There was a time when I loved running – it was the key to good mental and physical health. While it might have taken a small push to get out the door, I loved the freedom from distractions. I was always able to do my best thinking on a run. Ideas just popped into my head so easily. I also enjoyed the strength that running created both mentally and physically. Part of my old running route was on Reston Parkway, where I would see commuters returning home from work in their fancy cars. I’d think to myself “…you might have your fancy car, but you don’t have the cardio capacity that I do. ”
Fast forward eight years and running got lost in three moves and several job changes. Unfortunately, I let the outside control how I reacted to things and how I structured my day. Now that we are in this pandemic and I am no longer working my thankless job, I’ve been on-again, off-again running. I was hoping to score a Peleton for this winter’s training but that’s another post for another day.
So – I guess it’s running outside in the winter? Uggh. I’m really going to need some motivation to do this. Lucky for me (and for you if you’re a runner), Women’s Health magazine just published a guide of what to wear based on the temperature. So here’s what you wear when you walk out the door to try and run in frigid weather this winter.
Cold Weather Running Apparel Guide
40–49 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with shorts or leggings
30–39 degrees: A long sleeve shirt with leggings, gloves (optional), and a headband or hat to cover your ears (optional)
20–29 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, leggings (potentially thermal), gloves, and a headband or hat to cover your ears
10–19 degrees: A long sleeve running shirt layered with a jacket, thick or fleece-lined leggings, gloves, a headband or hat to cover your ears, and winter running shoes.
0–9 degrees: Two layered workout shirts, a windbreaker jacket, thermal leggings, gloves, a headband or hat, a ski mask or layer to cover your face