Don't worry about the cold, the ice or the snow, with the right running gear there's no such thing as bad weather.
One of the most important things is to make sure all your layers are wicking (transporting moisture away from the skin). If you wear a cotton t-shirt as a base layer you will almost certainly get cold, even if you have an excellent thermal top and wind-resistant jacket on. As you warm up, during your run your cotton t-shirt absorbs any moisture and you end up with a cold, damp, clammy layer next to your skin.
A long sleeved thermal top which wicks moisture away is indispensable for winter running – with it against your skin, you will stay warm, dry and cosy for example Mizuno Breathe-Thermo, Ron Hill Thermalite. Many companies have also started making thermals with a wool content, great for those extra cold days. For example, Helly Hansen Freeze. Some thermals also have a zip which helps regulate temperature such as Nike Wool 1/2-zip.
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A thermal will keep you warm, but doesn't block the wind, so you need a running jacket or gilet to stop the wind going straight through your thermal. A windproof thermal keeps you warm and cosy and also blocks the wind so that on all, but the coldest days, you can run with just one layer, for example Gore Challenger or Nike Element Shield Jacket. Many windproof thermals also have a thumb hole creating a hard warmer. When it gets really cold you might need a very lightweight base layer on underneath – just so you have something to tuck into your tights or tracksters.
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Tights are tight! This means they wick the moisture away from the skin, but also keep you warm and because they are stretchy they are really comfortable, for example Ron Hill powerlite or Nike tech tight. There are also tights with wind-resistant panels or tights made of thermal material for very cold days such as Gore Windstopper Tight. Tracksters are a much looser fit, but do wick moisture away and will keep you relatively warm.
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On a very cold day it is great to have a thermal sock or a sock with some wool content, like the Hilly Supreme sock or the Thorlo Experio Merino Wool sock.
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Running hats and gloves generally need to be quite lightweight as you will warm up during your run, but on cold days hats and gloves are definitely necessary. For example hats and gloves made with Ron Hill Thermalite material or Gore Pulse Beanies and Air gloves.
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A trail running or fell running shoe will give good grip in fresh snow. When there is ice on the pavement, there are spikes you can put on your road shoes, such as Get-a-grips. Putting these on can make the difference between going for run or not.
View Get-a-Grips »
Top Ten Winter Running Tips »
A list of 10 tips from our staff on how we motivate ourselves over the winter months.
What to Wear For Warm Weather Running »
The right choice in clothing can help improve performance and enjoyment when running in warmer weather.