Running in cold weather is a challenge every fitness enthusiast has to overcome. Whether you’re completing a couch-to-5k or training for a marathon, winter weather is an obstacle you can’t avoid early in the year. Knowing what to wear for a winter run can keep you on top of your fitness goals come rain or shine.
Winter brings unique challenges for runners, from higher chances of injury due to ice to poor visibility from darker evenings. Investing in winter running gear will keep you comfortable and safe while exercising in the colder months. We’re sharing everything you need to know about what to wear while running in winter, including our top recommendations for winter running leggings.
Running in Cold Weather: Winter Essentials
Exercising outdoors in winter is very different compared to spring and summer. You can expect challenging conditions at almost any time of the day, from colder mornings with frosty footpaths to darker evenings. Running outdoors in winter also brings a higher chance of injury and sickness, thanks to the colder and wetter weather.
The secret to winter running gear is to prepare for all eventualities. You might start your run during daylight hours and come home in the pitch dark. Alternatively, you might get caught in an unexpected rain shower or navigating a slippery footpath with black ice.
Once winter hits, it’s time to choose clothes for running in winter that accommodate easy layering and offer an extra layer of protection.
What to Look For in Running Winter Gear
Choosing your winter running gear can feel overwhelming. You want to balance practicality with comfort by choosing winter running leggings that offer extra warmth without weighing you down. Your clothes for running in the winter should work for all weather and visibility conditions. We’re sharing three things to look for when choosing what to wear while running in winter.
Quick Drying Materials
It’s not just the rain that you need to consider in winter. Sweat can be a problem all year round long. Choose winter running gear made with quick-drying material that prevents your clothes from becoming wet with sweat.
Wet clothes, whether from rain or sweat, will make you feel even colder in winter. At Llama Leisure, our running leggings and activewear tops are made with sweat-wicking fabrics, giving them quick drying properties to keep sweat and water away.
Reflective and Bright Fabrics
Safety is something every runner needs to consider in winter. If you usually choose black and neutral colours for your activewear, you’ll want to start thinking brighter.
If you’re running outdoors, whether it’s on the road or footpath, you’ll want to choose bright and reflective fabrics for your winter running gear. It’s a good idea to run with a headlight or add a hi-vis vest for extra visibility for on-coming traffic at night. Bold prints and colours like our ‘Neon Swirl’ activewear leggings and ‘Electric Pink’ t-shirt will make you easier to spot when running in winter.
Easy to Layer Pieces
Are you not sure what to wear for running in cold weather? It’s simple: layers. Your winter running gear should include pieces that are easy to layer, keeping you warm at the start of your running while being lightweight enough to carry if you want to remove them later. Your extra outer layers, like a zip-up hoodie, should be light enough to not distract from your run while you’re carrying it.
How to Layer Activewear for Running in Cold Weather
Every activewear outfit can be broken down into three layers. While layers are important for your running winter gear, you don’t want to add unnecessary layers.
It’s normal to feel colder during your warm-up, making it common to remove layers later in your run, even in winter, as your body starts to heat up. Considering the purpose of each layer of your winter running gear makes it easier to decide what to wear while running in winter.
Base Layers
A strong base layer is key for running in cold weather. Thermal underwear can be a great combination with base layer leggings. These lightweight leggings add extra warmth without impacting your performance, offering sweat-wicking properties for easy layering.
Mid-Layers
Don’t overlook the importance of mid-layers for your winter running gear. These layers give you extra warmth and protection against the elements, whether you’re battling rain, snow or wind. The difference between a mid-layer and an outer-layer is that your mid-layer will stay on throughout your run. Choose activewear, such as a mid-layer top in a breathable fabric, to wear over a sports bra or running vest.
Outer Layers
The outer layers of your winter running gear are where things can get tricky. Warm joggers are a great option for wearing over yoga pants or leggings at the start of your run when warming up. However, you’ll probably want to remove the outer layer once you’ve warmed up, either carrying them or rolling them up into a small backpack.
An outer-layer sweatshirt is another essential for running in cold weather. Style over a sports bra and skip the extra mid-layer if you want to wear it throughout your run.
Looking After Your Winter Running Gear
Your winter running leggings will need a little extra TLC. While you should be regularly cleaning and drying your activewear, winter is a time when you can expect your running gear to get extra messy. Snow, mud and rain may require extra treatment to remove. Always rinse, soak or pre-treat your running gear and read the clothing label to follow the right instructions. Turn your activewear inside out and always try to air dry your winter running leggings to help maintain their shape.
Find Your Winter Workout Activewear at Llama Leisure
There’s two things to remember when deciding what to wear for a winter run: layers and visibility. While layers will keep you warm against the elements, it’s important to think about visibility and choose brighter clothing to make you easier to spot for oncoming traffic. Adding a hi-vis vest or headlight can enhance your visibility if you prefer to run in the evening.
Find your winter running gear by exploring Llama Leisure’s activewear collection with bold and fun prints to motivate you to meet your running goals!
