Let’s Talk Running Gear!
Now, technically winter isn’t for another 10 days but after sharing some new running tights on stories + asking the audience (aka asking Instagram stories) more than 40 people voted for a post about running gear. So here we are.
Important to note that I live in West Michigan (it gets COLD) and really hate running inside. Last year the coldest run Devin, Kayla and I did was somewhere between 12-15 degrees. So, I’m going to share a few different ideas based on what “winter” weather looks like for you!
I think the easiest way to break this down is by temperature. My outdoor cutoff is 12-15 degrees (Fahrenheit). Any colder than that and it’s probably not happening. (I will run on the indoor track if absolutely necessary, but I cannot run on treadmills anymore. Terribly boring).
Over the last few years I’ve acquired a handful of items to make winter running more manageable. Because even when it’s cold and dark, I still love the fresh air!
I don’t really have any fancy running specific tops/pullovers, but rather a mixture of layers I can wear for all the winter sports. The Athleta Momentum top I’m wearing is new this year and I’ve been enjoying it so far. Where I generally spend my money is nicer running tights, and a few solid winter pieces.
Running gear for 12-25 degrees Fahrenheit
Straight up this is COLD. Even with wool socks. And yes I realize this is a pretty big range, but when it’s this cold all the layers come into play. I have a Patagonia Better Sweater quarter zip pullover and holy crap that thing is warm, so on the really cold days I usually wear that + my Patagonia Nano Air vest.
Tights – Peak Hydrid from Athleta – these are fleece lined, water + abrasion resistant – my sturdiest tights for sure.
Top(s) – UnderArmor + Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4 zip + Nano Air Vest
Running Gloves – I got mine at Costco but found them online too
Beanie/Headband
Darn Tough or Smart Wool Socks
Fanny pack forever.
For 26-32 degrees Fahrenheit
I usually don’t break out the wool socks until this point haha.
Tights – Peak Hybrid from Athleta
Top(s) – UnderArmor + Patagonia Better Sweater, or UnderArmor + long sleeve tee + light sweatshirt
Darn Tough or Smart Wool socks
Running gloves
Maybe a beanie/headband
Always rocking my fanny pack.
For 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit
This above freezing range is actually great – as long as the wind isn’t horrible. If it’s sunny…perfect!
Tights – Rainier Reflective from Athleta (available in plus sizes) – these are also lined, and have a reflective design (which I love) but they aren’t quite as thick as the Peak Hybrid.
Top(s) – UnderArmor + light sweatshirt, or long sleeve + sweatshirt
Running fanny pack
Maybe gloves? Usually will ditch them part of the way through
For 42-50 degrees Fahrenheit
This is a glorious temperature. When we ran yesterday (and took these quick pics afterward) it was 44 degrees and sunny. I was slightly chilly at first in just the Momentum Top, but truly the Rainier tights were too warm for this. Should’ve stuck with my favorite Elation tights 🙂 This is definitely long sleeve tee + tights weather!
If your winter is consistently warmer than 50 degrees, first off – congrats to you. Second, I would probably be wearing shorts and a sweatshirt soooo…if you’re still cold – consider any combination of the items above 😉
Solid gear isn’t cheap, but the beauty is that if you take care of it then it will last. My Nano Air vest is going on it’s 5th year! And for the record, my UnderArmor is actually Brendan’s old UnderArmor which I’m pretty sure he got from Artur when it didn’t fit him. So moral of the story, you can wear an UnderArmor top for at least 10 years hahaha. I generally run 2 days per week so I re-wear the same stuff all the time. Don’t feel the need to go out and buy a ton of gear…like 5 UnderArmors and 3 Patagonia vests. One of each will do!
Next on my list – this running long sleeve with a built in Balaclava. I wish that was a joke but its not. (Would be bomb for skiing as well!)
For shoes – I’m currently I’m running in the New Balance Fresh Foam Tempos and I’m not sold on them. I ran in the Saucony Mirages for YEARS. Actually 8 years. But they’re discontinued and getting harder to find online so I need to go get re-fitted at Gazelle. Will definitely not race the half iron in these.
If you have any questions let me know! Would love to chat with you. Thanks for stopping by today!
xo, Maddy
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