Winter Running Gear

on January 13, 2012
in All Posts

Carolina style.

photo (97)

It’s only (ha!) 40 degrees outside, but according to the weatherman, it feels like 33.  For a native Miami girl, that is cold.  Ridiculously so.  Hence why I haven’t run outside in 13 days – since the New Year New You 5K.

 

Essential gear for staying warm in Carolina winter weather:

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Must double up the top.  I always wear a long-sleeve sweat-wicking shirt on underneath.

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A earmuff headband + a hat.  I lose so much warmth through my noggin’!  And fleece-lined winter running tights, which I scored a few years back at Sports Authority.

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A hoodie.  I know there are fancier jackets out there, but I find a sweatshirt works just fine.  I tuck my hands into the sleeves if they get cold (and I forgot my gloves, like I did today) and if it’s extra chilly, pull the hood over my hat.

 

I knew today’s run would be rough… the weather, the recent lack of running… but it was really sucky.  I ended up walk/running the 2.0 miles and turning back way before the 5K mark.  This was the first run that I could feel the baby bump moving up and down, which felt incredibly weird and uncomfortable.  I’ve thought about getting a maternity support band that wraps around my belly but… I don’t know.  Maybe 4.5 months is my ‘running while preggers’ max.  Especially given my doctor’s advice to stop running without walking.  All I could think the entire run was, “I’d rather be swimming, I’d rather be swimming, I’d rather be swimming.”  Hah!

 

Pre-run snack (celery and sunflower buttah):

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Lunch:

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I realized that Mexican Lasagna can easily be made in single-serving batches!  Wahoo!  So I whipped up a combo of refried beans, spinach, corn salsa, and regular salsa. 

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So. Freaking. Delicious.

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What do you wear for outdoor exercise during the winter?  Any essentials?  Although I don’t normally run in the snow because I am pretty clumsy, I’ve heard great things about Yaktraxs, which stretch over your shoes and provide extra tread.

{ 73 comments }

 

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat January 13, 2012, 2:48 pm

    P-I-T-T Let’s Go Pitt! 🙂

  • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) January 13, 2012, 2:51 pm

    I very much feel like I should be commenting with a Crocodile Dundee style “you call that winter? THIS is winter…”
    😉

    • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) January 13, 2012, 2:54 pm

      PS- trail shoes are great for winter running in the snow, ice, and slush.

    • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 2:56 pm

      Haha I SAID it was Carolina style. 🙂

    • Mel January 13, 2012, 3:30 pm

      Same! I would be roasting in that much clothing in 40 degree weather, especially when it’s sunny! The sun makes all the difference.

      If it’s in the 40s and it’s sunny then my winter gear is…a tank top and shorts. 🙂

  • HRCK the Herald January 13, 2012, 2:52 pm

    Gloves help me a LOT (to keep my hands warm and to wipe my inevitably running nose, ha), and I’d wear something with a little windbreaking ability to keep the cold air from getting to me.

  • Nikki T January 13, 2012, 2:54 pm

    As a native Albertan, running in the cold is pretty much a given! I find running in the heat to be more difficult than running in the cold (you can only take off so many clothes when running in public!!)
    I dress similar to what you did today, but never forget the mitts! If it’s really cold (like -20 or more) a heavier jacket instead of or over top of the hoodie too!
    It’s been a couple winters since I ran in the shoe/ice (I got a treadmill for Christmas last year!!), but I didn’t use any of the fancy over the shoe gripper things…regular old runners did just fine. Just remember to take shorter strides and watch for icy spots!
    PS- Love the baby bump!!

    • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 2:56 pm

      BRRRRRRRRRRR I can’t believe you run outside when it’s like that!!!

      Thanks : )

      • Nikki T January 13, 2012, 5:35 pm

        I’m definately a little bit more of a wuss now that I got my t-mill! Before I didn’t have the option of running in the comfort of my own basement, and didn’t want to pay for the gym…so outside it was! And BRRRRRRRRRRR is right!!
        A couple years ago I did a 5km race on Jan 1st…it was -32 with the wind chill. YIKES it was cold!

        • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 8:35 pm

          Dangggggggggggggg

  • Tina @ Best Body Fitness January 13, 2012, 2:59 pm

    I wear a fleece (or a material like it) lined moisture wicking top and winter running tights plus the ear headband, hat, and gloves. It seemed to work for me in 27 degrees this morning!

  • Katie @ cooklaughmove January 13, 2012, 3:00 pm

    Usually I wear 1 layer on the bottom (fleece lined tights) and 2-3 on top (snug long sleeve baselayer, a tank or short sleeve for more core warmth and a New Balance pullover/jacket), gloves, smart wool socks and a earband.

    I do love my yaktrax when it is snowy!

