Hello every one, I just moved up north (I’m from FL) and I have never run in the snow or for that matter in cold temps. Do you guys have any recommendations on winter running clothes, socks, etc.? Also do you recommend sticking to the treadmill for those months o is there an advantage in running outside in cold temps?
Thanks in advance!!!
how far north did you move?
I love running in the cold weather because there is no one out and I have the whole park to myself. There is something about being out running or biking on the trails that is just awesome with snow on the ground. Everyone is different on what and how much clothes they wear. I don’t have any special winter socks, but I do have a lot of winter running tights and winter pullovers. For me the most important things to keep warm are my hands, ears and junk. I have an awesome pair of fingered gloves that also have a mitten covering. The main thing about gloves is to get some with fleece on the thumb so you can wipe your nose. For my ears I just use an ear warmer because I overheat pretty easily even in winter. Most of the guys I run with go with the beanie. For your junk get some wind proof underwear and you will be in heaven. Seriously get some and you will thank me later.
The advantage is you’re not running on the treadmill. AVOID AVOID AVOID.
As far as what to wear…kind of depends on your personal thresholds and where you are/what kind of weather you’re running in. (A lot of places are “up north” of FL–big difference between, say, Kansas City and Manitoba or some such).
I like smartwool ultralightweight crew socks–they work when it’s cool, and they work when it’s -30. My personal favorite tights are the asics thermopolis tights, as they also have a very large range. For windy runs with temps or windchill substantially below zero, I also have a pair of fleece lined tights. I also wear a fleece gaiter when it’s way below zero/windy as well. If you’re a dude, I’d recommend either windbriefs or underpants with duct tape on them for those days, too.
Unless it’s really cold, I normally just wear lightweight liner gloves. My hat is a stocking cap that I’ve been running in for 20 years 
It’s all about layers, really. That way, you can take off what you don’t need.
I live on the coast of Vancouver Island so it soesn’t get extremely cold, but I run out doors all year. You can dress for the cold/ or rain. I have made some screw shoes for running trails in the snow. I refuse to run on a treadmill, it gives me flashbacks of the 1000’s of miles I have logged on them while stationed on a carrier. Good clothes, layers and a light , you are set.
The treadmill will become your friend.
The treadmill will become your friend. In the same way the donut wants to be your friend! Get out and about so long as there is no ice underfoot you should be OK and if you don’t fancy it you are making excuses!
I run year round here in WI. I think the most I’ve worn even on the coldest days was tights with knicker length LJ’s, regular running socks, a really thin fleese zip up, a cycling vest, lobster mitts, and a thin beanie. I’ll usually put vasoline on my face and neck to protect against wind burn / frost nip.
You’ll be surprised at how warm you stay even in sub zero temps.
If you’re a dude, I’d recommend either windbriefs or underpants with duct tape on them for those days, too.
Genius! How did I not think of this? You just saved me from spending $35 on new windproof underwear.
A garbage/grocery bag can work as well
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I agree. I once frostbit “just the tip” on a below zero day and it wasn’t pretty. Probably one of the most miserable experiences of my life…except my wife thought it was pretty comical…
The treadmill will become your friend.
Dude, that is so wrong.
The treadmill will become your friend.
Dude, that is so wrong.
x2. Suck it up and go outside, Nancy.
Cedar Rapids, IA
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Cedar Rapids, IA
Yikes…
I made weekly trips (M-Th) to Cedar Rapids for about 18 months – be prepared to cook at home.
99% of restaurants and most people think the ‘butter & lard food group’ is the base of food pyramid. The prevalence of obesity in that town and the surrounding communities is astounding.
The glass half full view: If you’re a regular ol’ age-grouper, your relative fitness just improved dramatically. Podium here you come!
Oh, it’s not that bad. I mean, I certainly prefer the Iowa City area, but it really isn’t dramatically different than anywhere else in the midwest, in terms of fatties to non fatties.
Treadmills are for guys with no balls or for ladies. Unless it’s below zero and you’ve got a long run, suck it up.
Merino Wool Socks
Winter weight tights (I prefer CW-X, but there are lots of good ones)
Wind briefs
A GOOD baselayer (Craft or Helly Hansen, Don’t bother with Nike or Underarmour)
A good shell jacket (Softshells are nice, but can get $$$)
Solid gloves
Synthetic hat, medium thickness
Grippy shoecovers (Stabilicers, Kahtula, etc) or studded shoes
That setup gets me through all but the worst of Western NY winter (down to around 0F, or below if the weather is calm)
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LOL to a certain extend is true!!
But to be honest there is a big group of triathletes in Cedar Rapids and they are a great support group! Shout out to all MWX team members that read slowtitch 
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Great Info RFXCrunner !!!
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