Best winter running purchases I ever made

Triathlon Forum
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  1. A new LCD TV and DVD player to put in front of my treadmill
  2. A vacation property on Vancouver Island

But more seriously, and for those on a budget, I bought these last year and they transformed my running. Had them out again last week (a -30C cold snap will do that to a guy) and was reminded how much I like them:

  1. Get-A-Grips (apparently renamed “Surefoot DueNorth All Purpose Traction Aids”):
    http://www.surefoot.net/products.php?cat=1
    Fairly unobtrusive rubber webbing that slides over your shoes, with six tiny tungsten carbide spikes that give you incredible traction. IMHO, much better than YakTrax for icy conditions.

  2. Seirus Neofleece - neoprene/fleece mask. I got this one, but I’m sure there are similar ones out there:
    http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=2534374302883734&PRODUCT<>prd_id=845524442627188
    A little more Hannibal Lector-ish than I’d like, but WAY better than the alternatives (e.g. neckwarmers, etc.)

And it almost goes without saying, but the most important of all: Wind block briefs!

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I got a craft pro warm top. Last night I didnt get to run until 10:30pm, it was about 18 degrees and dry/windy out. THat top under a regular longsleeve dri-fit and I was VERY comfy.

I also got some pearl izumi gloves that have a pull out wind block thing to cover you fingers. Also very nice.

3

http://snowboards-for-sale.com/red_snowboard_pads/ninjaclava/

I’ve just bought one and the it’s the best thing ever. I can run looking like a ninja or wear it as a hat or some other strange combination so it looks like a foreign legion hat. Sweet.

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for me, it was a pair of wind briefs -http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/BKW1138/
Not easy to keep focused on the run, when you’re thinking about frostbite in your netherregions.

5

Just ordered the wind boxers for my husband for x-mas. Never thought of that. Good call.

My favorite:
DeSoto fleece tights
http://www.desotosport.com/products/product.asp?Category=winter&ProdID=FT

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My best purchase was a “tank of gas”. I used it to drive South where its warm and I could run in shorts and a t-shirt.

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And winter run shoes…good in snow but most valuable in slush.
http://www.ukgear.com/Shop/Products/Mens-Footwear/1081-PT-03-WINTER-Cold-Environment-Waterproof-Running-Shoe.html

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desoto fleece tights

toe warmers that go in your shoe over your socks. they cover about 1/3 of your foot and keep them pretty warm.

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Barry - do you recall who made the toe warmers? Thanks!

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I know descente makes them - $15 at rei.

I found some generic ones at an outlet shop for saucony or hind, but they don’t have a brand on them.

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Big fan of my Icebreaker purchases - Gotta love Merino wool as a base layer. Commute by bike through winter - if no snow and Merino avoids the odor, as it dries on my bike.

Also - love my Marmot dri-clime…great insulation and no weight.

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$3 for a couple dozen 1/4" sheet metal screws. I put them into the bottom of some old runing shoes and voila!, instant traction on snow and ice.

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Those Craft under-shirts that you can get in most cycling shops are fantastic. I’ve got about 6 or 7 of them. The best thing there is for winter running., IMHO

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Does the ad on that Icebreakers page remind you of anyone? I am Dieter

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My best was a thermo fleece cycling jacket from Northwave. I wear it for almost all my runs, and if I want to remove layers while I run, the back pockets work well for a place to shove.

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$3 for a couple dozen 1/4" sheet metal screws. I put them into the bottom of some old runing shoes and voila!, instant traction on snow and ice.

I do the same thing with my old running shoes. It works so good that I can even run on snowy trails during the winter. Just make sure your screws aren’t too long.

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here’s my list, of course, Winter temps here in the OC are almost never lower than 45 during the daytime:

craft pro warm top http://www.worldcycling.com/Craft-proZERO-L_S-Crew-Base-Layer/productinfo/CRAMBLZLS/

desoto fleece tights
http://www.desotosport.com/products/product.asp?Category=winter&ProdID=FT
Mizuno Cabrakan
http://www.mizunousa.com/equipment.nsf/1/09run2-ftwm/410369?opendocument&div=running&cat=09run2-ftwm
Balega socks
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-BES.html
adidas head and neck warmerhttp://www.performancebike.com/bikes/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&langId=-1&catalogId=10551&productId=1054204&cm_mmc=$%28referrer%29$--Clothing--ADIDAS-_-10-1764&mr:referralID=55206337-e68d-11de-b5f3-000423bb4e95

and probably the best winter garment ever, a Mantotex jacket for cycling. ( I actually have two) That price is a steal!

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_112099_-1___