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats January 13, 2012, 3:01 pm

    So good to see the mexican lasagna can be made as a single serving! I need to try that out one day for a quick lunch! Did you microwave or put it in the oven?

    • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 8:35 pm

      Oven! I don’t know if it would work in the micro. You could reheat in the microwave though.

  • Marci January 13, 2012, 3:05 pm

    If you don’t like the exercise, don’t do it! There are many more things you can do than jog or run. It’s only short term.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat January 13, 2012, 3:13 pm

    I am definitely a fair-weather runner, so all my winter running is done inside!! 🙂

  • Amy @loveAmyx January 13, 2012, 3:15 pm

    I think if you don’t want to run any more thats cool but if you do a bump band or bump support would make a big difference

    Amy x

  • Jenn's Adventures January 13, 2012, 3:21 pm

    I’m an island girl who recently landed in Seattle, so I’m taking notes!! Looking forward to more comments and tips on what works!! =)

  • Lindsay @ Running the Windy City January 13, 2012, 3:23 pm

    I always wear a headband (covering my ears), gloves, and multiple layers. When its really cold, I’ll wear underarmor under my normal layers and two pairs of clothes. Chicago is very very cold in the winter!

  • Jenny January 13, 2012, 3:25 pm

    Don’t feel guilty if you decide to go on a running hiatus for the rest of pregnancy….you’ve already made it 4.5 months! I stopped running much earlier because it was way cold and icy and because, like you, when I ran, I was constantly thinking, “I’d rather be walking/swimming/yoga, etc.”

    Any exercise is better than no exercise. The other activity will make you a better runner in the long-term 😉

  • Lindsey January 13, 2012, 3:29 pm

    Well winter running here is about -20 degrees Celsius sometimes so I have to bundle up and layer with wicking clothes a lot. I love a good pair of thermal running tights, a neck mask (not sure the technical name) that comes up to cover my nose and most importantly for me wind proof gloves to keep my fingers warm! I have had frost bite a couple times on them!

  • Ursula January 13, 2012, 3:45 pm

    Walk. I’m not pregnant, but I walk once a day. I’m not a runner or gym person. I feel ashamed compared to active people when I only walk once a day (blushes), but I guess I need to stop comparing!

    • Julie (A Case of the Runs) January 13, 2012, 4:46 pm

      No problem in walking! I consider it part of my workout regimen! The best fitness activity is the one you can safely stick to!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife January 13, 2012, 3:46 pm

    Winter running—ahhhh COLD! I say just wear lots of layers-this works for me!

  • anon January 13, 2012, 3:51 pm

    Yaktrax, Yaktrax, Yaktrax. I run all through winter and these are essential. They really make it safe to run on snow and ice. Case in point, I ran 6 miles today in 15 degrees on snowyice. It was glorious! Though I live in Saint Louis now, I grew up in South Florida, so….winter running gear is essential.

    • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 8:36 pm

      Glad to hear a good review of YakTrax!!

  • kristin January 13, 2012, 3:55 pm

    in the beginning of being pregnant I was super weirded out by running (I think my previous miscarriage had an effect as well). Then at like 12 weeks I got my running mojo back and was at it about 1x/wk plus cross training. I topped out at about 28 weeks, all of a sudden it just felt wrong haha. Now at 32 weeks I couldn’t imagine… I tried to jog after one of my special ed students who was running away from me the otherday and had to stop immediately! I’m still active but the running motion isn’t compatible with pregnancy! I think no matter when you stop running the great part is that you ran at all while pregnant!

    On the running gear topic, I loooove long sleeved under armour cold gear. They keep you warm and dry and are super comfy! I love running in the cold, even snow… So pretty! and I wish I was able to get out there this winter!

    • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 8:37 pm

      Awesome to hear that you ran so much in the second tri, though! I am super impressed.

  • Rosa - Fitness Food Fulfilled January 13, 2012, 3:58 pm

    I got one of the maternity support bands for running and it really helps. Now that I’m 20 weeks, the bump is putting pressure on my pelvic area, which isn’t comfortable. The band helps a ton!

    And that Mexican lasagna looks amazing! I guess anything with cheese on it and tortillas is going to be pretty good though, huh?

  • Brooke @ sweats & sweets January 13, 2012, 3:59 pm

    How cute is your pregger belly in running gear?! I ran in 23° and wanted to crawl in my house and never leave my scolding hot shower. I can’t run when its below 50°.

    BTW, I know you’ve said what shoes you run in…what Brooks models are they again? I’m having a break-up with my Mizuno WR 15s.

    • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 8:38 pm

      Now i have new ones… I think they are Asics. I can’t remember the type. But I used to have Brooks Summons.

