My Must-Haves for Cold Weather Running

You ask, I deliver.

I was sitting on a small park bench overlooking the sun hitting the East River yesterday morning when I caught myself smiling. Not just like, a small smirk. A total big, toothy grin. I was wearing my favorite cozy trench coat, had a good book in my lap, and there was a tumbler of warm coffee next to my left thigh. John Mayer was playing.

Fall clearly makes me giddy. 

Don’t get me wrong. I love summer, filled with trips to the beach and a lot of SPF and frozen beverages and abundant amounts of black clothing to try and disguise just how much I sweat regularly. But fall? Fall is magical. Fall is when football comes back and it’s perfect layering weather and there’s too much pumpkin-flavored everything but I don’t mind because … it’s fall. Fall is race season (even if that looks different this year) and a time for personal bests and getting back into routines that may have slipped away during the high heat months. 

Of course, with the seasonal transition comes a request for fall-friendly running and workout gear. And, because it’s the first Friday of a new month — the day that I dedicate the newsletter to offering up some of my favorite timely picks — these ones are landing in your inboxes right this very moment (or, if you’ve clicked here organically, welcome! Please, subscribe).

Also, I’ll address the elephant in the room: Most of these picks are lady-focused. Male Hurdlers, skip down to accessories and sneakers, and check out the other highlights of the week below.

TIGHTS
Lululemon Speed Up Tight 28" Brushed Full-On Luxtreme ($108)
I can confirm that these fleece-lined tights are ideal for turkey trots, and they have a whole bunch of pockets for everything from sanitizer to cards and keys. One note on the sizing here, I wear a size 4 in most Lululemon tights — but size up to a 6 in these. 

Under Armour Meridian + Moisture Infused ⅞ Legging ($90)
I’m always really impressed with what Under Armour brings to the table for the price point. Over the summer, I mentioned how sold I was on their Meridian bike short. The long tight version is just as soft (think Align tight soft), and they’re a regular in my rotation.

Athleta Altitude Tight ($98)
These are REALLY warm tights. Like, you buy these in prep for winter, tights. Ideal for something like really chilly runs or a skiing base layer. Plus, love a back zip pocket.

Lululemon Fast & Free Tight ($128)
A full-length tight that’s in my regular rotation, this one is a no-frills option. No extra fleece for extra warmth, but good pockets and gets the job done for most fall-weather miles.

For more leggings picks, click here.

VESTS & JACKETS
Reebok Outerwear Thermowarm Hybrid Down Vest ($99.97)
I have a Reebok running vest from a few years back that I get endless compliments on. This is the closest thing to it that they have in stock right now, and I can vouch for its A. warmth and B. functionality. I dig the slim fit. Also: My favorite thing about running vests is that you instantly have a place to hold absolutely everything.

Nike Aeroloft Running Vest ($180)
The thing about cold weather picks is that you want to be warm but you also don’t want to feel like a running marshmallow. This accomplishes that. Plus, it’s got great seams at the collar (i.e. no irritation or chafing). 

New Balance Heat Loft Jacket ($119.99)
Jackets like this are critical to the chilly layering game, because you can remove them mid-effort without needing to stop entirely. I also dig anything that comes with a thumbhole cuff. 

Nike Essential Rain Jacket ($73.97)
I layer this on top of long sleeves constantly in the fall and winter. It’s great if precipitation is in the equation, and light enough to tie around your waist if you get too warm. Also: It’s on sale!

LONG SLEEVES
Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve 2.0 Race Length ($78)
Staple. Item. This long sleeve is literally the base to all of my fall and winter running looks, whether I’m pairing it with a vest or another zip-up/jacket. It’s got thumbholes, is the perfect thickness, and this “race length” makes it the ideal fit if you’re like me and can’t stand tops that are super long.

Tracksmith Harrier Long Sleeve ($82)
Another staple. This one’s thinner than the Lululemon pick above, but super, super soft and also — unstinkable. I know, funny word. It’s made with a Merino-nylon blend. The material doesn’t hold onto odors, which means you could wear it for a workout, grab coffee, and not be paranoid about being the stinky person in line waiting for the barista to get their act together.

ACCESSORIES
Stance Running Socks ($19.99)
I wear enough black that I like to have fun with my sock picks. This crew from stance has got light, performance cushioning and brings a little punch of color to any outfit. 

Lululemon Run For It All Glove ($42)
I know. I see the $42 price tag and I’m a little like, are you sure about this? Here’s the thing: Every year, I buy tons of those iffy $5 gloves from the drug store, and I’m always A. losing one-of-two somehow and B. frustrated that they don’t have the qualities I really need (i.e. touch screen capabilities, sweat wicking material). So. Buy this one pair. Let it be THE pair. Stop spending unnecessary money at CVS and The Christmas Tree Shops (yes, I went there). 

The North Face Dipsea Cover It ($22)
2020 is the year of the buff. This buff from The North Face is sweat-wicking, super cute, and easy to stash away in your pocket for later.

Lululemon Fast & Free Backpack ($128)
Fall and winter are the time when I use running backpacks the most. When you get from Point A to Point B, you need to change your clothes for fear of turning into a icicle once you stop moving and reemerge outside. This is my absolute no-fail, go-to from Lululemon. It’s no-bounce, has tons and tons of pockets, and also reflective detailing to keep you seen. I once carried two new outfits, a pair of shoes, and a laptop in this on a 5-mile run.

Amazon Running Ear Warmer ($16.99)
I lose ear warmers, headbands, and hats all the time (it’s sort of like socks). But, paying $17 for two of them makes me feel a little less bad about losing them, and this duo gets the job done. 

SNEAKERS
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Shield ($71.97)
First off, this shoe is almost 50 percent off right now, which is stellar. The Pegasus Shield is one of my Nike favorites — the Pegasus — geared up for wet and chilly conditions. It’s got a water-repellent upper and an outsole that’s made for gripping slick surfaces. I’ve literally run in them during a downpour, taken off the sneaker back inside, and had dry socks. So. There’s that.  

Brooks Ghost 13 Run Reflective ($130)
Again, on the reflective note. This special pair of Brooks’ signature Ghost sneakers will help you stay visible regardless of when you’re getting out (or, how fast you’re moving).