Many people think that running is an activity for the summer or spring season, when you need to prepare for the beach and shed those extra pounds. There are no boundaries for them. Jogging gives them pleasure even in the freezing cold.
And for those who decided on such an extreme, a completely logical question arises, what should you wear for a run in winter so as not to freeze and keep your health? In this article you will find a detailed answer to this question.
Using experience, we can say that it is difficult to freeze while running, even in winter. But this is not a reason to dress easily. Professional runners, for winter jogging, recommend dressing in 2 or 3 layers.
Thermal underwear for running in winter
It's no secret that thermal underwear perfectly keeps warm under clothes. It is made from high-tech synthetics or polyester, which gives it the advantage of conserving the heat generated by the body when active. In addition, the original compression garment has the function of removing moisture and leaves the body dry.
High-quality thermal underwear does not last over time, which distinguishes it from ordinary clothing by its special wear resistance. When manufactured, it is treated with antibacterial agents. Thanks to this, the laundry does not retain the smell of sweat. Compression underwear is versatile and will perform its function at any time of the year.
As with any garment, there are leading brands that create truly high-quality, sports thermal underwear:
- Craft Active Extreme from the collection Warm - practical underwear, suitable for both sports and everyday use. Ideally combines the effect of saving heat and cooling. Has a material that is pleasant to the body. It is the market leader in sports thermal underwear.
- Janus - high quality compression underwear, which is made only from natural fibers. Thanks to the material, it is endowed with hypoallergenic properties. But as a rule, its price is always overpriced.
- Norfin Perfomance - made of 100% fleece. Keeps warm well even during sedentary physical activity. Suitable not only for running, but also for fishing or hunting. Has an excellent ratio of quality and price.
Experienced runners are advised to wear thermo as the first layer of clothing.
Tracksuits for winter jogging
The tracksuit belongs to the second layer of clothing for winter jogging. It should not perform any special functions, at least basic standard ones:
- Keeping warm;
- Material sealing;
- Convenience and comfort;
- Wind protection.
In fact, if the air temperature is not lower than -15 degrees, then you can limit yourself to two layers, where a specialized insulated tracksuit will be the closing one. There are several leading manufacturers of quality suits:
- Finnish company Noname produces a model Pro Tailwind - sports shoes for professional athletes. Also suitable for lovers of an active lifestyle. Made for skiers from high quality breathable fabric. Doesn't hinder movement.
- NordSki is a Russian manufacturer. Using Italian equipment, modern suits are made with water-repellent and windproof technologies. Fleece is used as a lining, which creates convenience and comfort.
- Besides thermo, firm Craft also manufactures tracksuits. AXC Training - a special insulation made of brushed composite material is sewn into the suit, which makes it pleasant to the touch and as warm as possible. Made from windproof textiles.
An excellent combination of compression and density of a winter suit will save you from freezing in a ten-degree frost. If the temperature is below -15 degrees, you should think about using a jacket or vest.
Jackets and vests
If up to 15 degrees of frost you can still do without the third layer of clothing, then after 15 you should not risk your health. The third, outer layer is clothing that will protect against heavy snow, rain and wind. Its main task is not heat, but density. The third layer includes special jackets and vests that will thereby prevent heat loss.
Proven jackets and vests are worn by professionals:
- Jacket firms Marmot series Old Rom Jacket manufactured using high technology. A special, functional material with a membrane ensures water resistance. In addition, all fasteners and rivets on a jacket or vest are also made of moisture-resistant material. The peculiarity of the manufacturer is to think over various little things. This model has a hidden key clasp and an internal cell phone pocket.
- World renowned company Columbia manufactures high quality winter sports clothing. The Omhi-Tech membrane jacket is waterproof, but with the help of Omhi-Tech technology, it is capable of releasing vapor to the outside.
- Brand Jackets Alpine Pro series Keefe distinguished themselves by their practicality during their stay on sale. In addition to being waterproof, the material boasts of being resistant to dirt. A thick hood with chin protection makes this model more attractive.
Hats and buffs
About 20% of body heat is released through open ears. Therefore, they say that the head and ears should always be kept warm. For such purposes, special hats or even headphones are used. And to protect the face from frostbite, buffs or balaclavas are used.
For instance:
- Now gaining popularity caps-hoods, which provide protection from snow and rain. It is a hat, buff and scarf in one form. Inside and outside, warm textiles are used - polyester fleece, and a thickened scarf around the neck.
- Brand hat Asics Running Hood Designed specifically for running and made entirely of acrylic.
- Buff from Norveg goes well with Asics beanie. It is made of merino wool. Keeps the face warm and does not make breathing difficult.
Winter Running Gloves
The main requirements for gloves are lightness and heat resistance. Models have long been tested by time:
- Asics New Active Gloves made of synthetic materials, and because of this they stretch well. Despite the weather, the palms in these seals remain dry.
- Asics Fleece Gloves the same type, only the material is fleece. Fit the wrist tightly.
- The North Face Etip Glove, in addition to warmth and density, it has Xstatic Fingercaps technology, which allows you to use touchscreen phones without taking off your gloves.
Top 5 running shoes for winter
One of the staples of a winter runner's outfit is running shoes. They should be as equipped as possible for cardio training in winter.
We've compiled a list of the Top 5 Seasonal Running Shoes:
- Asics Trail Lahar 4... This model provides excellent support for the leg during stress. They are quite flexible and light in weight, despite the fact that they are insulated from the inside. The grooved outsole helps keep you stable on ice.
- Asics Gel-Arctic. This model has tires, so running on ice will no longer be a problem. But at the same time, the spikes are removed and you can train in them even in snowless weather.
- Adidas Supernova Riot GTX. The emphasis is on insulation, so the foot will not freeze even in the most severe frosts. They also boast water-repellent technology. Minutes are not lightweight, given that they are not equipped with a stud.
- Nike Free0 Shield. Well-known "freerunning", which is now produced in the winter line. Due to their well-known name, they are popular, but at the same time they are no different.
- New Balance 110 Boot. Well cushion the leg even when running in the snow. Protected outsole for easy running on snow and crust. Fully covers the ankle of the leg, keeping it warm. Durable and waterproof.
How to run properly in winter?
Going for a winter run, you must remember the basic rules:
- You should always pay attention to the surface you are running on. Getting on a slippery area can cause serious injury or sprain.
- It is necessary to warm up all muscle groups. It is better to do it indoors, it will take much less time.
- When running, try to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. When breathing through the mouth, the lungs can become cold.
- Never go to workout if you have even the slightest symptoms of illness. This can lead to an immediate complication of the disease.
- The lower the temperature, the shorter the running time.
- It is better to refuse jogging in severe frosts. Minus 20 degrees Celsius is the limit.
- After finishing the run, you must quickly return to a warm room so as not to overcool.
The key to good mood and vigor throughout the day is a morning run. Now that this topic is fully understood, you can start running.