Autumn and winter running kit: what to wear

There are several calendar-related rules in the fashion world such as ‘you can’t wear white trousers after the start of September’ or ‘you have to wear that dodgy jumper your Gran knitted you until after Boxing Day’.
The clocks going back officially marks the start of the winter kit season. And so, to help you avoid any fashion faux pas such as frostbitten fingers and getting hit by a bus, let me give you a few pointers.
running downhill in the park

 

  1. Get a hat. Especially if you don’t have much hair. My hat has a nifty hole in the back for poking your ponytail through. I’ve even had compliments on it. Try not to choose black – it will make you more visible to cars so they can avoid hitting you.
  2. Hi-vis jacket. Granted, they don’t traditionally come in the most flattering of colours, but make sure you’re seen by road users if you’re going to be running before 8am or after 4pm at all. It’s much more flattering look than being run over. A spot of waterproofing and windproofing will also help to keep you dry and toasty this winter.
  3. Base layer wicking. I’m not sure I like the word ‘wicking’. It feels like an emperor’s new clothes approach to polyester. However, a long sleeve top that doesn’t absorb sweat should be worn as your base layer to stop sweat sticking around and making you cold.Layering is your friend. Layers trap in air which traps in heat. And you can shed them and tie them round your race as you get hotter.

  4. Old t-shirts. Race t-shirts are mostly too big and unsuitable for running in during the summer, but winter is when they come in handy. Wear them above your base layer for a bit of warmth. And they’re long enough to cover your bum if you’re self-conscious of that.
  5. Running tights. Gentlemen, don’t be shy – we understand that it’s cold. Yes, the words ‘tights’ and ‘leggings’ will put you off a bit but there’s no reason to be a hero when it’s cold. Maybe ease yourself in with a pair of shorts over the top.
  6. Gloves. There’s two types of weather in winter – one-pair-of-gloves days and two-pairs-of-gloves days. The kit above is the most I’ve worn through what was the coldest winter in 30 years while training for a marathon. You can buy specific ‘running gloves’ but really, any old gloves will do. Both come in handy for wiping your nose on. Come on, we all do it!
  7. Head torch. Again, if you’re going to be running before or after the sun is up, a headtorch can help give you more freedom. You’ll be able to see where you’re going if there’s not great street lighting.

Most of all, remember to dress as though the temperature is 10C warmer than it is. This will account for how much warmer you find it running over walking. And all winter weather is better than it looks when you’re staring out the window.