This is my favorite time of year to run. The cooler temperatures allow you to go out for a run and not look like you went swimming when you are done because you are covered in sweat. The weather has been pretty nice so far but you know the colder temperatures are coming and that leaves a lot of people wondering what to wear when they head outside for a winter run.

My rule of thumb when it comes to running in all temperature is to dress how you would be comfortable if the temperature was 20 degrees warmer. So if you are going out for a run and it’s 50 degrees outside, dress like it’s 70. You might be a little chilly at the start but once you get moving you will feel just fine.

I will wear shorts until the temperature is in the 20s, then I’ll switch to what my friends lovingly refer to as my “manpris” which are a three quarter length running tight. Having the bottom half of your calf and ankle exposed keeps you from getting too warm. Full running tights are reserved for anything ten degrees and below.

I’ll wear short sleeves until the temperature drops into the 30s, then a light long sleeve over a short sleeve shirt will do. Think about getting some compression sleeves for your arms. They are great because they turn any short sleeve shirt into a long sleeve one and you can take them off or pull them down a bit if you start getting too hot.

A lot of the running shoe companies also make really nice running gloves. I have a pair of Brooks running gloves that I use for running in the winter, but I usually will only wear gloves when the temperature drops below 30. As far as head gear is concerned, I’ll wear a ball cap until the temperatures drop to the 30s then I’ll switch to a warmer hat like the winter running headband I have from Brooks that covers your ears but leaves the top of your head exposed to help regulate your body temperature.

It takes a little trial and error to find what works for you, but know that you really can run all winter long so long as you dress smart and dress in layers. I remember a couple of years ago it was one of those very cold winter days with temperatures near zero and a wind chill hovering below zero. I needed to get some miles in so my buddy Travis and I headed out to the greenway looking like Ralphie’s little brother from “A Christmas Story”. We got our miles in and not a bit of frostbite was had. Don’t be intimidated by the cold. You can run all winter long.

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