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How To Keep Warm On A Winter Run

4 January 2021

Photo: Martin Bell

If you're wondering how to stay warm while running outdoors during the colder months. Fear not, with the right gear, there's nothing that can stop you.

It may be hard making that first step out of the door. As long as you’re moving you should be producing heat, it’s when you stop that you’ll feel colder.

Our running expert Martin has shared kit suggestions that will help keep you at a consistent temperature when running in cold conditions.

Running Gloves

Your hands and wrists will feel the cold more than anything so gloves or mitts are a must. If you struggle with cold hands, mitts will keep your fingers warmer as the fingers are all together and work together to keep warm. But gloves can help you maintain dexterity.

Running Hat Or Headband

Running Headband

Your ears are also susceptible to getting cold. You may even find that you get a headache or earache while still out on the trails. Wearing a band or rolled-up Buff will help to keep your ears warm while still allowing excess heat out of the top of your head. You may prefer a full beanie if it is particularly cold

Running Leggings

Running Tights

Wearing leggings instead of shorts will offer more coverage without weighing you down too much.

Long-Sleeved Base Layer

Long sleeved running base layers

Having a long-sleeved top underneath your running jacket will protect against the cold weather and stop that clammy feeling when your skin is in contact with your jacket.

Running Jacket

Winter running jacket

Protection from the elements can make a huge difference to your comfort. A waterproof jacket is ideal when running in a downpour but may become a little bit too warm. A windproof running jacket is more breathable to run in than a waterproof jacket.

Everybody feels the cold differently, so there’s no hard & fast rule about what to wear. Each individual will know their own body, so you will already have an idea of how many layers you’ll need. Don’t forget once you start running you’ll warm up within a few minutes. It's best to start chilly rather than toasty beforehand and then becoming too hot during your run.

It’s especially important to have a good warm-up when it’s colder weather. It’ll get your heart rate up and warm up your muscles, meaning you’ll have a more enjoyable run and reduce the risk of injury.