      • stephs January 14, 2012, 12:37 am

        from the pic i believe your shoes are saucony and not asics

  • Laurie January 13, 2012, 4:06 pm

    Cute belly!! 🙂

  • sara January 13, 2012, 4:16 pm

    Go Pitt!

  • Cara @ I Don't Believe in Diets January 13, 2012, 4:19 pm

    I love how much you have grown to like swimming! Good time to love it right now. haha.

  • Cindy January 13, 2012, 4:26 pm

    You were warm enough? I had been layering wicking t, ls shirt, ls shirt , and then a fleece jacket. Plus hat and gloves. I could never get the layering quite right and since moving and being ill, I haven’t had a chance to try again.

  • Chelsea January 13, 2012, 4:30 pm

    That’s what I love about Texas it’s like 60-70 outside lately 🙂 Thing that stinks though is sometimes I feel extra chilly at the beginning of my run so I’ll wear a light jacket, but by like 2 miles I wan to throw the jacket in the woods and never see it again haha.

  • Heather @ Bake, Run, Live January 13, 2012, 4:33 pm

    I am a wuss when it comes to cold-weather running. My treadmill gets a great deal of use during these winter months! That said, I am running a half-marathon at the end of March, in PA, so I just bought my first pair of running tights (since high school…cough 20 years cough). I’m hoping for a few mild days that I can get outside and try them out!

    • Lilly January 14, 2012, 6:37 pm

      I’m running the garden spot half-marathon then, any chance you are doing the same race?

  • Laura @ Running on Pie January 13, 2012, 4:44 pm

    Oooh I hadn’t seen the Mexican Lasagna recipe before! I am obsessed with Tex Mex these days, and a single serving may be just the ticket 🙂

  • LeeAnn January 13, 2012, 4:54 pm

    I use my brook’s cascadia trail runners in the snow. Extra grippy and not clunky at all. I did the Teva Mountain Games 10k race last year (Vail, Co) and had to run fast downhill on snow….didn’t slip once!

  • Michelle January 13, 2012, 4:58 pm

    I hate winter weather running! I live in Santa Monica, so it only gets down to about 50, but that’s still cold enough that I want a coat at the beginning. But once I heat up, I always regret the extra layer. So I’m always debating between being too cold or too hot.

  • Laura January 13, 2012, 5:03 pm

    I normally wear a long sleeve tech shirt + a fleece vest + long running tights + thicker running socks + earband + “homemade” fingerless gloves I made out of old wool socks. I live in Portland, Ore. & while the climate is temperate, it’s wet, which feels colder to me. I actually wear less when I run in Central Oregon where its colder but drier and sunnier. Warm sun at altitude makes a WORLD of difference. I normally run in just short sleeves and running tights when its in the 30s and 40s there.

  • Hillary January 13, 2012, 5:35 pm

    I’m training for a spring half marathon, so I recently had to stock up on some cold-weather essentials: sweat-wicking warm jackets, tights, etc. They work like a dream!

  • Moni'sMeals January 13, 2012, 5:41 pm

    you look so cozy and great, it is all about being comfortable too, or forget it!

    What nice meals so far..YUM!

  • Linz @ ItzLinz January 13, 2012, 5:42 pm

    way to sneak in a belly bump pic! love it! so cute!!

  • Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous January 13, 2012, 6:04 pm

    That lasagna looks delicious!

  • Liz o January 13, 2012, 6:13 pm

    I ran with a breathable gabriela pregnancy support belt until 38 wks. Even if you switch to walking, I think a belly support band makes a big difference!! I had sciatic nerve pain my last two weeks of pregnancy & the belt felt awesome!! Just my experience!

  • Meg @ Runridelove January 13, 2012, 6:24 pm

    For running I usually just make sure to have warm tights, an under armor base layer, fleece jacket mittens and hat. That’s the easy sport. Dressing in the cold for cycling, now that is a challenge! You need so much gear! Booties, tights, knee warmers over the tights, under armor, cycling jacket, wind vest, special gloves, special cycling neck/ear warmer that fits under the helmet…you can’t go out for short rides in the winter because it takes so long to get dressed its just not worth it!

  • Kim January 13, 2012, 6:31 pm

    I have the usual gear, but I discovered a lined UnderArmor turtleneck and I really like it.

  • speedster January 13, 2012, 6:42 pm

    your belly looks big (in a good way :))…i went swimming the other day and now am in love and adding it to my training schedule for every morning!

  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama January 13, 2012, 7:06 pm

    I just did a post today about my favorite winter running gear. I love my running tights and absolutely need a hat that will cover my ears.

    P.S. Your belly looks so cute!

  • Amanda January 13, 2012, 7:32 pm

    I <3 running tights, gloves, a compression top and a loose sweatshirt on top. It's 10* and windy up here…I'm not running outside!

