Since most of us in the Northeast (and Midwest) have encountered some snow over the past weekend, I put together a list of five pieces of running gear that make running in the snow and frigid temperatures much more bearable. So PIN THIS LIST and make sure you are ready to embrace winter running!
Stabilize Your Shoes
One of the biggest challenges with running in the snow and ice is stabilizing your feet on slick surfaces. There are a few different options for helping you get better traction. You can screw ice spikes or screws into the bottom of your running shoes. If this doesn’t sound appeal, you can opt for Yaktrax, which slide over your running shoes. There is a network of coils on the bottom that help you get better traction on slick surfaces.
Yaktrax Run Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice, Gray/Red, SmallYaktrax Walker Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice, Black, Medium
Snow shoes
There are shorter snow shoes now that really allow you to mimic the motion of running in the snow, while giving you a greater surface area underfoot to help stabilize your body. Snow shoeing is a great way to keep up your cardio when it’s tough/impossible to go for a long run. It’s also a great way to fight cabin fever after a winter storm. Get outside and explore while you get a good workout!
Atlas Run U120100901220 Snow Shoes 56 cm 34-86 kg
Balaclava
I consider this to me a frigid/snowy weather essential for me. I have asthma, so it’s important for me to breathe in warm air when temps get really cold. Since a balaclava is one piece, it keeps everything protected and nice and toasty! When the wind is howling and temps are very low, the balaclava can help you get through a training run!
Saucony Drylete Balaclava Hat(Black, One Size)
Good running gloves/mittens
I love my Brooks adapt mittens, but Saucony makes a similar model. The Brooks adapt mittens have gloves with a pull down mitten cover for really cold temps. My hands tend to get warm over the course of a run, so I like the two different options of mittens/gloves. They also have reflective piping nightlife fabric, along with a removable thumb tip to allow you to use devices. If your fingers get really cold while running, opt for mittens over gloves–by allowing your fingers to touch one another, it will keep them warmer!
Pearl Izumi Shine Wind Mitt,Black,Medium
Running beanies or running hats
If you don’t want to go the balaclava route, a great running beanie can be your best friend! You lose half of your body heat through your head, so cover it up in cold temps! When it gets into the 30s, I definitely wear a hat, and I prefer one with a pony tail opening for comfort. You can choose a lighter weight hat if you run hot, or a more insulated one if you tend to run cooler.
Saucony Drylete Skull Cap (Black, One Size)
this WALKER looooves her balaclava too 🙂
I’d be lost without mine in freezing weather! 🙂
Greatl suggestions! I especially like the chains for the sneakers, it reminds me of the tractor trailers I’m watching chain up there tires here on I 70 in Colorado as we drive up to the Continental Divide! 😉
In my world, the one item that is absolutely necessary on the super cold days is my face mask, I’ve got one that has these perfect air holes so that you can still breathe fresh air, and not freeze your face… it’s all about the right gear, then you can run in almost any weather!
I so agree Terry–and I’m sure you have had this tested many a time in Canada! 😉