Have you set yourself a running goal for 2018, but feel yourself already stagnating on the treadmill, as you try to save yourself from the chill of winter? With smart cold weather running kit choices you can make your return to outdoor running quicker than you think. Here are the six vital pieces that should be in your kitbag so you don't shy away from the cold.
1. Wind jacket
Cold weather running in windy conditions can have a severe cooling effect on you, thanks to the wind chill effect. Cutting wind can mean that, no matter how hard you work during your run, you might not be able to generate enough body heat to combat it.
As a result, a wind jacket (perhaps with additional water resistance to help keep wintry showers at bay, too) is a great outer layer to be able to pull out of your kitbag. Look for a running specific fit that allows you to hold your arms comfortably, as well as being lightweight, and a good breathability rating in order to help sweat escape.
2. Long sleeve base layer
In order to allow sweat to wick away efficiently while keeping cold air off your damp skin, a long sleeve base layer is key. Where in the summer you might prefer to wear only a lightweight technical t-shirt or singlet, a long sleeve base layer will add important coverage to exposed skin on your arms and torso.
Ensure that your choice of base layer is made of a technical fabric that has high moisture wicking properties. The benefit of a long sleeve base layer is that it can be worn flexibly, as a single layer beneath a jacket, under your usual t-shirt or singlet or as the first of multiple layers when the mercury really drops.
3. Running tights
Leave your running shorts in the drawer because it's time to break out some running tights. Running tights offer a thin layer over your whole leg, providing added warmth for working muscles and joints, reducing the chances of injury.
Clever designs can add levels of compression that help to support to your muscles, while features can include ankle zips to help get them on, as well as allow a level of ventilation. You may also find heel straps to stop them riding up, as well as high-visibility patterns and designs for runs in the dark.
4. Winter running shoes
Investing in a pair of winter-specific running shoes can be a shrewd move, although care should be taken to make sure they suit your running style. Running in the cold can often mean running on icy or wet ground, and the combination of water seeping through to your toes and cold air can result in painful or numb feet, as well as greater chance of blistering.
Waterproof shoes will protect your toes from the water ingress, which will have a knock-on effect of keeping them warm. You may wish to look at trail running-specific shoes if your runs take you off-road, where things can get much muddier, because this kind will also provide a gripper tread underfoot.
5. Gloves
Your hands do precious little when running, so they're always the first to feel the cold, as the body shifts blood to the working muscles. Check out elite marathon or cross country runners, who may wear their normal race kit during big winter and springtime races, but with the addition of simple gloves.
Look out for windproof fabrics to keep wind chill from penetrating through to the skin, as well as thermal linings for added warmth and insulation. You might also want to keep an eye out for smartphone touchscreen pads on the fingers, too.
6. Neck gaiter
A neck gaiter is an very underrated winter accessory. Even the best cut jacket necklines can allow draughts to sneak in, compromising your comfort while running. You can opt to simply wear a gaiter around your neck while not wearing a jacket to add essential warmth to your neck and throat area or as a layer to fill any gaps that draughts might filter down. This could help stave off infections, while adding additional comfort.
You may also find that some neck gaiters can stretch to cover your chin, while thinner types may also double as a makeshift bandana to add a layer of coverage to your head and ears instead of a traditional hat.