Cold-weather running

[KiaKat]

Does anyone here regularly run in the cold weather? I used to, as a teenager, but I'm starting up again as an out-of-shape adult, and need some major advice.

What do I wear? I'm looking for specific brands, here. So far I've found the LL Bean Polartec, and they seem pretty good for the price (less than $40?! HELLS YEAH!). In the past, I've worn the Hot Chilis products, and they've been great, but I don't know if they're really the best choice.

I have the mid-layers, and the outer layer. I just don't have the base layer.

What other advice do y'all have about running in 35*F and colder weather? I think I've forgotten most of what I knew.

[blas]

Hahaha, 35 degrees F is cold? Or did you forget the - sign?

In all seriousness, when I used to run, I'd just wear warm sweats and a sweater and socks and tennies and go for it. You'll get warm, very warm. Don't want to over-dress.

I have heard tighter fitting clothes help with cardio in general, but I don't have a real opinion as I go both ways on that.

[KiaKat]

For right now, it is. This time last year, it was still in the 40's.

In a month, it's expected to be around 10*F in the mornings.

I'd rather find something appropriate for a range of low temps, rather than just a bunch of uber-cold-weather outfits.

Any recommendations?

[blas]

I'm not so sure about outerwear anymore because I go to an athletic club and exercise indoors. Ten degrees is like a high temp for this time of year here, if there isn't a - sign in front of it.

Most of my athletic pants are from AE Outfitters, Aeropostale, and Free Spirit (some brand I'm not that familiar with, got the pants at TJ Maxx) or the heavier sweat pants from Wal-Mart.

If they are warm enough to wear just walking to and from your house or car, they should be fine for running. You can get absurdly warm from cardio, even in the dead of winter. I would recommend pants and long sleeve shirts regardless to protect your skin from the harsh cold air.

[trailerparkmedic]

Underarmor is a good bottom layer for any season because it wicks away the sweat. No sweat in winter=less chills.

I agree with Blas. Get a couple of layers so you can shed if need be, and you should be fine.

[KiaKat]

*nods* UnderArmor is on the list, but it's a bit more than I wanted to spend. I'm certain I'll need at least a skin layer of something synthetic, given how poorly I regulate my body temp last year while skiing.

Polartec keeps coming up in my searches. I've never worn their base layers, only their fleeces. I wonder how they compare.

Ugh. I really miss being a teenager. I could wear just about anything and not be cold, all winter. And yet I have more body fat now. Amazing what 10+ years can do to a body.

[blas]

I'm a lot more cushy than I used to be, and yet I am developing almost a zero tolerance to any kind of cold. It's a sign I need to get the Hell out of here.

[tacohuman]

pepper skins are pretty good, similar to underarmour, but a bit less expensive. i wear them as an underlayer for cold weather hiking. i know you can find them at sports authority, but i'm sure they're available elswhere, too.