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SALT LAKE CITY — As you step outside your door in shorts, tank top, ankle socks, mesh running shoes and sweatband, ready for a comfortable run in the sun, you may have forgotten that it is in fact the second week of December.
Not to worry: Utah has a way of evening the playing field when it comes to snow, and chances are in a matter of days those shorts will be layered with Spandex tights down to your ankles, which are now covered with socks to your knees, topped with Gaiters that are now attached to your waterproof shoes. And while you still may be donning that tank top, it is covered with a T-shirt, then by a jacket, arm-sleeves and gloves. Finally, that sweat band has now turned ear warmer and is accompanied by a beanie and/or face mask.
Yes, winter is fast approaching, and there is no reason to run and hide. But there are plenty of reasons to go running. However, in order to best experience Utah’s winters without a serious bout of frostbite and/or an unfortunate ice encounter, here is a list of must-needed apparel to wear while doing your winter running:
A jacket is just fine
While a winter coat may be appropriate for a nice walk around the block or making snow angels, wearing a such apparel is not necessary on the run. Not only is it too warm, you may find yourself laying on the ground, screaming, “I can’t put my arms down!” "Christmas Story" style. A light (non-cotton) jacket layered over dri-fit shirts will provide ample warmth and will whisk away the sweat, preventing the salty icicle formation from happening.
Spandex and Hammer pants are perfectly acceptable
It is true that walking around in attire that comes straight from Olivia Newton John’s music video for her "Physical" single may not be acceptable. And showing up to a concert wearing pants that could easily float you to the ground after a badly aimed stage dive may get you booted from the arena. But wearing Spandex and highly pocketed and tapered pants resembling those of “legit” '80s front man M.C. Hammer are just what you need to keep your legs nice and toasty.
Mittens and toe socks are a must
When one thinks of handwear, a nice, well-fitted glove is often pictured. In reality, mittens are much better for winter running. Being able to freely clench your fingers together in a fist inside the confines of a nice sweaty, wool mitten may just mean the difference between being able to turn the doorknob to your front door or not.
Likewise, typical socks are not the ideal footwear to adorn you on your winter run, even if they are branded for winter. When running in the winter, your feet come in contact with moisture. That moisture can often seep past your socks, on to your feet, raising the potential for blisters. Toe socks keep the toes separate, lessening the chance of that happening.
Invest in a good pair of Gaiters
While a couple of gators would ward off possible predators, this is Utah not the Louisiana Bayou. Gaiters are designed to cover the lower ankle and attach to the shoe in order to avoid getting snow, dirt and rocks inside. These are an absolute must, especially if you plan on doing mountain running.
Screw your shoes and get some cleats
Now, before you go barefoot or put on your daughter’s soccer cleats, read on.
In order to avoid slipping on many of Utah’s ice-covered roads and trails, putting screws into an old pair of shoes may prevent just that. If you’d rather not put building supplies in your footwear, you can always buy a pair of ice cleats to fit snuggly over your shoes.
Get (a) Buff
This seamless piece of stretchy material serves many purposes, from headwear to ear warmer/ponytail holder to my very favorite: neck cover/hankie. The winter brings no shortage of runny noses, and this universal item has saved many.
So, get out and enjoy this unseasonably warm weather, because before you know it Utah will show us all what it’s really made of, in the form of The Greatest Snow on Earth.
What items are your winter running apparel list? Let us know in the comments section.
Arianne is a mother to six young children. Her down time is spent running the mountain trails of the Wasatch Mountains and beyond. Contact her at ariannebrown1@gmail.com, follow her on Twitter @arimom6 or search her Facebook page, "A Mother's Write."
