My Own Cold Weather Running Requirements

The thing I love about my gym membership is it allows me to stay fit and healthy, regardless of what Mother Nature wants to throw at me. If it is bone-chilling cold, heat-stroke hot, storming, or just dark outside (I'm still a bit scared of the Boogeyman) I can still get my workout it. Whether it's a 5K loop on the treadmill, an aerobics class, or an hour with the weights – I can find a way to do my necessary daily workout no matter what it's like outside.

That said? There's nothing better to me than a good run outside. A run in the perfect temperature: Not so cold your ears hurt, not so hot you need water breaks every mile. A run in the sunshine on a route that offers the periodic shade. Last week I was blessed with 3 running days in those prime conditions. I love training in Autumn.

Unfortunately, my half-marathon is in March. This has me continuing my training through the winter months as well. And no matter how much I can enjoy running on a treadmill if the weather forces me to, I'm going to have to do the periodic long run outside – regardless of the weather. Luckily, this is not new to me as I trained for a marathon in April one year. I have already built up an arsenal of my own personal Cold Run Necessities that I can just return to this year. I thought I'd share mine with you and see if you have any of your own.

1. Ear band. It seems my ears are the first body part to notice cold weather, and they do so by causing me intolerable pain. The first cold run I did without protection for my ears? Lasted less than a mile. I went immediately to our local outdoors store and bought an Ear band by North Face. It is my most important piece of gear for the winter because the rest of my body warms up as a run. My ears? Not so much. They need all the help they can get.
2. Flexible outerwear. It took me a few tries to find a good running jacket. I needed one that had enough coverage to protect my skin from the cold air as I ran, but light enough to not weigh me down. It also needed to be a water resistant fabric and able to easily tie around my waist if the day warmed up suddenly. I do have a heavier one for really cold days, but I haven't had to use it that often since I live in the South and plan to run events in warmer regions (like Tucson, AZ, and Orlando, FL).
3. A Well Planned Route. Sometimes the key to dressing during a long run is planning your route around your home (where you can possible stash items on a porch) or around your car (another stash for items). If you're running for longer than an hour (which you will during training) then your needs could easily change. If you plan to run past your car or your house midway through the run, you can plan on picking up extra clothing or dropping of things you don't need. I find this is handy for stashing extra water as well.
4. Running Tights. There are many types of running tights on the market so I suggest you read reviews or talk to other runners before buying them. I've found that I like Nike's line in that they keep me warm in the cold but I've never felt like they've been a burden when/if the weather warms up on me. They breathe well if I'm sweating, which is something I've heard some runners complain about regarding their own tights.
5. Vaseline. The more clothing you wear, the more places you may chaff as that clothing rubs your skin during your run. Hopefully you know these sensitive areas to coat before you start your 13-mile run, because it seems to be different for every runner. If you don't, stashing Vaseline on your Well Planned Route may not be a bad idea.

Do you have any cold-weather running tips or items you can't live without? I'd love to hear them!