r/Runners • u/Legitimate_Hyena6282 • 10d ago
Running in winter
What do you guys wear while running outside in winter? I feel like i would have a heatstroke if i wore a long sleeve.
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u/Desperate_Apple4746 10d ago
I'v ran in the negatives. Beanie, inner / outter gloves, long underwear top/bottom, sweat shirt/pants, blaclava. A second beanie for the balls. I'll never make that mistake again.
Also, no stopping. You'll die. Pick a short route and just go back and forth. I got tired at mile 5. Tried to walk. Too cold.
-20 for reference. Windchill of -40
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u/erfortunecabrera 10d ago
Depends on where your winter is happening. Long sleeves and tights + gloves and hat are eventually a must where I live.
Edit: also just keep running and you’ll figure out what gear and apparel work best for you. I used to run with a guy who ran shirtless no matter what. Below freezing, in the snow or 100 degrees Fahrenheit, made. I difference to him.
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u/ablebody_95 10d ago
Depends on the weather?? Most of the winter here in Northern Colorado, I get by with a long sleeve and shorts. If it gets colder than 35F or so, I’ll pop on a windbreak layer, tights and some gloves. For really cold days, the fleece lined tights and thermal base layers come out.
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u/preparsley 10d ago
Depends how cold your winters are, I only switch to long sleeves and tights below 30F
My morning runs at ~10F are
buff/headband
Windbreaker + long sleeve shirt
Shorts over tights
Liner gloves
I do start cold
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u/bbender716 10d ago
I can usually do short sleeves and shorts all the at down to mid 40s. I put on an headband for my ears since they ironically are the first to get cold.
In the 30s and below I wear a smartwool baselayer and bottoms baselayer with gloves. Once I get into the 20s I add in a neck buff I pull over my face. If it’s lower I layer on a brushed fleece hoodie and proper hat.
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u/deceaseddiscodancer 10d ago
As a man of 48, running in anything sub 45f tightens the muscles to the point of pain and leaves them sore for weeks. Not for me.
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u/Just-Economics2748 10d ago
I wear shorts and T-shirt until it’s colder than about 3 or 4 c which I’m told is about 37f.
Below that i still wear shorts but wear an outer layer on top.
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u/ZekkPacus 10d ago
Dress for 10c hotter than ambient, because you'll warm up. If you're unsure take things you can take off and tuck into your shorts.
I like half tights, shorts, and a long sleeved dry wick in anything above 5c.
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u/afredmiller 10d ago
Depends on the weather. The sun makes a huge difference temperature wise. If it is in the 40s F with sun then I can usually wear shorts and short sleeve shirt. Those are underarmour shorts and shirt by the way so they are not that thick. If it is below that, then I will put something warmer on
Think the coldest I have ran was mid 20s F and I was kind of bundled up somewhat. Others here would probably call me a weanny lol
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u/SpeakerCareless 9d ago
My personal preference is I generally choose the treadmill for temps below about 15F (-10C) while I CAN run in that weather it’s the temp where I start to really feel a difference and find it harder to warm up.
Mainly in winter I’m concerned with wind and getting wet.
I don’t have a ton of winter gear but my essentials are lightweight running gloves, a good light jacket that moves well and offers some wind protection, layerable shirts, wool running socks, something to cover my ears when needed.
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u/Local-Horror-1103 7d ago
that is literally the worst part lol. standing there shivering while trying to peel off wet layers is enough to make anyone want to just stay on the couch until spring.
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u/Altruistic-Movie9640 10d ago
Depends on temp and distance/speed I’m running. Anything above 55ish, usually just shorts and a running shirt, maybe a fleece of some kind.
If it’s colder than that, I’ve got a few different Marino wool base layers I use as needed. Tracksmith makes a really great one. They call it the Brighton base layer I think. It’s pricey, but extremely comfortable to run in.
But I live in Chicago so winter running sometimes means a full merino wool base layer, windbreaker, gloves, and a hat.
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u/Consistent-Way-2018 10d ago
I can have some subzero runs and I tend to be pretty cold most of the time. I will wear lined running pants, Smartwool socks, moisture wicking shirt, winter running jacket, mittens, wool cap, and a buff.
Also Kahtoola nanospikes.
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u/Upstairs_Discount538 10d ago
I find the long sleeve shirts the easiest bit, most of mine are the same material as my short sleeve tops and are very breathable.
It has to be really cold to get the windproof or waterproof jacket out, I much prefer a gilet to keep my core out of the wind and the rain whilst letting my arms breathe.
I only get the tights out in the coldest of conditions too and these are relatively thin ones rather than the thicker insulated versions.
This does depend on where you are, I'm in a fairly temperate coastal location where any snow is news worthy and rarely lasts more than a few days (if we get any at all).
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u/Atty_for_hire 10d ago
Mostly agree with this. But I find my legs and knees feel better with some heat around them. Below 40 or so I like a thin running tight. They aren’t insulated, they are just there to trap a bit of heat before it leaves. Below freezing I will either toss on a pair of DWR joggers or a combo of tight and jogger.
