Winter is Coming: Gear Up & Get Ready
Union Glacier, Antarctic Ice Marathon - Photo Credit: Global Running Adventures
I hate the cold. Says the woman who only drinks ice coffee all year round, has run in Antarctica, and currently trains in the winter of Boston, MA. But seriously, the cold and I, we do not get along. I suffer from a condition called Raynaud's Disease. That coupled with my hypothyroidism is the perfect cold brew for one frozen body. Once I get cold, it is a painfully long return to warmth. BUT...I love winter runs. There is nothing like running in solitude of winter. There is something magically serene about being outdoors in the cold with only your footsteps breaking the quiet freeze. To feel this stillness, the crunch of snow under your feet and a pure white expanse filling your eyes for miles.
Ice Coffee in Winter? Yes, please!
You may or may not be aware, I am not the best when it comes to race planning & prep. I am mostly the fly by the seat of my pants, dive right in type. Because I fear the cold (and because for Antarctica you absolutely need to be prepared), I spend a bit more time getting ready for subzero running. Why is this important for YOU? The gear list for outdoor running can be daunting and pricey. Since for us in the Northern Hemisphere, its the season for winter running, I put together a short list of recommendations for winter running that should not break the bank and should carve out some helpful essentials to get you outdoors and active!
Snow Days! Thanks for my package @InfinitNutrition! #IamInfinit
Okay, so here we go. Kelly's Keys to cold success:
Invest in Quality Gear: You do not need to break the bank, but if you want to be happy outside in the cold purchase some winter performance gear (see recommendations below).
Layer: Important to not overdress - feel a bit of the cold sting when you start - once you get going the sting should disappear. You want a fine balance between feeling warm and not sweating too much. If you know you’re sweating, open a jacket vent or unzip a layer to help you cool down & remember for next time you may not need that extra layer.
Leave Space! Leave some room for your extremities - wear looser socks and size up your sneaker. It is crucial that I give my toes some wiggle room to keep the blood circulating. The larger sneaker also helps with thicker socks!
Wear Mittens: Always, always mittens. I am miserable if my hands are frozen. Mittens allow your fingers to touch generating more heat for your hands.
Loose & Comfy: Comfortable, loose, non-bulky layers are perfect. Helps in removing & carrying layers while running.
Play in the snow & have a warm brew ready. Remember what it was like to play in the snow when you were a kid? You could stay out for hours! So be a kid, stay out for hours and have fun! And the best part? Après outdoor time. The warmth of a hot tea, a fire, and a warm shower.
Bundled in CRAFT gear in Antarctica! Union Glacier Camp
WHAT GEAR TO WEAR? GO TO LIST
At 5'5" & 125 pounds, this gear keeps me warm & protected for running in extreme conditions. Depending on the day, I will add or drop a layer. The more you run outside, the more your body will acclimate so you may find your layers adjust as the season progresses. Trial & error the layering to find your perfect winter wonderland balance. Happy running!
Top: Above 25F, I wear a wicking running tank and a longsleeve baselayer . Below 25F I add a jacket, wind resistant with vents is good too. Anything Antarctica levels (and for your Minnesotans) a mid-layer is a great addition!
Legs: Above 25F, I still wear shorts. Below 25, I swear by the women's Sugoi Subzero Tight. I just bought a new pair but still use my 12-year-old tights as well. Anything Antarctica levels, add wind resistant pants.
Head: Hat - choose your fave - and something bright so people can see you!
Face: Love a couple balaclavas! In colder temps where I need constant nose/mouth covering a balaclava with mouth ventilation to help you breath and to keep as much of the moisture off your mouth (still will not be perfect). Goggles with vents are key to help with fogging!
Hands: Wear mittens; always. Mittens allow your fingers to touch generating more heat; plus handwarmers fit nicely inside. My favorite pair for 20F plus days are Sugoi Zap Wind Mitts and for colder days the Denali Women's Mitten by NorthFace. If you are heading to run in below 0F temps, I recommend hand warmers, the mitts, and an outer mitten similar to these by L.L. Bean for skiing.
Feet: Balega Enduro Crew or Smartwool Run Cold Weather. Some people choose YakTrax, but in Antarctica (i.e. ice & snow) I really liked Saucony’s Peregrine Ice+.