Home » Style + Shopping » Running – Dressing For The Elements

Running – Dressing For The Elements

Living in a state with interesting weather, like Wisconsin, and hating treadmills means you have to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions if you’re a runner. One day it can be 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the next it’s below freezing. This post is going to take a look at running outfits I’ve worn in a wide range of elements.

I’ve been wanting to do a post like this ever since I ran the Frostbite in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, which is a 5 or 10 mile race (I had opted for the 10). The weather was bitter cold, with an expected temp of -10 and wind chills making it feel like it was in the -30s. Preparing for this race was a bit frustrating, because of the lack of information on how to properly dress for such a race. Every article I came across basically said don’t run in these conditions. Which, ok, fair enough. However, this race was not cancelled, and I am not one to back out of a race – ever.

So, I wanted to pass on this information of what has worked for me, to other die hard runners…who may have to run in some wonky, to dangerous weather conditions. Let me say, though, I am by no means a running expert. I have been running and training for races (ranging from 5 miles to full marathons) for around 8 years. Most of this information has been gathered from trial and error on my end. However, keep in mind…what may work for me, may not work for you!

Warm Weather – 55+ degrees

Warm weather running outfit

This running outfit is my absolute favorite. If it’s not below freezing, and I’m not sure what I feel like wearing for my run…I’m going to opt for this one. In fact, I wore this for my first full marathon with weather in the 50s. (Click here to read more about that)

I know many runners swear by certain brands…and I get a rather picky about brands when we are dealing with below freezing temps. However, for anything above freezing, I am completely A-OK with inexpensive workout brands from TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target, etc. As long as it wicks away sweat (cotton does not wick!), then I am more than OK with them!

Shop the outfit:

Shoes | Top | Shorts | Sports Bra

Mild Weather – 40-55 degrees
cooler weather running outfit

As you can see, I am not above wearing race shirts if they are comfortable! I’ve also discovered that I’m not a big fan of women’s cut race shirts, though. I always opt for the men’s cuts and then go a size down. The key to running in a variety of elements is figuring out what you are comfortable wearing. Some days this outfit is fine for me. Other days, it’s windy, or I’m just feeling chilled.. and I may throw in a hat or gloves.

And you may have noticed I’m a big fan of Asics for running shoes. Again, these work fantastic for me…but they may provide too much cushion for you. Running shoes are very, very personal…try to find a running store that will allow you to return your shoes after you’ve tried them out (like Fleet Feet) if they do not work for you.

Shop the outfit:

Shirt | Capris | Shoes
 

Cold Weather – 30-40 degrees
cold weather running outfit

This Nike running top is about 5 years old and is my absolute favorite for running in chillier weather. All of the clothing in this entire post is at least a few years old, and is generally worn multiple times in one week…so, I am very happy with how all of these outfits have held up over the years!

Again, this outfit can be modified depending on wind, how I’m feeling etc. Some days when it’s between 30-40 degrees, this works. Other days I will use the outfit pictured next. The running tights pictured here, are ones I like to use when it is cold…but not bitter cold. These are not fleeced-lined (like the ones pictured next), and therefore, are not as warm. Which can be a good thing, you usually want to under-dress, versus over-dress for a run. The rule of thumb is to dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer than what it actually is.

Shop the outfit:

Shirt | Tights | Shoes | Gloves | Headband

Cold Weather – 10-30 degrees

Cold weather running outfit

cold weather running outfit

This is my go-to cold weather running outfit. My Nike top, Under Armour tights, a hat and gloves are my perfect cold weather running outfit (and if it’s rather windy, I’ll throw on my running jacket). Again, same thing applies with cold weather as it does with warm…you need clothing that is going to wick away sweat and keep you dry, but in this case, also keep you warm. Under Armour has been the brand I gravitate to the most for when the temps are below freezing. I have been incredibly happy with every single piece of cold weather clothing I’ve bought from them, and it has all held up remarkably well over the years.

yak tracks for running on snow and ice

bottom of the yaktrax

And, if the roads happen to be snow/ice covered… Yaktrax are awesome to get some traction! I’m not going to lie, they do take some getting used to, but it sure is better than trying to slip and slide on an icy road. If the road is not completely ice covered, you can run on these for short distances without snow and ice. It just kind of feels like you are running in sand. And these aren’t too difficult to just slip over your normal running shoes.

