The beauty of running in Virginia is that not only do you get to run in 100+ degrees with nearly matching humidity, but you also get to run in cold and snow. It doesn’t hit single digits (except with windchill) often, but there are plenty of opportunities to run in the teens and 20s. I’ve got my attire pretty much down to a science, so let me share with you my favorites.
1. Half Zips – I’m particularly in love with the one above from Athleta. It has thumbholes in the sleeves and a pocket in the lower back that fits my iphone. Not to mention, I happen to love the colors in it! Don’t want to spend that much? Target’s Champion C9 brand is awesome for the price. I pretty much own every color. They don’t have the fancier details on their cheapest style, but they still function well. I wear a half zip for nearly every run from October to April. All that changes is how much I have under or over it.
2. Capris – Somewhere along the way, I became a skirt girl. Still not sure how it happened LOL. Both Skirt Sports and Running Skirts offer capri versions of their skirts. Both are awesome. For me, Skirt Sports (the blue one above) has a slight edge, purely because the pockets on the legs fit my iphone. (See a pattern here? Yes, I always run with my phone and I like having it easily accessible.) Don’t like skirts? Athleta Relay Capri is my favorite capri out there. With a back pocket big enough to hold my phone and a tie at the waist that keeps my pants from falling down, these capris really fit the bill for cold weather running. I very seldom need tights as I wear compression socks. (Athleta Capri review here.)
3. Compression Socks – I have a cranky calf. I also don’t like being cold. Enter the compression socks! I wear them for every run over 5 miles and every race, regardless of the length. My two favorite brands are Recovery Socks and Pro Compression(review here). Both offer a comfortable amount of compression and I’ve had no issues with them falling down. The Recovery Sock has a slightly wider band at the top, which I prefer, but Pro Compression is good and offers awesome sales. There is usually one style/color on 40% off at any given time.
4. Running jackets – Honestly, if you can get your hands on a Brooks Essential jacket (not pictured above), you don’t need anything else. It’s a lightweight windbreaker style. I’ve worn it over layers down to a real temp of 19* with a windchill temp of 9* and been fine. Hopefully the “II” is as good as the original. Otherwise, for truly cold days, I love my Sugoi Firewall jacket. It’s pricey (I won it in a drawing), but I’ve been running in it for a couple of years now and it looks like new. Another good one is the Brooks Silver Bullet (mine is the original, not sure of the differences from the “II”). It’s windproof, water-resistant, and has thumbholes. My only regret is that I got black – around here if I need this kind of jacket, that means it’s grey out and I need to be brighter.
Looking for some stocking stuffers?
Here are some of my other favorites:
- nuun – I live on this stuff
- Gu – the only gel that sits well for me. I love vanilla, but I’ve heard great things about the salted caramel.
- Amphipod handheld bottle (review)- I have the small and the bigger one and I’ve carried each for a half marathon with no issues.
- Fitletic Armband – I have the old version of this, but the new one looks to keep the good about the old one and add some better features. Super comfy! I’ve run several half marathons with this on my arm!
What do you want under the Christmas tree? I admit I bought myself a new skirt capri, nuun, and a Moms Run This Town half zip. (Now you know the secret to our happy marriage – I get exactly what I want and Beer Geek doesn’t have to walk into a store. Win/Win!)
This post is linked up with Run to the Finish’s collection of gift guides. Check it out for more great ideas.


Seems like everyone is loving Athleta right now! I have my Saucony sponsorship so can only race in them….but I am thinking I should try some training apparel from Athleta after all the hype 🙂 Thanks for the ideas for gifts….some good ones there! 🙂 Hope you get them all!
Tina Muir recently posted…Chai Latte Oatmeal
A couple of my favorites:
Liner gloves under mittens. Silk or poly gloves may be enough on warmer days but a pair of mittens to cut the wind is wonderful on cold/windy days.
Fleece (poly) running cap – light enough to wear under a billed cap on sunny days or by itself on cloudy days.
Lightweight bicycle rear flasher – worn on belt ESPECIALLY if out before or after sun.
BRIGHT colored shell jacket, makes you much more visible to cyclists and drivers.
Can you tell we live near the Mt. Vernon Trail?
I really have no idea. I have no list. I will be grateful for anything that falls under our tree *that we have to get this weekend!* 🙂
Kierston @candyfit recently posted…#RECIPEFRIDAY: Simple Sweet Potato Curry Potage
I am a huge fan of Athleta! I love their stuff.
I like the idea of a 1/2 zip for winter running. Running in Colorado is always cold and there is not a lot of worry of chafing however, I’ve run in a 1/2 zip in the warmer weather and the zipper chaffed me 🙂
Thanks for a great list!
Sami
p.s. new follower from SITS
Sami recently posted…Count Your Blessings and Give to Your Community
I like Gu too – esp the one with caffeine. Nuun has sugar alcohol in it – wreaks havoc on my tummy!
Half-Crazed Runner recently posted…State #18! Yes!Women’s Half Marathon Baton Rouge, Louisiana
I know nothing about cold weather running. This year I broke out a pair of capris and a short sleeve shirt as my winter running outfit – no long-sleeved shirts. no gloves, no layering up.
Char recently posted…Running Naked
I don’t think of capris for cold weather running! I have fleece pants and lined pants and wind pants to wear over them.
I love Athleta. Did a pre Christmas order for me – a new running skirt, capris and tunic. I sent back one skirt. I also love their free return policy.
Andrea recently posted…Currently
I just bought my husband a golf ball muscle roller, got pretty good deal on it, hes been wanting one for awhile and i finally found one! 🙂
http://zzathletics.com/Golf-Ball-Muscle-Roller-Massager-GBMR1.htm
I’m really at a loss for what I want under the tree this year if you can believe it! I just bought my first pair of Skirt Sports Capris. I didn’t have very much luck with the skirts, so I figured I would give them a shot!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…The 5 Best Stocking Stuffers for the Runner in your Life and a GIVEAWAY!!
What size do you wear? I own nearly every style of capri and tight that they make LOL. You’d be welcome to try them. (I have smalls…)
I pulled out an old Athleta top for a run the other day and got oodles of compliments on it! That’s what I’m talking about…
Great list!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Sunday long run