running clothes for winter

Hello Ladies:

I am trying to prepare for clothes for morning runs this winter.

I was trying to get a sense of what some of you wear. Have you ever layered your tights? Do you find thermal tights bulky?

I think I have enough layering options for the top, its bottom that I am worried about. This past weekend I ran at Rockefeller State Park. I ran 6.5 miles but oddly enough my legs felt a little chilly during the run and my legs were a little stiffer than I would have liked.

Any advice you can provide is appreciated. Thanks

Re: running clothes for winter

You will need to layer more on top than bottom---your legs will always be warmer than your top/hands/head.

You don't want to layer on your legs--one layer is all you should need. I have tights for different temperatures. I love the Old Navy compression tights for 35-50 degree weather. They are so cheap and you can order them online.

For colder weather (10-35 degrees), I own CW-X tights which are pricier but amazing. You can buy those on Amazon.

As far as thermals, don't do it. You will over heat!

Oh, as far as your legs being tight, they will be for longer than you are used to b/c your muscles take longer to warm up. Don't worry, start slow (maybe do a longer warmup than you are used to doing) and then your legs should start to get warmer!

Message edited 12/7/2011 4:58:34 PM.

Re: running clothes for winter

Thanks so much! I was putting off buying thicker tights mostly because of the price. I also LOVE the Old Navy tights. For their price they have held up well. It just makes me nuts how much the price jumps when looking to purchase winter tights.

When I ran at the state park it was much colder than the temperature for nyc. I figured with a 6 miler my legs would warm up and be fine but they definitely weren't and it made me realize I didn't really have gear for the winter.

Thanks for the CW X recommendation. I have been putting off buying them because of cost but your recommendation falls in line with what I have read.

Thanks again and happy running!

Re: running clothes for winter

I layer my legs if it's below 20 degrees. I wear tights and then I have loose men's nylon running pants that I put on top. I never bought them but my dad gave me his when he stopped running years ago. It really helps with the warmth when it's bitter cold out. Some morning I have run and it's been as cold as 4 degrees. Brrrrr!

Re: running clothes for winter

Ive layer on the bottom before. One of the winter series races last yr was 6 degrees below zero with wind chill! I wore lightweight oants over my tights. Most of the time tighs alone are good. I have a few pairs (cwx, under armour). Most important for me, get good gloves and headband to cover ears. I feel if my hands are ears are warm, my body is warm. Have fun!

Re: running clothes for winter

My legs are usually pretty comfortable. I can run in shorts until the low-mid 40s. After that, I have a pair of tights which are pretty good until 25. When it is really cold, I have layered looser tights with form fitting tights, but that is only on super cold days.

I think the rule is to dress like it is 20 degrees warmer.

Re: running clothes for winter

thank you for all the responses!!! happy running and stay warm!!! :)