I hate cold. I hate to be cold. I hate to feel cold. I hate to see cold.
As a runner, this poses a bit of a problem. I refuse to run on a treadmill. I've tried it. It was horrible. I have my indoor fitness programs like Les Mills Combat and ChaLEAN Extreme to keep me from ballooning up, though my winter eating habits are very similar to a bear preparing for winter hibernation.
Nothing can replace a nice, long run, though. Nothing.
So, with the beauty of a fresh fallen snow outside, I decided to pull on my cold-weather running gear and head out the door. I'm glad I did. It was perfect. Beautiful. Peaceful. Really, you should do it. Just stay safe and run on the trail, if possible. You know people get stupid driving in the snow.
Admittedly, I didn't go long. Regardless of how warm I am, I hate running in long pants. I need the freedom of shorts. So, when I returned after about 30 minutes, my neighbor looked at his watch like, "That's it? That's all you got?" Don't judge me, man. I ran, didn't I?
For the ladies looking for what to wear on a cold run, here's my review:
Weather: Sunny & calm. 16 degrees.
Saucony Women's ProGrid Virrata Running Shoe - Size 8 1/2 (my mom says I have clown feet)
While a trail running shoe may have been more appropriate in the slippery snow, I refuse to run in anything other than Saucony. Each runner has to find the shoe that works for their body. Asics may be perfect for someone else, but I developed severe knee and ankle pain running in a very nice (expensive) pair of Asics. I have tried other running shoes when I couldn't resist a good deal, but the pain and injuries I experience in other high quality running shoes is not worth it. I purchased my first pair of Saucony's 15 years ago for $10 during a shoe sale at a run event. It was magical. They were made for me.
Saucony Women's Siberius Tight - Medium
I ordered these back in November when I was a few pounds lighter and about an inch smaller in my butt and thighs. Currently I'm weighing in at about 142 lbs with 22 3/4 inches on my thighs and 38 inches through my hips. I'm still 5'4", though, so I at least my height is still the same.
The tights fit, though not as well as they did before my winter eating habits kicked in. Even with the drawstring pulled tight, they tended to slip down in the back a little bit. Not enough to be a nuisance during the actual run, but more so when I stopped to take pictures.
They were perfect for warmth. My legs were very comfortable, with the exception of my ankles. I do not have appropriate winter running socks. Well, I do have one, but I cannot for the life of me find its partner.
Saucony Women's Heiress Softshell Jacket - Medium
As a top layer, I love this jacket. Three zipping pockets (I was so excited when I found that third one) so I can put my phone in one, tissues in one, and my car key in one; a cozy cuff sewn into the sleeve to keep my wrists warm, but not tight enough to annoy me; and a clip on light for those night runs. It sips up the neck, as well, though I prefer to wear my Hoo-Rag to keep my neck warm.
Under Armour Women's Fitted Cold Gear Hooded Sweatshirt - Medium
This sweatshirt is warm, but it rides up during runs. So, while my arms and chest were quite comfortable, I had to keep pulling the sweatshirt down so my stomach and back stayed warm. It is clearly too fitted for running, but great for wearing out on a cold day.
Frank Shorter Thermal Headband purchased from National Running Center
Love this thing. It fits perfectly, so it doesn't slide down during runs but it's also not so tight that it gives me a headache. Ears were nice and toasty during my run.
Hoo-Rag (from my last Mountain Junkies, LLC Trail Run)
Hoo-Rag actually sells these things and they are pretty cool. (Check out hoorag.com and you'll see a video of a dude showing you all the ways you can wear one.) I received mine in place of your standard free t-shirt from my last Mountain Junkies trail run so it actually has the Mountain Junkies logo on it. Great for keeping my neck warm. Also great for keeping my face warm, but I can only wear it for a few minutes and then I have trouble getting enough oxygen so I have to pull it down. I tried, at one point, to work it so it was just covering my nose and leaving my mouth free to receive the oxygen, but it kept slipping down. Still, I won't run in the cold without it.
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