Poor Man’s Guide to Cold Weather Running

Poor Man’s Guide to Cold Weather Running

By Tim Long

You’ve decided to keep up with your running through the winter months. Congratulations! You quickly realize that those loose elastic, droopy running shorts and frayed, snagged running shirt you run in three times a week in the warm weather aren’t going to do the trick now that the wind has a bite to it.

This is a problem. Now not only will you be fighting the waning motivation in the cold, dark days to get out and exercise, but you’ll have to come up with some cash to buy all that fancy gear and clothing you see other runners wearing. This is daunting, because your idea of spending money on running accessories is buying thread to repair your 1986 Finger Lickin’ 5k race t-shirt. Not to worry my friends. You don’t have to spend hundreds of (the deflating) US dollars on slick-wicking, flashy color, tight fitting athletic garb. You can get out the door and be comfortable with under $45 (shoes not included) for a whole outfit that will keep you snuggly warm and dry while you’re out trouncing around in the face of old lady winter.

Hat and light gloves - $7.99 (for both!) at the local grocery store. These wick moisture and keep you warm just as well as the snazzed up versions that would typically cost you $49.00 combined.

Upper body (torso and arms) – Long sleeve base layer shirt found at a “superstore” for $10. Also found a great medium thick fleece long sleeve pullover with raised collar at a multi-sport store on the clearance rack for 10.99

Legs and feet – Please, gentlemen, refrain from the tights unless: a) you’re a professional football player, b) you’re in a lab testing the wind resistance effects of lycra on hairy legs, or c) you’re trying out for the Nutcracker Ballet. That being said, the slightly looser fitting running pants may be found for $10 at a place where you can also buy the 144 roll package of TP. Also found CoolMax socks, two pair for $4.99

That’s $43.97 for a full winter running (or walking) outfit head to warm toe. So, get out and comfortably enjoy your sport, no matter what the weather is doing outside.