Help unexperienced winter runner!

Bump...plz help

Inexperienced

Thanks coach...

Hey there, Greatness. I've been running in the Michigan winters for the past 5 years, and it's the snow & ice that really causes trouble, not the cold! If it's anything like last year, I was trudging through 3 foot drifts and just trying to survive the onslaught. I tried the yaktrax for better grip in snow & ice...they're "OK" but felt a little weird to me.

As far as bundling up, I've done it way on the cheap and withstood temperatures and windchills well below zero. My claim to fame is that there has never been a run where I did not sweat, so I must be doing something right. For 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) and up, I wear shorts and maybe a long sleeve tech shirt up to 45 degrees. In the 30's, I add the running tight things to the ensemble (with shorts over top for modesty) and may start with some knit gloves that I take off later in the run. The running tights I have are very basic under armour "coldgear" tights. I've had the same pair for the last five years, so it's not a recurring cost. When things dip below the 30's, then I start adding a normal light fleece (not even technically a running fleece) over top of my long sleeve tech shirt, and then bust out a fleece running glove.

When things are at their very coldest, I wear a regular carhart coat over my fleece and tech shirt, and then I throw on a pair of normal sweatpants (cotton/old school) over the running tights. I'll also double up the fleece gloves over the knit gloves and call it a day.

There you have it. That's how I survive the worst of the Michigan winter...and you can, too!!!

Try TJ Maxx. I think both of my last two pairs of tights have come from there and were under $20.

I recommend Icebugs. They don't feel strange like Yaktraks and you don't have to peel them off when you go inside like some of the spike types. The Icebug studs retract on floor surfaces. You can run on packed snow and pure ice without slipping. I'm surprised your question hasn't triggered the "shorts over" tights debate - yet.

Meant to include a link: http://icebug.com/

Never understood the fuss about shorts over tights.

Use it as a layer. When it's moderately cold, thighs alone will do the work.

When it's freezing-your-balls-off-cold use a pair of shorts as an extra layer and windbreaker. Easy concept.

If it's above forty, I wear shorts, and a long sleeve tee.

Between 30 and 40, often just baggy grey sweatpants, Long sleeve tee-maybe two layers, depending on if it's sunny.

Below 30-tights-sometimes I cheat and just use polypropylene long underwear. They can be had on sale for ten bucks-and from a distance look just like tights.

Below 20-down to about zero-tights or poly-and windpants on top.

Fleece under wind jacket is good when it gets chilly. A zipper up front allows for temp control. Once you get moving, you don't get that hot-I find leg protection is far more important than shirts and jackets-within reason.

Much below zero, I rarely run anymore. When I did, it was often in a Duofold Union Suit under windpants and windbreaker top. Such an approach worked for me down to 25 below. Body temp is not the problem, frostbite on face and ears is. Vaseline can help that.

Hat and gloves are very important. I'm also a fan of "Swix" brand earmuffs. They are thin fabric on a wire frame-and are just killer bee. They keep the cold air out of your eustachion tube-and I think help prevent upper respiratory infections (colds) Smartwool hats. Pretty much any gloves will do. Heavy Raggwool mittens are my hand protection of choice. They insulate, but allow a breeze through. Also good for snot wiping.

layers are key in the winter

Layers layers layers... Make sure fingers are warm too... And extra protection / layers for males around you know where is also vital. Be careful for ice, also for out & back runs make sure u finish with the wind at your back

Wind briefs. Everything else is optional.

Thanks for the tip on the Icebugs. I may give them a try. Last year I took a dive on an icy hill because I didn't wear the Yaktrax.

Also, OP, I apologize. At 20 degrees and under, I do also wear a more or less normal, non-running specific hat. Actually, it's a chicken hat or a santa hat with reindeer antlers and bells.

If you've really "decided to be a man", then don't wear tights. They are for women and fairies. Wear shorts over long johns. Use wind pants if it gets really bad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eC5toC0vms

Watch this video by Tim Van Orden from Running Raw. He gives some good advice for winter running gear on a budget.

Best tights ever. 12 bucks. No one will be able to tell the difference if they are further than 20 feet away. If you wear shorts over the top (kind of a weird look, in my humble opinion) they look identical to fifty dollar running store tights. Wear them under wind pants.

Forgot link.

http://www.campmor.com/Product___47140

A couple of layers under a light wind suit. Hat And gloves.