Winter is well and truly here and sub-zero temperatures have arrived! To get out running, you'll need a good dose of motivation — but that's not all. To make sure your running and trail outings don't feel like an ordeal, we've put together a series of tips to help you choose the right outfit for running in winter. From now on, no more excuses — cold, snow and rain are no longer valid reasons to put off your next outing!
#1 Preparing your winter run: know yourself
Even more so than in good weather, preparing your outing is an important step. Whether it's for a long weekend run or even your training session, you need to know the weather conditions at your running location: temperature, wind, rain or snow — don't get caught off guard.
The second part of your preparation will focus on the outing itself, and in particular its intensity and duration. On a short, intense training session, you won't have time — or barely any — to feel cold. On a long endurance outing, however, you may find yourself on less intense stretches. You'll be more exposed to the cold. You'll therefore need to factor this in when choosing your winter running outfit.
One final point: it's important to know and be aware of your sensitivity to the cold. While some people can run in shorts at -10°C, others will need to layer up to stay protected from the cold!
#2 Trousers, shorts or tights — what's the best bottom for winter running?
If some people can run in shorts in winter in cold weather, it's partly because the legs aren't the most sensitive part of the body. What's more, on a medium to high intensity outing, your leg muscles can generate quite a lot of heat.
This option is better suited to those who don't feel the cold easily. For your winter running outfit, we'd recommend opting for either tights or trousers. In particular, go for a softshell bottom. This material offers full windproof protection, good warmth and rain/snow protection thanks to its DWR-treated membrane fabric. It will keep you warm and shield you from the effects of cold wind, even in windy conditions.
#3 Winter running outfit: the 3-layer system for the upper body
Just like hiking, the 3-layer system is the most complete solution for protecting yourself from the cold.
The first layer
Often overlooked when running in winter, the first layer is nonetheless one of the most important. In direct contact with your skin, it plays a thermoregulating role. It should allow you to retain your body heat as effectively as possible and wick moisture away quickly.
As well as keeping you comfortable, staying dry in cold weather is a key factor in enjoying your runs in the cold season!
A t-shirt or a long-sleeve thermal base layer is the most obvious option. You can also pair a t-shirt with arm warmers to cover your arms. This solution gives you more flexibility to adapt to current weather conditions.
The second layer
This second layer's role is to keep you warm. Depending on the outside temperature and your sensitivity to the cold, you'll choose a more or less warm trail jacket.
Go for a fleece and stretch fabric to give you total freedom of movement, ensuring nothing gets in the way during effort. For longer outings, you can look for a jacket that's both lightweight and packable, which you can stow in your backpack during intense efforts or when the temperature rises.
The third layer
These jackets are known as "hardshell" — literally a "hard shell" — and it's this shell that will give you complete protection against the elements. Fully windproof, waterproof and water-repellent, and breathable, this jacket will keep you protected and insulated.
As with the second layer, you can look for a lightweight, packable jacket that will fit easily into your backpack. The beauty of the 3-layer system for winter running is that it's modular! You won't always need to combine all the layers for optimal comfort. If it's raining but the temperature is mild, the first and last layers alone will do. Conversely, if it's clear and cold, a thermal base layer paired with a fleece jacket will be enough.
#4 Protecting the extremities
A particularly sensitive part of the body, don't neglect them if you don't want to have to cut your outing short.
For your hands, lightweight fleece running gloves will be perfect. If conditions are fairly windy, don't hesitate to look for a pair of gloves with a waterproof, windproof membrane. You can also wear waterproof overmitts on top.
For your head, a thermal headband or a warm, stretchy beanie will be a very useful accessory. It'll save you from those nasty earache pains!
#5 Running in winter: slippery surfaces and reduced visibility
Running in winter also means the risk of running on ice or snow. Don't hesitate to equip yourself with a good pair of running shoes fitted with mini crampons. They'll give you better grip on these slippery surfaces. When tackling icy sections, shorten your stride to gain more confidence and avoid falling.
In winter, visibility conditions are significantly reduced. On top of that, darkness can start to fall if you head out for a run in the afternoon. So first and foremost, you need to be able to see obstacles and the ground surface you're running on. Don't hesitate to equip yourself with a head torch — it's the most effective way to improve your visibility without hindering your run. It will also help you stay visible if you're running on roads or nearby. Don't overlook the importance of reflective markings when choosing your winter running outfit either.
Just because it's not warm and you're not thirsty doesn't mean you shouldn't drink. In winter, breathing cold air accelerates dehydration and reduces the sensation of thirst. It's therefore important to follow the same approach as in warm weather, and head out with a water bottle, sipping regularly throughout your run. Drinking cold water in cold weather can sometimes be unpleasant. You can replace it with tea, kept warm in an insulated container.
There you have it — you're now ready for your next run, and the cold is no longer an excuse to stay on the sofa! You now have everything you need to nail your next winter runs and training sessions.