Shop the outfit:

Jacket | Undershirt | Tights | Shorts | Gloves | Hat | YakTrax
 

REALLY Cold Weather – 10 degrees to Below Zero

subzero weather running outfit

If there is one running outfit from this whole post that you should follow to a T, it’s this one. When the temperatures dip below zero, you have to be dressed appropriately or you’re risking frostbite. Speaking of which, this is the outfit I wore for the 10 mile Frostbite race when the temps were about -10, with wind chills that felt like -30 degrees. This kept me from getting frostbite, while I ran the Frostbite Race…how about that? The only thing that would have made this outfit better, would be if I had worn sunglasses. I can’t explain it, but sunglasses make me claustrophobic when I’m running. However, you REALLY should wear sunglasses when running…not only to protect your eyes from the sun, but also to protect your eyes from the wind.

Another important factor to this outfit, is the multiple layers. I’ll break them down in the photos below. This is to wick sweat, and also trap heat while you are running.

cold weather running outfit
I am wearing a compression shirt under my jacket.
cold weather running outfits
I am wearing my compression tights and a thick pair of socks under my running pants.

Also, I am wearing a thin running sock under my thick Under Armour socks (again, absolutely NO cotton). I am also wearing ski gloves for this. I made the mistake of wearing my lightweight running gloves from the 30-40 degree post for a test run with this outfit. They were definitely not warm enough because my hands started to swell from the cold and hurt so bad I was actually in tears. These ski gloves, however, did the trick and kept me warm for the race. And you will want another layer over your running tights. Typically I just wear my running tights, but when it’s below zero…you definitely need one more layer over them! (I really like these particular pants because they are skinny on the bottom and keep the wind out.)

I should also note, that I cut a hole around the mouth part of my facemask…because I was too claustrophobic otherwise. This face mask does NOT come with a hole by the mouth.

You can check out each piece of the outfit below.

Shop the Outfit:

Coat | Base layer | Tights | Sweatpants | Hat | Facemask | Wool Socks | Ski gloves | Shoes

Has anyone else had to run in some extreme conditions? What are some tips you could share from that experience? Let me know in the comments! And let me know if you have any questions!

Still not a fan of running in extreme weather? Read this article on some of the best treadmills you can buy!

If you would like to read about my experience training for a full marathon, click here.

Running outfis for extreme weather conditions

18 Comments

  1. Wow I can’t believe you run in those cold temps, let alone for 10 miles. That is amazing! I used to run, but just 2 miles, and on an indoor track. I can’t imagine running in the freezing cold. I would definitely get claustrophobic too with that face mask. It was such a great idea to cut it. You are really amazing! This was such a great read!
    ~Lili
    www.thefashionsalt.com

  2. Dear Lindsey,

    You have hit one of my favorite, yet frustrating topics…what to wear while running in the winter. You really created a good “how-to” for anyone who has questions on how to dress at what temps.

    While I am not a subzero warrior like you, I have done a few runs in the teens and, as long as it isn’t too windy, it isn’t too bad. I did run a local marathon in March 2007 and it was 19 degrees (wind made it worse) at the start line! Not a good PR day. Ha Ha

    The “what to wear” conundrum almost got me this morning. Weather app said it was 39 degrees when I ran this morning, but because the air was SO damp (recent rain), it felt a lot colder, but luckily I “overdressed” a little. Something that you styled well for cooler temps are cute capri running pants. They keep your knees and legs warm and, there are SO many colors and cute patterns now. :o)

    I will generally wear shorts until it gets below 40 and just layer up on top. I have a windbreaker vest that is perfect for those temps, when paired with a thermal/insulated top (UA or Asics). Gloves are a must for me as my “paws” get cold pretty darn quick. Ha Ha

    I am also a huge Asics fan, but they eliminated my favorite shoe a few years ago…the Foundation series! :o( I have heard they are bringing it back, but haven’t seen it in store yet.

