With the cold weather hanging around I often get asked what outdoor training and running gear is best. The answer is something breathable, comfortable and off course stylish!
Remember that you are going to be getting warm during your training so thin layers of long and short sleeve tops are a great way to regulate overheating. Add in some gloves, gilet and beenie and you're sorted. Below I have suggested some winter workout gear you might like;
- Leggings
When temperatures are below 12-15'C i find i really need long leggings. You may be hardy enough to wear mid length or short running shorts, but if you want to prevent freezing to death I'd stick with some close-fitting leggings.
Ronhill do some really confortable long leggings with waist ties and zips on the leg, together with high visibility strips that aren't too gare-ish. They have zip-pockets at the back to store keys or mp3.
If you are after something a bit more high-end, and prefer to keep your branding almost invisible, then try out HPE (Human Performance Engineering). These plain black leggings (£65 from hpe-shop.com) offer a great fit for those who want compression – though given they don't have a zip at the bottom, I recommend you sit down before attempting to take them off ...
2. Baselayers
Merino base layers are great for temperature regulation and comfort. You can get a range of
different thicknesses of base layers from icebreaker, and they are super soft. http://eu2.icebreaker.com/Why-Icebreaker-Merino/why-icebreaker-landing,en,pg.html
I particularly like the 150g/m2 ultralight. it comes in long and short sleeve, even a vest or bra if you want!
Infact their mid layers are also pretty special.
I would also recommend the good-old favourites Helly Hansen base layers. You can get these in short and long sleeve versions for £20-30, slightly cheaper than the icebreakers.
3. High Visibility
Winter running is often running in the dark, so remember to stay bright and visible for safety. Adidas do a jacket for £64.99 and is pretty visible but it also offers great warmth and breathability. It's reflective, but the piping also glows in the dark, a feature that provides much entertainment for small children. The pockets are nicely designed – the chest one is perfect for those who need to keep their phone on them or run with an iPod. It's not a super-tight fit but it doesn't ride up or cause irritation at all, even on longer runs.
I actually like to run in a bright coloured jacket that has detachable arms. These jackets offer great versatility as you can stuff the arms in a pocket if you get too warm, or keep them on if you need a bit more wind protection. Adidas also do a version adidas adiStar Convertible Wind Jacket - Beauty, which is a really visible pink colour!
Finally, your accessories can also offer a more low-key opportunity for some high-vis action. Nike do a hat/glove pack where the hat has a peek-hole in the back for your pony tail and the gloves have a little fold in the palm for a single key. I find running gloves can become irritating and overly warm very quickly, but these are lightweight and moisture-wicking, and so light that even if you have to take them off, they will fit into a pocket or even a waistband without annoying you.
4. Running tops
Finally, what long-sleeve top do you need?? Theres so much choice out there, find something you like the look of, is the right colour and most importantly fits well. You want it long enough to not ride up when you are running, and snug enough not to chafe under the arms. Some have additional pocket features, collars or finger holes.
Nike, Adidas, Gore and Ronhill have a great selection, try looking in Sheactive, and Lululemon for some alternative ideas.
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