Winter Running

Now that the warm spell over Christmas is threatening to break and snow is apparently heading our way, it's time for me to start thinking about preparing to run in the cold. Living in the UK, and it having technically been 'Winter' for some time now, this is something which I had really expected to have to deal with a little earlier, however so far all December and the preceding autumn months have thrown at me is a lot of water (thanks) and some rather dark evening and morning runs. Which means that, other than throwing a waterproof jacket over my normal running clothes, my running wardrobe hadn't really altered much since my summertime jogs around the block.

I finally realised that my 'regular' running kit may need something added to it during (and after!) a slightly colder run last week. Heading out in my Nike Distance Tech Capris (I LOVE these, so comfortable and manage to be flattering at the same time!), long sleeved t-shirt and Brooks Nightlife jacket (a post christmas bargin from Achilles Heel), I soon noticed that I was underdressed for the occasion! Living by the South Downs may make for some stunning scenery during my daytime runs, but unfortunately it also means that when the wind blows, it really does blow! And that particularly evening, the wind chill factor hit me hard as soon as I rounded the corner from my house. Not that it was freezing, but the drop of a couple of degrees was certainly noticed by my legs, and they didn't appreciate it! Both my thighs and calves felt tight the whole run, and despite extra time spent on stretches at the end of the session - something I can be a little lazy about - the next day I seemed to be walking a bit like a geriatric duck. Not a great look, and, given that it hadn't been a particularly hard run, the only thing I could put it down to was the cold - possibly meaning I should have spent more time warming up before pushing myself, but also something I hoped to be able to improve with some warmer running gear!

Luckily, 'Santa' had been kind enough to provide me with some new, winter-proof running kit, including a pair of Nike Thermal Element tights, gloves and a beanie hat. All of which I had been saving for when the snow started (and the mud had cleared up - for some reason I always like to keep 'new' clothes clean for at least the first couple of wears!) but now, in the interest of my legs, I was keen to try out! So, come Saturday, I did :-) Not feeling that it was quite cold enough for the thermal tights, I tried out the Nike Filament tights which I had got in the sales, topped with the usual long sleeved t-shirt (this time with a running hoody over it for added warmth) and running jacket. Pulling on my new gloves (also Nike... I am a bit of a fan!!) and beanie hat, I was at the perfect temperature as I set out. The weather was chilly, although not icy, and, with the wind whistling past my ears again, it felt good to have them covered up! All was going well for the first 3 miles - the new tights were so comfortable they felt like a second skin, my gloves kept the wind from drying out my hands and stopped my fingers from going numb, and the hat was doing a brilliant job of keeping me warm. I was pretty happy runing along the top of the downs, able to concentrate on the lovely view rather than the weather. Unfortunately, the British weather, unpredictable as ever, let me down! By mile 4, the wind dropped, the sun came out from behind the clouds and the temperature started to rise. As did mine! By mile 5, I was a red-faced melting, sweaty heap and, as much as I hate to stop  for anything whilst on a run (I find it really hard to get back into my rhythm if I do..), I had to stop. And strip... as fast as I possible could! Which made me realise the first rule of winter running: Wear lots of layers - and make sure they can be easily taken off and carried if you warm up!! Luckily, my hat and gloves, being slim, could fit in the pocket of my jacket, which I could the tie around my waist alongside my jumper. As they are also very light, they didn't feel in the way as I carried on my run - a big plus! Make sure your layers include gloves, something to protect your ears (and whole head if its very cold!), and check that base layers are made of wicking material to keep you dry and warm! As an extra tip, I now put my clothes on the radiator for 5 minutes before I go for a run - this way you are warm when you start out (I'm sure my muscles appreciate this!), and by the time the clothes have cooled down, you have warmed up - perfect :-) 

The second thing I would recommend is to drink lots of water - I didn't do this on my first 'cold' run - not being hot, I just didn't feel as thirsty - until I stopped, when I quickly realised my mistakes! You still get just as dehydrated, if not more, when you run in the cold so take a drink to sip on when you go out.

Make sure you also change quickly when you get home - getting out of any wet clothes (if its been raining, or you have just sweated THAT much!) will stop you getting chilled when you stop - and you will cool down pretty fast! To help with the 'sweating too much' issue - although its cold, don't over-dress! You will warm up a lot as soon as you are moving, so dress as though it's about 10 degrees cooler than it is, or you will melt like I did!

As for where to get winter running stuff from, like I said, I am a huge Nike fan! I have now worn their Thermal Element tights and found them just as comfortable as the filament tights, with the added bonus of feeling softer against your skin as you pull them on - and they are just as toasty warm as they promise (to be kept for very cold days only!). Looking around, I found some lovely, more colourful/ brighter running gear on the Sheactive website, although some was a bit pricey. For bargins I like Wiggle.co.uk and Acilles heel - anyone able to recommend any others or got some more winter tips for me?