Dressing for Cold Weather Running:
Conquering the Polar Vortex

Don't let the cold weather hinder your exercise regime!

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when dressing for polar vortex walking and running:

LAYERS! Keeping your core and skin covered!

For Your Head

• A balaclava, or combination of toque and Buff (or similar type of product), that can cover your nose and mouth. This keeps your skin safe from wind, keeping your skin warm but also warming the air as it comes into your lungs!

For Your Hands

• A warm, wind blocking type of mitt - mitts keep your fingers together and in turn keep your hands warmer!
• If you generally have cold hands even in warm gloves, try putting a thinner glove inside your mitt for an extra layer of protection!

For Your Upper Body

• Put on a moisture wicking base layer(dri-fit/low to no cotton content clothing item) closest to your skin to help pull sweat off the skin (cotton holds onto moisture and could cause you to be colder).
• Next, put on a thermal layer clothing item that is moisture wicking. This could be a ½ or ¼ zip long sleeve or even a long sleeve and vest
• Next, put on an outer layer that is thermal and wind protective - a warm but blocking material that does not allow the wind through to your clothing underneath. If you can keep the wind from going through your clothing, your body will be better at keeping the heat where you need it.

For Your Lower Body

• Start with a moisture wicking base layer underwear closest to the skin – it will help with sweat management and also block some wind from those important areas
• Next put on a thermal and wind blocking layer (either a tight or thermal lined wind pant or combination of both) that will keep you protected and warm as well!

For Your Feet

• longer socks to cover your ankles (merino wool or wool blend will be nice and warm)

Shoe Choices?!

• Something in a GORE-TEX or waterproof option will help keep your feet dry and may help block the wind coming through the shoe. If it's slippery out, try something like a Nordic Grip shoe cover that will help dig into ice and hard packed snow to keep your footing more secure!