    Keep up the great blog!

    Kathi

    1. Thank you so much, Kathi! There are some days that running in the teens can be just as bad as running in subzero weather..especially if it’s damp and windy (like you noted). And I agree there are soooo many running capris to pick from these days! I really need to get more adventurous in that area (mine are basically all just black and grey). 🙂 Kudos for wearing shorts all the way to the 40 degree mark! 🙂 I hope they bring your running shoe back! That is the absolute worst when they discontinue your favorite running shoe! (Whyyy do shoe companies do that?)

    1. Thank you, Jessica! The Yaktrax really come in handy during the winter…I’ve only been using them for a little over a year, and I have no idea how I survived before them!

  3. Oh wow, props to you for running in this weather! I would literally freeze my butt off and probably pass out! You’re crazy impressive!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

  4. I’ve been running for more than ten years and it took me a while to figure out what to wear when. Sometimes even now I wonder, especially when we have a big temp change. This would have been helpful years ago. I now use this cool Runner World form that you fill out and it tells you: http://www.runnersworld.com/what-to-wear. It even allows you to say how you prefer to feel doing the run (such as cool) and set things like type of run, which can change things. It works really well for me.

    I’ve also found arm warmers to be great, especially on longer runs when I will start cold and then warm up. I love being able to just take them off and be more comfortable!

    1. Oooh that Runners World form sounds awesome! I’ll be testing it out on tomorrow’s run! And arm warmers are something I’ve always been hesitant to try…for absolutely no reason, other than I didn’t know anyone who used them. I’ll have to give them a try. (You can never have too many exercise clothes! Haha.) Thank you so much for all the information, Jennifer! This is awesome!

  5. Really amazing and informative post Lindsey! I have zero cute workoutothes and you totslly inspired me to finally get some. I usually just got for walks and wear something comfy. Kudos for running in negative degree weather too! So very impressive.

    amandabrezovsky.com

    1. Thank you so much, Amanda! Haha, I don’t even know if I would say any of these outfits are cute…comfy is the best for exercise, in my opinion. 🙂

  6. Lindsley, as a runner as well, and who wears workout clothes, especially sneakers, virtually every day, this was your best post yet that I’ve read. The next time I update my Lookbook, I will have to include a photo of one of my outfits. I can tell you this, none are as stylish as yours.

    1. Oh my – thank you so much, Miranda! I’m looking forward to seeing your post on Lookbook! 🙂

  7. Oh, Lindsey! I absolutely needed this! It doesn’t get nearly as cold in Arkansas as it does where you are, so I won’t be needing as many layers as you, friend! I thought I had that layering thing down, but I was running Saturday, and I kept singing in my head, “It’s getting hot out here. I wore too many clothes!” And I’m with you…Asics are the best running shoes hands…I mean, feet!…down! 🙂

    1. Haha! Yay for another Asics lover! And oh yes, I’ve been running for over 8 years and still make the mistake of overdressing some days. Best of luck with your training, Brittney! I can’t wait to hear how your half marathon goes! 🙂

  8. Wow, you are amazing. I am so impressed that you are such a dedicated runner, and you don’t let low temps slow you down! I have been trying to get into working out – I currently do a 30 minute workout once a week with some gals from work…but I know that’s not enough. It’s so hard to find the motivation to get off of my butt!

    Maybe some new workout gear can encourage me to do more? 🙂
    ~Jen
    dressingwithclass.wordpress.com

    1. Oh gosh. Thank you, Jen! Getting into the groove can be a bit challenging, but hey..new workout gear can definitely help. 😉 And having a group to workout with is a big plus! Running is something I prefer to do by myself, but for strength training, yoga, kick boxing, etc. I love having a group to workout with!

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.