My Winter Running Guide
What I wear and where I run.
Running has been a lifelong passion of mine. I first started in my 20s as a way of coping with a bad breakup, and it has been the one constant in my life since. For more than 15 years now, I've been running almost daily with my Westchester friends three or four times a week – it’s the highlight of my day. We run, chat, and give each other opinions on life’s daily issues. It's the best thing ever.
I run all the time, whether at home, on vacation, and in all weather, even in the snow. I always get a ton of questions about running in cold weather, especially in January when people are making their New Year's resolutions. Recently, a friend who is new to running asked for some advice on gear, and I immediately dropped everything and sent her a long list. When I shared it with my running pals, it sparked the idea to share it here because I am a firm believer that “there is no bad weather, just bad running clothes.” Although I'm not a competitive runner, I am a competitive shopper :) and do have many, many opinions about what to wear and where to run. So, I put together my first official winter running guide. A compilation of everything I've learned over the years. Let’s start first with gear, and then we’ll move on to where to put that gear to good use!
RUNNING GEAR
TIGHTS - I wear Sweaty Betty Power Workout tights year round, in different lengths depending on the season – 7/8ths most of the time, full length during cold weather, cropped in summer. They always (eventually) go on sale; I keep a lookout, so I have never paid full price. When it’s really cold, I switch to their Therma Leggings, which are warm and fleece-y on the inside. Seriously, the best warm leggings I’ve ever tried.
SPORTS BRA - Lululemon Energy Bra - I have this in a million colors because I score a new bra or two whenever they go on sale. I have random colors and patterns like maroon camouflage and hot pink, which I normally would not choose if I were playing full price, but it’s fun to get out of my comfort zone! ProTip: Apparently, Lululemon restocks the cleverly-named “We Made Too Much” section every Thursday.
SOCKS - I like wool, even in the summer. DarnTough are expensive and, sadly, never on sale, but they are truly the best and worth the splurge. I like a light cushion and quarter height, but sock height and cushioning is a personal preference. lifetime guarantee – they will literally give you a new pair if you ever get a hole.
JACKET - I run in several jackets depending on the weather. Currently, my favorite – and the most versatile – is the Down For It All jacket from Lulu.
VEST - I own several vests in various weights, but the Patagonia Down Sweater Vest is my go-to. I’ve had it forever. It's warm enough for cold days, and for those days where the warm temperature is unpredictable, this vest works well... It's perfect. Black never goes on sale, but other colors do.
SHIRT - The TrackSmith Brighton Base Layer is a new piece in my rotation, and I’m loving it – thin but warm, breathable, and feels like butter. I am obsessed.
HAT - I am not too fussy when it comes to hats. I grab whatever beanie I can find in our coat closet and usually end up stashing it in my pocket two miles in. Unless it's sub 20º, I like this balaclava, which I have had for 30 years! It's one of the few with breathing holes.
SHOES - I’m a committed New Balance girl. Since shoes are the most important and extremely personal item, finding a real running store and getting properly and professionally fitted is important. Don’t make a rookie mistake and base your choice on looks or price. Get what feels best and what is right for your foot and running style. Locals can try the Westchester Road Runner or New Balance in White Plains.
WATCH - Garmin Forerunner 55 for tracking/improving speed. The Apple Watch doesn’t work as well if you want to improve your time. Upload to Strava, and the user-friendly charts make it so fun to track your progress.
HEADLAMP - Winter is long and dark! Because I wake up early and often find myself running before the sun rises), I wear a headlamp, which everyone should for safety. I want cars to see me and don’t want to trip! This one by Petzl is super light and very comfortable.
FANNY PACK - I like the Spibel. It is more of a belt than a fanny pack because it feels invisible, doesn't move when you run, and holds a lot! That being said, a fanny pack or belt is unnecessary in winter if you have a jacket with pockets.
BIB HOLDER - A simple belt that makes racing much easier without safety pins, especially for last-minute outfit changes. And people think you are an expert runner if you own one ;-)
WHERE TO RUN
The Old Croton Aqueduct is a 26-mile trail that runs from Croton to Yonkers. Its original purpose was to transport water from Croton Reservoir to New York City. Today, it serves as a scenic trail that winds through all the towns along the Hudson River. If you're heading south towards Dobbs Ferry, you'll come across the famous Octagon House. On your way towards Hastings, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Palisades. Alternatively, if you start from Irvington and head north, you can run through the grounds of Lyndhurst Mansion and reach the Riverwalk, where you’ll see stunning views of the river and the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Rockefeller State Park - Aside from the 45 miles of very well-groomed carriage trails, this spot is gorgeous in every season. It is easy to get lost, however, so I recommend studying a map before you go. Or meet up with The Rivertown Runners, a free and welcoming group that runs together every Saturday and Sunday, starting at Sleepy Hollow High School. You can show up once in a while or every week. The route is 6-7 miles through the preserve.
The Tappan Zee Bridge (or Mario Cuomo Bridge, if you must) is a 3.5-mile pedestrian and bike path along the widest part of the Hudson River between Tarrytown and Nyack. When I need a change of scenery and don’t feel like a trail, I head to the bridge. There are six safe overlooks for photo ops.
Irvington Woods - At 400 Acres, the Irvington Woods is one of the largest forested areas in Southern Westchester, and I am lucky enough to have it literally right in my backyard! The extensive trailway system has many hills where dog walkers, hikers, and bikers will be seen. I always run into a someone I know.
Irvington High School Track is a regular high school track, but with a breathtaking view of the Hudson, and is perfect for speed work. I try to go once a week when I am training for a race.
RACES
Speaking of training, I am currently signed up for the following. Sign up, or come cheer me on!
NYC Central Park 5K - Though it is a bit of a slog to head into the city for just a 5K, it's part of my training for an upcoming half marathon (see below)
The NYC United Half Marathon on March 17 is officially sold out, but spots are still available through my friend Andrea’s charity.
Rock the Ridge - A 50-mile relay challenge to benefit Mohonk Preserve. My running pals and I have two teams and are looking for one more runner... Want to join us?
I’ve got my eye on the Bermuda Triangle Challenge for next January. It's three races in three days. A 1 miler, a 10K, and a half marathon. As much as I love cold weather running, I am already looking forward to escaping next winter. Perhaps the next post will be about swimwear!
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Oh, and FYI, I’m not an affiliate for any of the mentioned brands, and I don’t receive compensation for any of the suggestions I recommend. If that ever changes, I will be just as transparent as I am now.
I need to get one of those bib holders!
I feel inspired to buy winter running gear now and maybe that will actually encourage me to head out in the cold!!