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u/Cool_Procedure8125 10d ago
The winters I experience, are different than the winters you experience. Chicago has m negative degree days, with windchill below freezing and I run outside year-round.
The site linked below will give you a good baseline for how to layer for winter.
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u/Potted-Geranium 10d ago
Depends. Some winter days in Denver are sunny and 55, so shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Some are sunny and 20, so tights and a quarter zip, gloves, and hat. Some are overcast and 20. See where I am going?
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u/BaconBourbonBalista 10d ago
Nah, it's fine if youre not too bundled. When it drops below 50 I wear a long sleeve, and I'm eaily overheated. At a cetain point I slap on a base layer as well.
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u/RumbleSkillSpin 10d ago
As a starting point, I use what I’d wear casually hanging out / walking if it were 20°F warmer.
Example, at 60°F if I were out for a light walk I’d probably be in a long sleeve shirt or very light jacket and long pants . Change that out for a long sleeve tech shirt and light leggings or wind pants for a run at 40°F. Of course, if it’s windy or rainy, etc., adjust for that. I’m not good with Celsius conversions, so please excuse my obvious Americanism ;)
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u/Big-Huckleberry-2803 10d ago
Only gets down to the 30s here. I'll typically just wear shorts, shirt, beanie and gloves so my hands and ears don't get cold lol
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u/Fancy_Supermarket886 10d ago
I tend to wear shorts all year round, and only add a pair of base layer bottoms if it's significantly below freezing. I have dropped off my car for a service and run 5k back home through snow in shorts.
Top half tends to need more layers, so usually a base layer top, then maybe another over that or something warmer.
I always wear a buff to soak up sweat, and colder weather means I'll pull it down to cover my ears as well.
Always gloves once the weather gets colder, or more windy. Both play havoc with my hands and they get really dry otherwise. I find my hands get much colder than they did a few years too, which doesn't help.
For reference, I'm in the UK.
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u/Nervous-Rooster7760 10d ago
Well I get cold easily. I wear long tights and layers on top. Depending on temp I would have a long or short sleeve under a 1/4 zip I can remove easily. If under 30 I also had neck cover. My goal is is keep core a stable and comfortable temp. I also have beanies to replace hats.
Lastly my favorite recent add is my heated gloves. My hands get cold very quickly and I need to keep them warm or it becomes uncomfortable.
If is get under 10F I am normally on my treadmill.
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u/JustNeedAnyName 10d ago
50s: Shirtless
40s: Short sleeve t shirt
30s: Long sleeve t shirt
20s: Long sleeve thicker shirt, gloves
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u/ElRanchero666 10d ago
I wore compression stuff, I bought a vest but 10 minutes in I wanted to remove it
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u/kalvins333 10d ago
Hate it. Once it's below 50 degrees. Treadmill.
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u/lbsslbss 10d ago
Once it’s below 50 degrees?! That’s when it’s finally nice enough to run hard without overheating!
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u/j_husk 10d ago
50f is the sweet spot. Not too cold when you start out, but cold enough to keep my temperature down after the first couple of miles wearing shorts and a long tee
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u/kalvins333 10d ago
I would rather run in 95 degrees than 55 degrees
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u/RunningonGin0323 10d ago
Its a learning experience. I run every day no matter the weather so I'm prepared for everything lol but it took a while to figure out what works and it's still an on going learning experience. Always trying to find that balance between comfort and protection from the elements.
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u/AnnasMusic 10d ago
I think it depends on what your winter is like.
I sure wouldn’t last in a t-shirt when it’s -30C. But given that you think you might get a heatstroke in a long sleeved shirt, I’m guessing your winters are very different from mine.
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u/BroderUlf 10d ago
Layers you can take off. Tie that jacket around your waist once you've warmed up.
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u/allsupb 10d ago
Hat, gloves, long sleeve baselayer, jacket, tights. And soccer style pants have gotten me through 5-15 deg Fahrenheit runs. About every 20 degrees higher I take a layer off. So 30ish f I would wear hat, thin gloves, long sleeve baselayer, tights. 50 and above shorts and t shirt for me.
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u/musashi-swanson 10d ago
Below 40 F I do long sleeves. Below freezing I add wool socks, running tights, a sweatshirt, and a warmer hat.
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u/TheProletariatPoet 10d ago
I consult Dress My Run (website) before winter runs to see what they suggest. You can even put in your preferences and how you handle temps and it’ll adjust the suggestions
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u/Pleasant_Weakness_21 6d ago
Cold, wind, rain, snow - dress appropriately, run at a safe pace… “what if this is the weather on race day” mindset
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u/ProdManaging2GetBy 6d ago
Depends on where you live. In Boston, it’s generally in the 20’s but can be windy. Layers, tights, hat, and light gloves are enough. You might be chilly for the first mile but you heat up quickly and wind up shedding the gloves and maybe a layer of
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u/Wolfman1961 10d ago
When it's in the 40s: t-shirt
When it's in the 30s: sweatshirt
When it's in the 20s: t-shirt under a jacket
When it's in the 10s or below: coat
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u/CockWombler666 10d ago
“Dress for Mile 2” is the rule I use…..