her neck). I had on shorts and a short sleeved shirt and was perfect. Contrasty, I have to wear gloves if the temps get below 50° or my fingers feel like they’re going to fall off!
It was cold last week for one day and we all over dressed! My hands are always freezing as well but I also warm up quickly. Enjoy this weather
What a great breakdown of what to wear at different temps! I’m excited this fall has been warm, so no need for layers yet 🙂
I am loving this weather but I know what’s coming soon
Its always so hard to not under or over dress when the weather is constantly changing. I’d rather overdress and strip layers off if needed than be under dressed and regret it.
I know the temps are so variable it’s always a guess!
Agreed. I usually have a top that I can tie around my waist when the weather is iffy. Plus, it’s always good to have a spare layer, especially if the run ends when you’re still away from home and have to walk any distance to get back.
Also true! Gotta love the temps this week though!
This is a great guide. I’ve run in low 30 and high twenty degree weather and I concur with the two pairs of tights theory. At those temps, my feet feel cold, I think from being in contact with the air closer to the ground.
But gloves are the item I can’t go without when it gets 50s. Where the rest of my body warms up, my fingers feel cold.
Great post. I’m pinning you.
thanks! My hands always get so cold too and my chin oddly! Thanks for stopping in happy running 🙂
You know it’s cold when I drag out my fleece cap and vest. I wish the hand warmers would do something about my numb fingers. I have Raynauds and would appreciate finger warmers. What’s the phrase? Necessity is the mother of invention. Hmmm…..
I actually think I have that also my fingers turn white but the I hold the hand warmers and they do help me.
Thanks for putting together an awesome guide! Thankfully it rarely gets too cold here, but sometimes when it does I have no idea what to wear. I’ll definitely be referring to this (and hoping I never have to bust out hand warmers lol)
I hope you don’t either and thanks! 🙂
Great list! I’ve never word two pairs of tights, but do have warmer ones for colder temps.
I only did once during that polar vortex craziness 2 years back. Hope we aren’t headed there again
Under 25, I say time for a treadmill…..haha. I have only used hand warmers when I ski. I will have to try those out if I ever brave the cold.
The handwarmers are great!
Great post! This definitely will come in handy when traveling to colder places! I am a huge fan of hand warmers in cold weather.
Hand warmers are my best friend in the winter
I’m considering training for a 10K or Half Marathon and I’m excited I found you. I love this post because I can always be motivated by new workout gear.
Well thanks! So glad to have you following. Training for a new distance is always fun and exciting can’t wait to see your progress. Thanks for stopping by!!
Great suggestions! Even after all my running I still screw this up sometimes. I feel like the wind (we get really windy in the mountains sometimes!) and whether it’s sunny or not impact my decision making too.
AND I have to admit if it’s under 40 or so…. The treadmill is my best friend!!
I know it can be confusing can’t it?! I avoid the mill whenever possible
This is great! When the temps get down into the 40’s is when I’m not quite sure what to wear. I always tend to put too much on and then get to hot! Layering is helpful! Thanks for the chart!
I always over dress at the beginning of the season too and then I am so hot.
I’m such a cold weather wimp that I avoid running outside in the winter at all costs! Thankfully I’m in FL now so I don’t have to worry about super cold temps any longer 😉 These are some great suggestions on what to wear at different times of the year. I’ll be traveling up north next week so I need to pack some warmer running clothes to get me through a few outdoor runs!
Thanks! Hope it helps and hopefully you won’t have to use it too much down there in FL 🙂
This is DEFINITELY a pinnable post. This is the time of year where you have to start thinking more about what you put on. Great reference!!
Thanks so much! It can be confusing and I always tend to second guess myself and over dress.
Great tips! Our weather just turned here, I think it’s trying to lightly snow again right now:) But I got out Monday for my first walk/run in over 2 months and yay it felt great, but when I left I saw the gloomy skies and thought cold, but got out and it was like 70, so ya I didn’t dress well, LOL
I do love how you broke it up by temperature.
The only things I add to my own winter workout gear depending on the days if it’s an icy cut through you wind, I take a windbreaker that zips and can come off as needed. Also, I call it my robber look, LOL I take a bandana to cover my mouth. Although your neck gator looks like it might work for the same purpose just as well, if not better:)
I do love the neck gaiter for that exact reason. Glad to hear you are back out on the trails.
My fav piece of cold weather gear is by far my Lulu Lemon layering scarf….as long as my head, neck and feet are warm, I am good to go:)
I love the lulu gaiter I have it’s great to pull over my chin and nose on cold days too. Have you tried their run swiftly shirts? They are great
I have not! I may be be putting this on my Christmas list through!
Great! Thanks for stopping in and happy running 🙂
I LOVE this post, Deborah! I’m a listy person and it’s so nice to have it all listed out on one page 🙂 makes it an easy reference as the temps get cooler. Thanks!
Thanks! I am a list person too and it can get very confusing!
Those handwarmers are always in the dollar bin at Target. I grab a handful every year!
They are the best! My hands get so cold
awesome tips!! I’m in Iowa, so I am all-too-familiar with cold weather running. My favorite piece is a puffer vest….it’s warm but doesn’t have the bulk of a full jacket. I have several (in pretty colors LOL) that I layer over a fleece-lined tech shirts or polar fleece jackets.
This is such a helpful post!
I have to admit, I don’t know Fahrenheit, but I know I was completely unprepared when I ran my second half marathon in Montreal in -30 Celsius. A little uncomfortable 🙂
I will be referring to this in the coming months, so thank you!
Meg x
http://www.anchoringchange.com
Glad you find it helpful! I don’t know celcius but that sounds cold -stay warm! and thanks for visiting
This is such a helpful post! It is so challenging to motivate yourself to get out there and run when it’s cold out, but most people just probably aren’t dressing quite right. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Hope it helps although it probably doesn’t get too cold where you are!
This is my third winter running and I still haven’t worked out the best clothes to wear!
Gloves are a must for me as I get very cold hands.
It’s a challenge huh? My hands are always cold too I am on the search for a warmer pair