There’s a subtle beauty to running the morning after it snows. The thin film of snow that covered the streets the night before has been plowed, but it’s still quiet on the roads, and the early morning sun reflects off the snowbanks, brightening the dreary winter mornings. When that happens, we take advantage of it, no matter how many layers we have to wear.
But tackling a run on such mornings requires preparation. You need to set your alarm, lay out your winter kit, then head to bed. When the thermometer reads 33 degrees, you need fleece-lined leggings, thick, yet sweat-wicking socks, a base layer, followed by a vest and then perhaps a jacket as well depending on wind conditions. You’ll need gloves and a hat as well, that are warm but breathable.
If you hate running on the treadmill, layering up is really the only thing you can do, no matter how low the temperatures drop. But the feeling is worth it. Embrace it. Embrace the crisp air. Let your lungs acclimate, and run until your eyes stop watering. Push through the initial shock and you’ll be rewarded with a stillness and peacefulness that can only be earned on frigid mornings by sucking it up and getting after it.
To help you do just that, we collected three of the best deep winter running kits on the market. We can’t guarantee you’ll want to get out of bed and hit the streets, but you’ll definitely be warm if you do.
Metal Vental Tech 1/2 Zip by Lululemon $98
Fleece Back Soft Shell by Lululemon $198
Keep the Heat Thermal Tight by Lululemon $98
Ghost 11 by Brooks $120
Polartec GoCap by Ciele $50
Under Armour ColdGear Reactor Run Balaclava by Under Armour $100
ColdGear Reactor Run Tights by Under Armour $90
Predict RA by Salomon $160
Polartec GoCap by Ciele $50
Emil Shawl by Tracksmith $148
Turnover Tights by Tracksmith $128
Brighton Base Layer by Tracksmith $88
Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Shield by Nike $130
A soft cooler that’s rugged like a hard cooler yet comfortable like a soft cooler — essentially the best of both carry cooler types. The YETI Hopper Two 30 is constructed with a Protective DryHide exterior shell that keeps it waterproof and resistant to mildew, punctures and UV rays. The ColdCell Insulation offers superior cold-keeping capabilities than ordinary soft coolers. Combined, it’s a winning solution to keep your contents cold anywhere you can carry them. Learn more here.
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