Fall is in the air, which means one morning you’re going to step outside for a run and it will feel chilly! To be prepared, now is a good time to dig through drawers and take inventory of your cold weather running gear and organize it for the colder months ahead.

Dressing properly makes running outdoors in the winter safer and more tolerable. The key is to layer with water-wicking, water resistant, wind breaking materials. Many retailers are running great online sales and specials to attract business. If necessary, invest in a new staple cold-running piece to add some inspiration to your workout wardrobe. Here are some recommendations:

Fleece headband or cap
Neck gaiter
Balaclava
Run vest over long sleeve top and wind and water resistant jacket
Gloves with mitten cover that is wind and water resistant
Hot Hands packets (to add to gloves, or put in vest pockets)
Fleece lined running tights (or layer two pair)
Wool socks
Yak Tracks (for snow running)

For tips on how to strategically layer cold running gear, and for details on why keeping our extremities and core warm during a cold weather workout is important, check out our previous blog post. Without run groups and major run events, this is the era of mastering self-discipline and motivation. Don’t let the weather be an obstacle for meeting your fitness goals this year. The first mile in really cold temps is tough, but if you’re dressed properly you will feel much better once you’ve warmed up. Enjoy this beautiful Fall season which makes the running spirit in all of us come fully alive. And when that cold weather does arrive, bring it on!

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