Running Gear for Cold Weather

With the winter season well and truly upon us now, it is important to get together some winter gear for all those people who cannot do without their daily running and jogging session. Low temperatures and freezing weather conditions are enough to stop some people from heading out for their routine run, and it is absolutely necessary for these people to keep themselves well protected from the cold.

Failure to do so can lead to severe sickness, because the body will be unable to find a balance between the cold outside, and the warm temperature inside the body. You must also remember to warm up properly before running, because the winter season is the most dangerous time for getting severe cramps and other serious muscle injuries.

Winter Running Gear

It is important to pay attention to each and every single part of your body that is going to be exposed to the elements. Wearing gear that is too thick will obviously limit your movement, so you should focus on wearing more layers of clothing instead. This will ensure that you are sufficiently protected. The very first thing that you should do is get a pair of gloves and some headgear, because these are the most vulnerable parts when you are running. A warm pair of woolen gloves will be perfect, and even a pair of mittens will achieve the purpose. Your head loses a lot of heat while running, so it is imperative to keep it covered properly. There are a number of woolen hats that you can use for this purpose, and you should make it a point to keep it on at all times.

Another important part of cold weather running gear is a scarf or a neck gaiter. This will keep your neck warm, and you will appreciate this very much. An exposed neck could lead to severe consequences, so you must do all you can to protect your neck. Wear a scarf, a gaiter, or even a snood, or simply zip up your jacket all the way. Small spaces can lead to a lot of cold air coming through, so you will need to be very precise.

As mentioned before, the gear is divided into layers. This ensures that the moisture from the sweat gets sucked into other layers and does not stick to your body. This keeps your body warm during the evaporation of the moisture. The innermost layer that you wear should be of the Dri-Fit material or even thermax. Never wear an inner layer that is made of cotton, as this will make you feel colder. The next layer is known as the insulating layer and this sucks the moisture out of the inner layer, but still keeps you warm. Wear wool or fleece for this layer.

The outermost layer will be to protect you from the elements directly. So if it is raining wear a wet weather jacket that will keep the water from getting inside. The same applies if it is snowing. A wind cheater will ensure that cold winds do not penetrate your layers and make you feel cold. Choose a jacket or a cardigan or other items of winter clothing with a zip for better results.

Always wear socks, and if possible, wear two pairs of thermal socks. The lower part of your body feels less cold than the upper part, but this does not mean that you should not take steps to protect it as well. Wear two layers again, and under no circumstances should you wear shorts. Wear track pants or leggings that are warm. With the right kind of gear, running in cold weather should not be a problem for you.

This gear is only meant for those people who are so committed to running that no amount of cold can keep them away. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, you must refrain from it. Run on a treadmill inside a gym or in your home instead, because running in extreme cold can be harmful if you do not approach it with the right mindset.