Believe it or not, running outdoors in the winter in New England can be fun! With the right clothes, that is...
Don't let the weather confine you to the dreadmill for the winter months. With the right layers, running outdoors in the winter can be comfortable and exhilarating. The following is just a rough guide-- some runners get cold more easily than others, and wind and precipation will affect how you need to dress also.
Sub 50's:
The cornerstone to any winter running wardrobe is a good pair of midweight tights and some light technical tops, or base layers. On average, you should dress as though it were 20-30 degrees warmer than the temperature reads. You'll also want a good pair of light gloves for your hands, and an earband if you're ears are sensitive to cold. Not sure how cold you'll feel? Layer two lighter tops; you can always take one off.
Sub 30:
The next logical step, when the light tops aren't enough, is move to a thicker wicking layer. If it's a windy day, or if you tend be a colder runner, a running jacket is a must. You may also want to add a hat at this point to keep in a little more warmth.
Sub 20:
Eventually the temperature will drop low enough that that midweight pair of running pants or tights you're wearing just isn't enough. Time to switch to a thick, fleecy pair of tights such as the ASICS® Thermalite tights or the Hind Arctic Fleece, or you can layer one midweight layer under another (for instance, pair the Nike basic tight with a pair of Nike trackpants). Stick with a warm upper layer under a running jacket or vest. Around this time you're probably also going to want a thicker pair of gloves and hat.
Sub 10:
Here's is when you break out the balaclava, put on a pair of thick, bombproof pants (such as the Adidas Supernova Trail pants), layer a fleecy shirt under a shell or wear something with built-in wind protection, such as the Sugoi sub-zero top, put on some Smartwool socks, and go battle the elements.
Truly Miserable
The most challenging running weather in New England isn't always the coldest. Driving Sleet, gale force winds, just warm enough to ensure you get soaked...sometimes there's no getting around the fact that the weather is just miserable. For those of you that just have to get out there, we stock waterproof softshells, bombproof pants such as Sugoi's borsoi tight, with waterproof panels in the front and sub-zero fleece in the back, and gore-tex shoes to keep your feet dry and cozy.
Race Day:
Winter races can be a challenge-- you need to stay warm up to the race without overheating during. We offer many warm layers, such as our Nike ACG fleeces and pants, that have plenty of zippers so that you can get them on and off quickly, as well as winter socks and lightweight hats and gloves that layer well under warmer layers. And try out a pair of our uber-comfortable Nike Free shoes for post-race bliss.