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P3Runner Jacqui Pressley shares her tips for running in cold weather.

It is inevitable here in Pittsburgh that we do the good majority of our training for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events during the coldest months of the year. We all tolerate the cold differently, but there are some things we can do to help us get through cold weather running.

Here are some of my helpful tips of what to wear for cold weather training runs:

1. Dress in layers! Wear a long-sleeved underlayer, made with tech fabric. Depending on how cold it is, wear 2 thin layers or a heavier underlayer. You may also be able to find an underlayer made with merino wool. 
2. Get a good running jacket. A heavier running jacket will work better on those really cold days.
3. Long leggings or running tights. Many companies (like Brooks Running!) also sell thicker running tights that work well in colder temperatures. 
4. Mittens are better than gloves. You can now find gloves that look like mittens but are actually an overlay over the fingers of the gloves. You can pull back the “mitten” to show the fingered glove once you warm up. Those types of gloves are fantastic!
5. Hand warmers to fit in your mittens and/or gloves give some added warmth. You can also find toe/foot warmers that work well too.
6. A thicker or wool running sock can also be beneficial!
7. Wear a beanie/hat, headband, or both.
8. Neck gaiters/buffs are great items to bring along on your cold-weather run. You can find them with different thicknesses too, and they are also great to wear as headgear for that extra layer of warmth.
9. Reflective Gear. Winter months bring darker, cloudier, and gloomier days, so do your best to remember your reflective gear and stay visible. 

Pay attention to the weather forecast to determine if the temperatures will warm up during your run. Keep in mind that you may overheat later in your run if you don’t remove layers at the right time.

More importantly, create the mindset that it is not that bad and that you can get through it. Cold weather running is a situation that is mind over matter. Envision that the temperatures are not that cold, and you’ll warm up. At least a little. ;-)