Help. I'm moving to the NE next fall for school. I knew sort of what I was getting myself into but this winter the weather there is unreal. I have hardly any running stuff other than shoes, socks, shorts and t shirts and a light jacket. What do people use to run in zero degrees windy weather? I saw under armor pants for winter advertised online. Are they good? What do people here from New England use? Thanks.
Oh boy... you are in for quite a shock.
In all honesty, this year isn't that much worse for running as other years. It has been just as windy and cold as normal, the snow doesn't really change much for runners, as long as you can find somewhere that's partially plowed.
But to your question... I would avoid Under Armour. You pay a lot for the name, and their products are the same as the cheap, generic crap you can get at any store (re: target). If you just want a bunch of cheap pieces to layer up and wear out quick, shop at the discount stores and you'll do OK (just for the love of god... avoid all cotton in the winter!). The DC/Philly/NYC area usually hovers right about freezing, and these less technical clothes can usually do the trick.
If you want to do it right, and depending on exactly where you are going to be you might be well served to go this route (most of New England, Upstate NY, Inland PA, etc.):
Layer 1, a baselayer. Synthetics from companies like Craft or Mizuno (breath thermo), or wool from companies like Sugoi, Smartwool and icebreaker. These baselayers primarily keep your sweat off of your skin, keeping you much warmer. Of all of these, I like Craft the best, but it's probably the hardest to find.
Layer 2, insulation: Something with some loft here (when you pinch the material, it should squish... usually the more the warmer). Be careful here, because warmer is not always better. You need to find a balance between how warm you need, and how well the layer will allow sweat to escape. A basic fleece will keep you warm, but after 5 miles you will be drenched, and cold very soon after. Most of the brands listed above also make some good choices here, but also consider other major running brands (Nike, Adidas, NB, Brooks, etc.), and even some outdoor companies (mountain hardwear makes some great stuff, for example).
Layer 3, shell: This is the layer that protects you from the wind and rain. Many people want to get a thick, waterproof jacket here. But in reality (unless you are using the jacket for other purposes, like walking to class in pouring rain), it's probably not necessary. It rarely rains most places in the NE in winter, so liquid water isn't as much of a concern. Wind can be a big factor, and Nike and Asics both make some awesome windproof pieces (asics thermopolis, for example). If you want something water resistant, most companies have great shell jackets. One consideration may be the roads you are running on... it gets dark early in winter, would extra reflectivity be needed, or useful? If so, consider Brooks NightLife or Saucony ViziPro options. Finally, if you want waterproof, try the Asics Storm Shelter, Saucony Vortex Softshell, or some good options by Nike.
On the legs, I usually am fine in a pair of tights, but on really cold days I may throw pants over them. Also, sometimes when the wind is really blowing, you might find a pair wind briefs helpful. Nothing ruins a run more than a frozen johnson.
As for socks, don't dare consider cotton as it gets cold. The water/slush from the road will soak your shoes and the socks will (a) blister you, and (b) make your feet even colder. Thicker synthetic socks, or wool socks are the best options. Some people even consider a "trail" shoe for winter months, or a GoreTex version of their typical trainer if available. Adrenaline ASR (brooks), Structure/Pegasus GTX (nike) and many more are all popular winter options. These shoes protect your feet from the elements better, and also might give you better traction as well.
It sounds awful, and when I am sitting inside and look out, I dread the run. But when you dress properly and get yourself out the door, it really isn't much different than running any other time of the year (aside from the looks you get from people that can't believe anyone would want to be outside... but that's the best part!). If you embrace it as a part of life and learn to enjoy it, it just becomes a nice change of scenery before the landscape turns green again. Good luck!
Get a Craft jacket. I live in Wisconsin and run with just a t-shirt my jacket and tights and it keeps me warm During 10 degrees and below.
The jacket may be expensive but it is the best buy I have ever made. Hope this helps!
Hey thanks to both of you. I really appreciate the time and thought in the longer reply. This is going to really help. I had no idea about the trail shoes or any of this. I forgot, I do have a pair of cheap warmup pants but never run in them - just wear them while waiting at meets. But I think they'd be useless in zero degrees.
What's the best place to shop for this stuff online?
Runningwarehouse.com
Sugoi subzero zap tights are the best....all I need on my legs when it's below 0...try and find a running store! I would imagine they could help you the best..
Get a couple of pairs of windbriefs...makes a huge difference!
Also, make sure to get some good gloves/mittens. I usually wear a fleece pair of gloves with a wind proof mitten over them.
A good hat is also a must.
I live in WI and I find I can run in any temp as long as I can keep my hands, ears and "junk" warm.
second the mittens idea. Individual finger gloves never keep my hands warm enough when it's much below 25-30. I have used the flip top half finger mittens. These are great if you turn out of the wind and your digits get too hot you can just flip the mitten top off and carry on, then when you hit the wind again you can put it back on. Good stuff. Windbriefs are also great for cold and windy. You can also usually get by with a pair of good tights underneath some lighter warm up pants). Remember, not all tights are created equal! The Hind drylete gear is some of the best technical stuff I own.
just remember that the wind is your main enemy.
if you want to do it on the cheap, all you really need is:
Top
1. base: any synthetic long-sleeve top--doesn't need to be thick, just needs to wick. can be outdoors stuff if you have it already. get a couple of them. wear them both if its not cold enought to wear your shell, but too cold for just one
2. shell. you'll need something windproof. I skied XC, so I had a VO2Max jacket that was great, but anything windproof and not too thick will do. Craft and Sporthill(primarily an XC skiing brands) are great as mentioned before, but pricey. I've liked Brooks stuff I've seen. again, you don't need it to be thick, just windproof.
I've found that this combo of a wicking base and a windproof shell works for a huge range of temps, from 30s down to low teens.
Bottom
1. tights--cheap stuff is fine. The stuff that is brushed on the inside is more expensive and much warmer. i've found it to be too warm for anything above twenties. tights are best for when it's snowing or raining out. otherwise i wear
2. running pants. these are slightly looser tights. be sure to get sythetic.
When it's colder out, you can wear your pants over your tights. works down to below 0.
Extremities.
I like headbands--hats get too warm for me, unless its teens or below. but get one of each.
If you got yourself a windproof sheel thats a little big, just wrap your hands inside the sleeves--no need for gloves. otherwise you'll need to get something warm and windproof.
socks. any thicker synthetic socks are fine. you build up a lot of heat in your shoes. if you get cold easily, you can wear hiking wool socks, although they are a b to clean
oh and really, no need to buy windbreafs, if you don't want to spend the cash. just wear your running shorts underneath your tights/pants. put duck tape on them if you really need it. usually comes off decently cleanly