Paragon Sports - The Finest Sports Specialty Store

Cold Weather Running Guide

by Paragon Sports Staff

  • Everyone is Different

    Everyone handles the cold differently. When temperatures hit the teens one woman may wear a tank and shorts, while another is equipped with insulated tights, a jacket, and gloves. Everyone’s body temperature varies, so the best approach is to experiment with layers to find your perfect comfort zone.

The Weather is Different

Being prepared for different weather conditions can help you find your comfort zone. Try writing down the weather conditions, what you wore, and your comfort level. It is important to note that your comfort zone can vary greatly depending upon if it’s sunny, cloudy, windy, damp or precipitating. Note those conditions in your journal and try to find out what the wind-chill or real feel temperature is.

Layers

It’s all about the layers.

You should have:

  • A thin performance Tee. This can short sleeve, or long sleeve, or both. Please keep away from cotton tees, these do not try quickly and keep moisture close to your skin. This layer will wick the moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and warm. Depending upon the conditions it can be worn by itself, under a shell or under the mid-weight top and the shell when it’s really cold.
  • A Mid weight performance zip top adds warmth and can be ventilated by the zipper. If the conditions are windy add a shell.
  • A wind jacket or breathable and vented rain shell. Shells with “pit zips” are easier to regulate ventilation.
  • Light weight tights are remarkably warm in cool plus conditions. -Heavier tights with a brushed fleece inside for those extreme days.
  • A Headband keeps the ears warm and prevents Brain Freeze.
  • Wool hat
  • Light weight gloves
  • Convertible gloves (turn into mittens)

You have to experiment with different combinations of the layers or just wear them all at once (when it’s REALLY cold and cloudy and precipitating)

Here’s a tip. If you are warm as soon as you go outside then you are probably overdressed.

Again, everybody is different but you should start feeling warm at about your first half mile. If you are overheating start peeling off layers and don’t forget to make notes in your journal.

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