Winter Running Gear Suggestions

When it gets really cold and windy, nothing beets cross country ski gear. They put some sort of resin in the fabric in the crotch area that keeps the jewels warm, and they put a similar resin around your core, but leave the fabric in other areas rather breathable. Also, everything is cut tight so you aren't a sail out there. Running companies I don't think develop gear with the assumption that some of us WILL get some miles even when it's -20 F.

I wear all dri-fit or wicking clothing.

I wear tights, dri-fit tank + dri-fit long sleeve + run jacket (Running Room) + windproof run shell if needed. Will add windproof pants over the tights if the windchill is ridiculous, but I hate them.

I have a dri-fit cap + fleece toque on top. Stretch cotton gloves + fleece mitts over top.

This takes me to -13F/-25C. Maybe the cotton is your problem?

I have a couple of running tops that are some kind of thermal/fleece material. They are 3/4 zip and very warm. If it gets down around 10 or 15 degrees I just throw a light jacket on over them and that keeps me warm.

Tights over running briefs with the wind pouch. The wind pouch is a MUST for colder weather stuff. Big difference.

Good mittens, mittens not gloves for really cold days, and good hat should do you. My feet never bother me but some people like going with 2 pair of socks or at least wool running socks.

I also use a Buff a lot. They are very flexible in use and can be worn as a hat or around the neck or face or whatever. Great piece of gear for winter running.

http://www.buffwear.com/pages/welcome.php

Sugoi makes some super nice winter items. Especially look at he wind briefs if you are in a cold/windy area.

http://revelsports.com/Sugoi/Men.asp

You have it pretty well covered.

-You may want to consider a balaclava (?) for your mouth and head. It takes the bite out of the winter air when you're breathing. Under Armour and some other companies makes ones out of good materials. I can wear one of those and put a soft hat over it and my head and face are fully taken care of.

-Mittens are typically warmer than gloves.

-I don't like the tights with a zipper down the back at the heel. I wear low cut socks and it cuts my Achilles.

-Dynamic tretch or warm up BEFORE going outside and you'll reduce the likelihood of injury a lot.

The critical piece is a windproof, yet breathable outer layer. I'd strongly consider:

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-activity-running/mens-flight-apex-climateblock-full-zip.html

The material on the jacket is TNF's Apex in the climate block weight. It is more breathable Gore's products. The only comparable soft shell material, in terms of wind-proofness and breathability is Polartec's PowerShield. I don't know of any running-style jackets with PowerShield, but if found they should considered. Totally water proof, seem sealed jackets should be avoided as they lead to a great deal of sweat condensation and, if a long enough run, early stages of hypothermia.