south of the loop

My friend Rosie left a comment in a previous post asking what I wore to run during Chicago’s miserable winters. I thought the answer deserved its own post in case it might help somebody else overwhelmed by all the high-tech winter running gear out there. Winter running really isn’t my favorite thing, but I don’t belong to a gym (and I hate treadmills anyway). If you’re like me, don’t give up because it’s too cold—with the right clothes, you can enjoy a run in nearly any kind of weather. (Well, except maybe the sub-sub-zero temps we’re in for the rest of the week. Nearly any kind of weather).

The absolute basics are a pair of running tights and three top layers: a baselayer, a mid-layer, and a windbreaker layer. (I don’t own the exact products linked to above, but they are pretty similar to my favorites). You should dress for weather about 15 – 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature, and you should feel chilly when you first go outside—if you’re toasty warm from the first minute you step out, you’ve overdressed.

If you only buy one pair of bottoms, I’d suggest something that fits close to your skin. Expect to spend about $70 on them. I prefer pants from a vanity standpoint (I hate having my butt encased in spandex; the pants’ looser fit is at least a little more flattering), but everytime the loose material around the ankles flaps in the wind, you’re sending more cold air straight up your legs. Brrr.

Since I prefer running pants over tights, and because I need the extra warmth, I wear a pair of SmartWool lightweight bottoms underneath the pants, which can double as long underwear underneath my work clothes during the week. SmartWool is great because natural fibers don’t get as stinky as synthetics; the brand Icebreaker is apparently even better, though I haven’t tried them yet.

Those are all the basics, and any good running store will tell you the same things and help you find the right running gear. I suggest patronizing your local running store first; once you find brands you like, you might be able to save a few bucks at websites like runningwarehouse.com. (I still buy most of my running clothes at my local Fleet Feet; they have a good frequent buyer program, and I still prefer to try clothes on first).

A few more specific recommendations, based on several winters running in Chicago and Indianapolis:

• Thorlo socks. I wear Balegas or SmartWools during the summer, but ankle-high Thorlos are hard to beat for warmth.

• Polypropylene liners. I’ve never seen these at running stores, but you can get them at REI or big-box athletic stores; they’re cheap and make a big difference if you have a hard time keeping your feet warm.

• Hats. I wear just a fleecey band over my ears if it’s above 25 or so; anything colder gets a full hat. If you’re going on a long run, stick an extra one in your pocket and switch halfway through. Some people suggest a fleecey headband with a baseball hat if you’re running in snow, which helps keep the precipicrap out of your eyes. One of my favorite hats is the Goodbye Girl, which has a hole for your ponytail.

• Gloves. The Brooks HVACs are the very best, not least because the thumbs and forefingers have a bit of terry cloth on them so you can easily wipe your uncontrollably running nose. Sometimes I’ll wear SmartWool glove liners underneath them, because I am a big wuss. A friend of mine used to wear these monstrocities over her Brooks HVACs. Make sure you have somebody to help you put them on.

• Sunglasses. That snow is brighter than you think. I had a terrible time finding anything under $80 until I came across a pair of Ryders for about $40. I love them—lightweight and good wraparound coverage.

• Reflectivity. If you buy good-quality running gear, chances are that something on it is reflective. However, I like to wear an inexpensive red flashing light on my back, and some of my running buddies also wear an LED headlamp, since we run on a path marked by goose shit, fallen tree limbs, and sometimes ice.

• Hydration. You only think you’re sweating less than in the summer. I prefer a handheld bottle, but will wear a Fuel Belt for anything longer than 9 or 10 miles. The bottle linked to above, by Ultimate Direction, is incomparable: the so-called kicker valve is easy to open and close with your mouth, and it doesn’t leak.

• Music. I don’t always listen to my iPod during nice weather, but Miss Pod is a must during cold weather. Bonus—your hat or headband will help keep the earbuds in place.

• Identification. Cheap ID tags that snap on to your shoes are available at most running stores. After getting sick of replacing mine every few months, I splurged and spent $20 on a Road ID.

• Extra socks and a dry t-shirt. If you have to travel any distance to get to your favorite running location, whether by car or public transportation, PLEASE bring dry clothes to change into afterwards. Nothing kills your running high like cold wet feet.

• Running buddies. I can’t recommend this enough. I run with Chicago Endurance Sports, the best group in Chicago (it’s true!). I don’t think it’s hyperbolic to say that I’m not sure I could make it through the winter without them. Although I hate cold weather, I think exercise and fresh air are important, and I would get neither if I didn’t have the accountability and motivation of group runs. The only way to not be miserable in freezing cold temperatures is to make yourself sweat. Not something I’d get out of bed at 6:30 on Saturday morning to do on my own. Your running buddies will make you feel less crazy, will complain with you about how cold it is (unlike your non-running friends, who can’t believe you make these kinds of decisions), and will help you pass the time. It’s also safer to run with a group, especially if it’s dark and/or icy. (But bring a cell phone and a $20 bill with you either way. Just in case.)

• Penguin Sports Wash or similar. Takes way more of the stink out of my running clothes than normal detergent, and it helps keep your running clothes in good condition. It seems to work best in small loads, but it works equally well for hand-washing and machine-washing. Let your running clothes hang dry. Since nearly everything is synthetic, putting them in the dryer is like drying plastic.

• Patience. It takes longer to warm your body in the winter, so don’t give up if you’re still cold after five minutes. Just keep on moving.

• Willingness to brag. Seriously. You just ran six miles in 20-degree weather. You are a badass!

Posted 14 January 2009

Filed under: running by ellembee

4 Comments

Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website