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Your winter running head-to-toe dressing guide

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Running in winter can be great. During a fresh snowfall when everyone else is warming up with a book and a mug of tea, you get to be out alone enjoying winter scenery. But dressing for winter running can be tricky. Dress too lightly and an otherwise good run can end too quickly. Pile on heavy fleece and you’re a soppy, sweaty mess. Here’s what to look for in gear for those especially chilly days to make winter running fun again.

The beanie: What you’re looking for with the hat is something that fits tight to the head and covers the ears but isn’t too thick that your brow is going to turn into a sweaty mess. You need something that is sweat-wicking so your head doesn’t get a chill once you start perspiring.

The buff: The buff is a winter must-have. If you don’t have one, you’ve got to go and get one. The buff does great as a neck warmer, light hat, or headband worn under a lighter toque. This is the most versatile gear essential in the drawer.

The windbreaker: The idea is for the top layer to feel light but give runners extra protection against slicing winds. Get one that’s waterproof and durable and look for bonus features like a drop in the back to protect against slush back-splash. If you need even more insulation, consider a vest to keep you snug without limiting arm movement.

The in-between layer: In the January and February days, throw on a mid-layer that’s lined and cozy without feeling chunky. A fleece-lined or wool-blend mid-layer is a great choice so long as it’s designed for athletics. Don’t throw on a chunky knit that will feel hot minutes into the run.

The base layer: When looking for a base layer, the one that hugs the body nice and snug is your best choice. Having your base layer hold in the heat will make your run comfortable without feeling like movement is restricted. If you’re going to skimp on any gear, don’t let it be the trusty base layer.

The mitt: If you’re going with a glove, make sure you get one with touchscreen compatible padding. A bonus perk to look for in a glove is a small pouch for keys. But nothing kills a run like tingly frozen fingers. For that, sometimes looking for a solid pair of cross-country skiing mitts works the best.

Heavy-duty tights: Runners know that not all tights are created equal. The one-ply tight can be left in the drawer on windchill days. Look for something lined or with an added panel along the fronts of legs where the wind really hits.

Running underwear: The right pair of undies will come with extra lining for added coverage when the wind and snow really pick up.

Your shoe: If you’re running in a wooded area or a place that doesn’t often get cleared, investing in a good trail shoe might be a good idea. With winter running shoes, look for something with solid traction. Gortex-lined sneaks will be your savior after a fresh snowfall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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