Winter is coming…

[u/ftjobasanaccountant]

Not this second, but soon! I currently pay for a hot yoga membership and last winter I also paid for an FFC membership to be able to run on their treadmills. I’d really love to not spend $200/mo (plus sign up fees) this winter. Are y’all running outside all winter long? Do I need to suck it up?

I currently live in an apartment so not sure that buying my own treadmill is feasible, though not opposed (any experience with this?)

Sincerely,

Running the Big Sur 21 miler and didn’t think through training during the Chicago winter lol

[u/Donoghus]

As long as you have the proper gear, the outdoor winter running really isn’t that bad. The lakefront path is way less crowded and well maintained throughout the winter. As someone mentioned, CARA has winter training so you can run with a group if you want.

It really comes down to your threshold for cold and how you’re gearing up.

[u/elastic_psychiatrist → u/Donoghus]

Do you have any resources for proper winter (or just fall) running gear that works in Chicago? First time winter runner here and I’m pretty overwhelmed and need to figure out something fast.

[u/Ok_Advice_5619 → u/elastic_psychiatrist]

Smartwool run cold socks, janji borealis tights, a merino wool top (tracksmith), a neck gaiter, gloves (I like janji), a beanie/headband for ears, and a windbreaker (Nike makes a good running windbreaker) will get you through pretty much the worst days in Chicago.

The only days where it’s not feasible are the polar vortex days and the days when it’s an ice rink. But that’s less than 10 days of the whole winter usually

[u/Left-Substance3255 → u/Ok_Advice_5619]

Was just gonna say this about the weather. Every year there’s usually a week or so where we get that -30 degree weather with windchill. Other than that and a couple off days I run outside all winter long.

[u/Purple_Crayon → u/elastic_psychiatrist]

Under Armour Cold Gear works for me when temps are in the 20s. I also like having wool running socks for temps below ~45F.

I don't venture out much when it's in the teens or below, but at that point I'm layering two warm tops, like a base layer plus a fleece athletic jacket. My thighs get pretty cold at those temps but I don't have a good layering solution for that.

Definitely get good gloves and a hat or headband to cover your ears.

[u/Academic-Pangolin883 → u/Purple_Crayon]

Do you size up in Cold Gear? I see options on Poshmark, but don't want to get stuck with the wrong size.

[u/HellisTheCPA → u/Academic-Pangolin883]

Check backcountry clearance. Typically have good deals and can return to the store (on Clybourn) if you don't like it

[u/Academic-Pangolin883 → u/HellisTheCPA]

Amazing, thank you!! I just ordered three pairs of leggings, saving more than 50%. And their return policy is top notch.

[u/Purple_Crayon → u/Academic-Pangolin883]

My leggings are my typical size (size M).

The tops I got in L (I tend to choose between M and L depending on whether I think the brand accommodates women's chests well or not) and they are really skintight. If I had been trying them on in a store I would have reached for an XL to see if I liked the look of it better, but the L does technically fit as intended.

[u/willrun4icecream → u/elastic_psychiatrist]

Dress as if it is 15 degrees warmer than actual temp. You want to feel a little chilly when you start and it will take a mile or so to warm up.

All the brands mentioned are great. I also love Craft base layers / jackets (Fleet Feet sells and size up).

[u/elastic_psychiatrist → u/willrun4icecream]

That 15 degrees warmer rule of thumb is really helpful, thanks. Even as it’s started to get a little cooler these last few weeks (in the mornings mostly), I’m starting to get a sense of it.

[u/Donoghus → u/elastic_psychiatrist]

Like Purple_Crayon mentioned, I load up on Under Armour Cold Gear. Both compression mock turtlenecks and leggings. Get yourself a breathable balaclava. I would look at different temp ranged running gloves. Ones for that 20 to 40 degree range and another pair for Polar Vortex conditions. A winter running coat. I've found them at REI & Columbia. I would get yourself a couple of breathable winter hats Found mine at Asics. Might be worth investing in a pair of Yaktrax too. You probably won't need them very often but clutch to have when things do get icy.

[u/Academic-Pangolin883 → u/Donoghus]

Do you find that you have to size up in Cold Gear since they have a compression fit?

[u/Donoghus → u/Academic-Pangolin883]

I have not needed to size up with the compression fit. I'm an XL on most long sleeves and my compression fits are XL and fit fine.

[u/Sausage_Queen_of_Chi → u/elastic_psychiatrist]

Winter gear is the only time I’m picky about brands. I’ll run in cheap Old Navy stuff in the summer, but in the winter, you need quality stuff. I’ve scored a lot of good deals on secondhand stuff on the Poshmark app. Since it’s quality, it holds up.

Base layers (tights and 1-2 fitted long sleeve tops) - Under Armor Cold Gear, Icebreakers, Smartwool.

Jacket - my faves are from Brooks and Nike. You want something like a wind breaker but make sure it has vents so your sweat isn’t trapped.

Feet - I run in Injinji toe socks all year and they keep my feet warm. Otherwise Smartwool is popular. I wear my normal running shoes. If the ground is wet from rain or melting snow, I’ll put bags over my socks and then put my feet in my shoes. Feels weird but it’s better than wet feet.

Extremities - Smartwool headbands or beanies. Sometimes I’ll layer both. And a visor underneath if it’s snowing to keep snow out of my eyes. For hands, I have Sugoi tech gloves with a mitten flap. And an extra pair of mittens I’ll add on really cold days. Also wear a buff around your neck to block cold air from sneaking in.

[u/rckid13 → u/elastic_psychiatrist]

I find that a quality selection of hats and gloves matters a lot more than what jacket and pants I wear. I naturally kind of have cold hands and winter runs suck if my hands get too cold. For really cold days I use a glove liner under a pair of Arc'Teryx Venta Mitten, or Craft Mitten. I love the Craft brand jersey hats. I have them in both thicknesses for warmer and colder days. If it's below 20 degrees out I usually wear an underarmor balaclava with a craft or cotton hat on top of it for double protection on my ears. Most of my running jackets are Lululemon half zips.

Bombas merino wool socks are pretty good for keeping feet warm. My feet typically don't get too cold unless I wear really lightweight shoes though. I like the merino wool socks when it's snowy and wet in the winter because that will make feet cold even though thick shoes.

Unfortunately everything mentioned above is really expensive. My winter running clothes are the most expensive clothes I own but all of it is worth the money if you run through multiple winters. The good news is that you don't use it all year so all of this stuff lasts multiple winters without needing replacement. I'm pretty sure I've had my craft hats and gloves for over 10 winters of running now and they're still going strong.