  • Alett January 13, 2012, 7:50 pm

    Great job getting out there! So very proud of you!
    Speaking of proud – I thought of you yesterday as I got up EXTRA early to hit the pool before work. The 5:15am wake-up was hard. Luckily one does not have to be too awake to swim. I got 1500m in before work. I am so happy I got the work out done HOWEVER swimming makes me SO tired and I felt like I didn’t wake up until 2pm (awkward since I’m a vet and kind of have to at least appear awake, tee hee).

    re: winter running gear
    fuzzy tights are a must. I have some super fuzzy polar tec fleece ones for below 17F. Love the tights but I have to say my “go to” winter piece is a fleece headband that I have which covers my ears as I find I get too hot with a full hat.
    Happy weekend

    • CaitlinHTP January 13, 2012, 8:38 pm

      Swimming is exhausting!!! But I am so glad you did it!

  • Army Amy* January 13, 2012, 7:50 pm

    An ear muff headband and gloves are a must for me. Cold ears and hands will make your whole body feel cold! I recently got some Under Armour pants that I love, but it doesn’t always get that cold here in Texas.*

  • Gracie January 13, 2012, 9:29 pm

    Wow, I would die with all that on in 40 degree weather! And I think I’m cold-natured. Once I get a mile in I warm up no matter what, though, so if it’s cold (this morning was 37) I might wear running tights, a long-sleeved T, and a hat and gloves – then I take the gloves and hat off when I get warm and maybe push up my sleeves. It’s kind of annoying living in Louisiana – it’s rarely truly cold but there are just enough days to require me to have some warmer running gear!

  • TiffanyS January 13, 2012, 10:17 pm

    Yak Tracks are a good idea up here in chilly Minnesota. However, we don’t have much snow yet. I have worn them a few times, and I can say I’m a fan. No slipping on ice whatsoever! I’m confused on how to layer properly. I continue to wear WAY too many clothes and then come back soaked. I’m still trying to figure out a good system. Please, bring on spring!

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd January 13, 2012, 10:55 pm

    I have to wear a headband, gloves, and a vest!

    P.S. your pics of the Mexican lasagna are BEAUTIFUL!

  • Marissa C January 13, 2012, 10:57 pm

    At 12 weeks I felt like I had to pee with every step even if I had just gone to the restroom. That’s when I gave up.

  • Sophie @ threetmesf January 14, 2012, 5:18 am

    As a general rule, if I can see my breath outside, I run in the gym!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin January 14, 2012, 8:14 am

    I’m a wimp, so I stop running outside when it gets cold. 😛

  • Kath January 14, 2012, 11:59 am

    I totally want to make that Mexican lasagna next week!!

  • Amber K January 14, 2012, 2:38 pm

    The weather is the exact reason I love the gym. It can never be too hot or too cold for me to work out. I just have to dress up for the walk to the car!

  • Lilly January 14, 2012, 6:47 pm

    wow, I can’t believe you wear all that clothing in 40 degree weather! I would be so hot! I tend to follow the 20 degree rule when going running. I live in Pa, and it is awful trying to motivate myself to go run outside, but I warm up quickly. The biggest problem for me is my thighs/front of my legs get very cold, and I have a hard time getting warm again. And the ice is a problem, so I need to get a solution for that this year.

  • Luv What You Do January 14, 2012, 8:58 pm

    I just ordered Brooks trail running shoes. Cna’t wait to take them for a run!

    I also love the Lululemon running hat. It has a space for your ponytail….awesome!

  • Vikki January 14, 2012, 9:26 pm

    My sis-in-law ran her entire pregnancy with my nephew. She used the maternity band and said it helped. Running is her obsession though and you have other forms of exercise that you do so if you don’t feel it, don’t do it.

  • Allison January 15, 2012, 7:23 am

    Gloves and some headband to cover my ears are musts in the colder weather… IDK why, but after a cold run my ears ring?! They don’t do it if I’m just outside in the cold…

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday January 15, 2012, 11:56 am

    When I was in Orlando for the marathon last week it was about 50*F the day I got there and people were wearing parkas and full length fur coats. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt.
    I was thinking, “Are these people joking? It’s so nice out!”

  • Lindsay @ Salt, Sun & Sanity January 15, 2012, 7:19 pm

    If it’s super cold out, I always need something to cover my ears. I don’t know what it is, but when my ears get cold the blood just pounds through them and it KILLS!

  • Sara January 17, 2012, 10:49 am

    Mind if I ask what kind of salsa you have been using? It looks so yum-o.

    • Caitlin January 17, 2012, 10:50 am

      Fresh refrigerated salsa from Trader Joe’s!

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