running kit for winter

fungirl1

HI all..my bday is coming up soon and my sister has kindly offered to buy me some new running gear as bday pressie. I have been up to now a fair weather runner and need some advice on kit for the winter..what would you regard as the essentials? Thanks!

rainbow kirby

You can handle most winter weather in this country with a light jacket, long-sleeved training top and a pair of running tights. Hat and gloves are nice to have - I just get Penneys ones because I'm a cheapskate and it makes them practically disposable. Sunglasses are useful if you're running during the day, the glare from low winter sun can be blinding.

xebec

+1 on the lightweight jacket. Only piece of essential winter gear for me, most of the time I get away with my normal gear combined with that. Nike do some decent ones which you can unzip the sleeves from to make a gilet when it gets a little warmer but still want to wear a jacket...

kingQuez

If you're anywhere near roads, something shiny and reflective (be it a fancy top, or arm bands)

xebec

kingQuez wrote: »

If you're anywhere near roads, something shiny and reflective (be it a fancy top, or arm bands)

Oh, very important point! My two jackets (one a gilet, the other can be turned into one) are illuminous yellow and bright orange both with reflective parts on them. Lots of running in the dark during the winter so important to be seen by traffic and other runners!

plodder

Good birthday present I got was this Petzl headlamp

Get them in The Great Outdoors. I guess they're not essential though unless you run on country roads in the dark.

Cabaal

I'm finding it hard to find suitable tops with reflective material, I'm seeing jackets but they're far too heavy for my liking. anyone have suggestions?

plodder

Cabaal wrote: »

I'm finding it hard to find suitable tops with reflective material, I'm seeing jackets but they're far too heavy for my liking. anyone have suggestions?

This time of year all you need is a reflective vest over a normal running top. I'm not sure where you buy them though (maybe a cycle shop). They ought to cost very little, and I remember one race gave them away in the goody bag a while back.

RacoonQueen

All you need is something like this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/run/8/Brooks_Nightlife_Reflective_Vest/5360045029/

robinph

Shades and for really cold days a hat and gloves.

Oh, and lots of yellow things for the evenings.

JosDel

fungirl1 wrote: »

HI all..my bday is coming up soon and my sister has kindly offered to buy me some new running gear as bday pressie. I have been up to now a fair weather runner and need some advice on kit for the winter..what would you regard as the essentials? Thanks!

Wait for the aldi or lidl winter collection, you will pick up great bargains

fungirl1

Thanks for all the suggestions!