Cold Weather Running Essentials

We hope you enjoy the following guest post by Garmin Ambassador Bre_Fontaine.

Let’s talk about winter running. From the swag, drag, to the cold snow magic, we all have it one way or another. Running outdoors throughout this colder season can be intimidating and will take our breath away in varying degrees, literally. Coming from the state with the “Greatest Snow On Earth”, my home Utah, I’m sending some winter bravery tips and magic your way.

I live in Northern Utah and an often familiar winter run for me, will be an earlier morn, 10-32 degree Fahrenheit, on the road or a local trail run.  It ALWAYS takes some self talk, cause let’s be real, it’s freezing out there and it’s easy to make excuses and fight back. From quietly getting out of that warm bed, as not to wake the kids, to opening the front door and stepping out into the white, frosty world. For me, like most, once I’m out there, it always surprises me at how quickly my body warms up and I’m stoked for the adventure. I’ll pass glistening, frozen fields, fog blankets, and a waking range of orange mountains. It’s always there, that feeling of being so alive, healthy, and then those moments. The ones that kind of grab your soul, and shake you up a bit. Those are ones I never regret fighting for.

As mentioned, winter running can be intimidating, and usually because we think it’ll be too cold or sketchy to go out…. but when dressed right and finally out there, I promise, you’ll always finish feeling brave and privileged. Here are some winter wear details that have helped me to comfortably get out and live the frosty season to it’s fullest.

Starting with head and neck buffs, on down to added shoe traction, here’s a list of items to refresh, compare and add details to what’s working for you.

• HEADband or beanie: Hopefully a no brainer.. so grab your fave and cover those ears.
• NECK warmer: For me, I rarely wear one, because they really do the job and are SO warm. I’ll wear mine in negative temps, or up in the mountains. It’s called a neck buff- which is basically a an extra wide headband. It has lots of material so if needed you can pull it up over your mouth and nose or over the back of your head. You can find them at most run companies and online.
• UPPER BODY layers: I almost always wear a snug fitting tank, then a long sleeved, tight fitting jacket. The Nike pro- thin fleece lined style, are my favorite. Wear it snug fitting to keep cold drafts out. They always warm up nicely and more than you’d expect once running. For me, I’ll add another jacket or vest on top if it’s below 25*F or if it’s raining or snowing. (Everyone may be a little different of temps) You’ll want a jacket that can repel wind and moisture to keep you dry.
• GLOVES: Of course these are a must. Whether it’s the cheap warmer weather knit gloves or the thicker style options for freezing temps. Again, fleece lined are always warmest. A nice addition for inside your gloves are the “hot hands” -little packets that you can activate to give warmth up to 8hrs. I’ve rarely needed them for even the coldest of temps but they will make a happy addition whether in gloves or tops of feet.
• Quality running TIGHTS: These will make all the difference. You’ll want fleece lined, and something that moves easily with you. Some can be stiff and feel restricting. My favorite pair right now are Pearl Izumi thermal tights. Most running companies sell varying degrees of fleece lined jackets and tights. Totally worth the money because cold leg muscles are painful, and are a risk for injury.
• SOCKS: Compression socks are where it’s at for me. It’s no lie that they keep blood flowing for warmth, recovery and less fatigue. My favorites are @ProCompression. They have varying lengths that I alternate between depending on mood and achy legs. For snow shoeing or long snow running, I’ve worn wool compression socks found online. Either way- wearing one pair at a time has been enough. The compression style socks fit snug and are blister free. A tip I’ve found for ensuring no blisters in wet weather running or long miles, is Desitin. Rub that baby cream on hot spots and between toes to keep moisture and blisters outta there.
• SHOES: This depends on the amount of wetness you’ll be dealing with. If it’s cold and clear streets, regular running shoes will be just fine. If there will be any ice, snow, or slush on your run, you’ll want a trail shoe. They are generally more water proof, warmer and have better traction. I’ve been wearing Pearl Izumi’s and Hoka’s trail series.
• ADDITIONAL shoe traction: If you’re gonna get crazy and snowshoe run or cover lots of trail miles, get a pair of waterproof GAITERS. You’ll look and feel like a true mountain man… and one that doesn’t have snow down the tops of your shoes.

I also use added traction on the soles of my shoes for icy roads and of course snowy trails. There are many types, but a few winners to check out are Goathead Sole spikes, MICROspikes and Yaktrax. The Goathead are essentially little screws. I have them screwed into my older road shoes and use them for icy roads only.

The MICROspikes and Yaktrax are not so intrusive because you simply pull them on and off the bottoms of your shoes. I LOVE and highly recommend these for any winter trails. They have “running” models made specifically for the impact and the wear and tear they will sustain. I’ve ran/hiked 18+ snowy miles in the Yaks before with no pain, or trouble. They were gems for keeping me on my feet and moving over slick terrain.

So, whether you’re a Yeti, born in a snowstorm, or Bambi crashing on ice, I hope you thought of some new ideas to make this year’s winter running wicked awesome and safe!

See you out there!

Here’s a list of things other avid runners said they LOVED MOST about winter running. (Taken from comments on a post I wrote on 11/17/16)

The bright white silence

First footsteps

Feeling alive

My treadmill, I’m such a baby

The sweet sound of snow crunching

Passing holiday delivery trucks

Sparkling landscapes and decorated trees

Freshness and Yaktrax

Running while it’s snowing, something about the air is different