What to Wear in the Winter While Running
In Arizona, the “what to wear in the winter” discussion shouldn’t be that hard.
We have mild winters with dry weather and lows maybe reaching to the high 30s. ?Our day can warm up to the 80s, but I’m long done with a run before that ever happens (and frankly after the summer runs that start in the high 80s, this is no big deal!).
Basically, this. ?I have nothing to complain about! For now, anyway. (Things are gonna be changing soon, however. More on that soon).
The mornings are cool enough for me to have that discussion, however, and every weekend I find myself staring at my gear trying to make decisions.?What to wear in the winter while running shouldn’t be this hard!
The thing is, I want to be warm enough to be comfortable when I start, but not wearing too many layers that I overheat.
Hoodie or no?
Tights or no?
Hat? Sleeves? Gloves?
What do I WEAR to run in today?! ?Agggghhhhhh!
And when I travel someplace for a race with slightly different temperatures I go through it all again.
I’ll admit that I’m a self-described Goldilocks runner. ?I can’t be too hot, or too cold if I’m going to do this thing. ?I need to be just right to get out there and get my miles in, especially when we are talking long runs.
What to Wear in the Winter While Running
This graphic from Spark People helps select items realistically.
You can also use this great tool from Runner’s World if you want to be more precise.
It asks you a few questions specific to your run. ?I’ve used this in the morning when I just wasn’t quite sure what to do, and it’s been pretty accurate for me.
This was what they suggested when I put in 30 degrees out for a run at dawn in slightly cloudy conditions.
I would probably skip the long sleeve shirt and go with sleeves that I can push down if I got warm (after removing the jacket) but other than that it’s accurate for my tastes.
Um, points for reminding us to wear both running shoes and a sports bra? ?You so silly, Runner’s World.
Do you need help dressing for cooler temps? ?How do you decide how hot to run?
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.
