Spark Running

Winter is coming December 21st and here in all but name in my neck of the woods. Having the right gear to stay warm, but not overheat, can make all the difference in staying motivated to get outside. Here are my winter running clothing essentials:

❄️ Something to keep your ears and noggin warm. My favorite, having a ponytail, is a headband. For the really cold days when I want to trap the heat from my head, then a beanie is my go to. One that stays fairly tight to my head, designed for outdoor activity. For the days around 20 or below, I will add a buff around my neck that I can pull up over my face, or a balaclava for desperate cold and windy days when your breath freezes to your eyelashes 🥶

❄️ Layers, Layers, Layers up top. It is easy to want to overdo it it to stay warm then quickly overheat. Better to be chilly for the first mile and comfortable for the rest than toasty for the first mile and dying for the rest. Quarter zip pullovers with a base layer long sleeve or tee underneath are wonderful for any temps hovering around freezing. As you warm up you can unzip a little as needed.

❄️ Mittens or lobster claw gloves! Keep those fingers close together to keep them warm. Lobster claw add a little dexterity with use of your pointer finger. Some brands also make a five-finger glove with a mitten pullover, amazing!

❄️ Full length running tights. Not lightweight leggings like you might wear for yoga, but tights intended for running outside. This means a brushed fleece or wool lining, extra compression, potentially wind resistant material, and hopefully...pockets!

❄️ Warm socks. Anything but cotton. A merino wool synthetic blend is the best combo for warmth and durability. My favorite brands, which range in sock thickness, are Feetures, Balega, and Smartwool.

For anything mentioned here, I recommend visiting your local specialty running shop 😊

Fitness, competition, time outside, socializing, community, mental health, even work requirements—whatever your reason for running we’re celebrating our sport today! If you have a chance, hopefully you can get outside and celebrate with a run!
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Happy !