What You Need to Keep Running in the Winter

According to Jon Snow, “Winter is coming.” Well, hate to disagree with you, mate, but we reckon it's already arrived. Although the fluctuating temperatures may be leaving us somewhat confused about what the hell to put on in the morning, the dramatically darker mornings and evenings leave little to be desired. Winter has arrived.

Let's face it, no one enjoys rolling out of bed when it's still pitch black outside and they most definitely don't jump at the chance to go for a run after work when yes, you guessed it, it's pitch black outside by 6pm. That said, the My Favourite Voucher Codes team are all about waving the motivation flag and keeping fit even during the winter. So rather than validating your disgruntled feelings, we're here to cheer-lead you into that chilly run with our winter-proof running kit checklist and top-notch motivation tips.

Your Winter Running Wardrobe Check List

In less you're a running pro, you may just yank on whatever is within reach, namely leggings and a baggy T-shirt and be on your way. Whilst this just about suffices for summer (though the professionals will no doubt be crying tears of despair), it doesn't really do the job for winter. You need to be prepared for all elements.

Layers

When it comes to running in the winter, layers are essential. Before you've fully found your stride, you'll no doubt be feeling the bite of the cold. But as you warm up those muscles and reach your desired pace, your body temperature will lift and you'll need the option to regulate your temperature by removing items of clothing.

Top Half

Ensuring you have a good layering system on your top half is important as this will be where you can easily take off and put on items if and when you need without having to stop mid-run. Here's what you should have according to the official NHS website in the winter:

• Base Layer: A running vest or T-shirt that is lightweight and breathable, with wicking properties that help to draw sweat away from the body to avoid chafing.

• Mid Layer: For warmth, wear a fleece or jacket that will retain body heat and also work to absorb sweat.

• Top Layer: Fight against wind chill and rain with a water and windproof jacket that is lightweight.

Shopping Picks:

We're a big fan of Phase Eight voucher codes, especially their M Life range which is home to stunning and simple yoga and loungewear. We particularly love the Heritage Jacket, complete with thumb holes for that extra warmth and comfort as you run. Made from key breathable fabrics that are also moisture wicking, this would be a great pick for your mid-layer.

Bottom Half

Layers on your bottom half are more difficult to remove, so it's key to stick to a few top layers to allow you to regulate temperatures and keep warm in those low figures. That said, you can still afford to layer your bottom half to ensure you're retaining as much body heat as possible and still allow for comfortable movement. We would recommend:

• 5-12 degrees: Wear running leggings.

• Below 0-4 degrees: Consider thermal running leggings.

• Less than 0 degrees: Include a base layer under your running leggings.

Tip: When running, always add at least 10 degrees to the temperature outside to work out the temperature you'll be running at. For instance, if it's 10 degrees outside, you'll feel like 20 degrees. Bear in mind wind chill and the 'what it feels like' temperature for a better indication of conditions.

Footwear

Wearing the right shoes is key to ensuring your comfort whilst being active, supporting the correct areas so the health of your body remains good and offering the features to avoid injury and remain safe in certain conditions. Considering winter brings a lot more rain and sometimes frost, surfaces will be more slippery, so you must buy the trainers suitable for where your routes take you. That means road running trainers when you're on the pavement, or trail trainers for those more cross country loops.

You should also consider:

• Look for trainers made with Gore-Tex. This is a waterproof, breathable fabric that stops rain getting in, but allows sweat to get out.

• Wear running socks and not ones made from cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and will weigh you down.

Shopping Picks:

The light, soft Brooks Ghost 11 GTX road trainers for women will have you pelting along the pavement and achieving your personal best with every run. Their simple black design with hot fuschia pink colourway are also ideal for the sometimes muckier conditions of running in the winter and ticks off those Autumn/Winter trends, too, with hot pink being the 'in' shade.

Always after a bargain, these North Face kicks from Runners Need discount codes can get you 25% off, now £90 down from £120. With that essential Gore-Tex membrane technology, keep your feet dry and weightless during your run and avoid the risk of blisters.

Accessories

It's clear retaining warmth is essential on your winter runs, so don't forget:

• Headbands to keep your ears warm when it's not quite cold enough for a hat.

• Oh, it's getting chilly is it? Guess what, you should wear a hat!

• Your arms will be working to propel you forward, so ensure you keep the cold bite off your hands with a pair of gloves.

Keep Safe as You Run During Autumn and Winter

When it comes to running in the winter, it's not all about accommodating to those lower temperatures. It's also about being safe when running in the dark. In less you happen to squeeze your runs into your lunch breaks or the weekend when you can run at your leisure, it's likely you'll find yourself facing The Dark.

With the sun rising much later in the morning and starting to set as early as 4 in the afternoon, you need to ensure you're visible when running after dark. Luckily layers are essential, so we've thought of a few perfect additions to ensure drivers and everyone else can see you as you work to get fit.

Shopping Picks:

To ensure you're visible on the roads, wear Hi-Visibility reflective clothing. Blacks discount vouchers have a great selection for men, women and kids, including a Hi-Vis beanie, which will also tick off that essential layer element you need in the winter. You can also buy a Hi-Vis vest to slip over the top of your other layers, only £16. Really, there shouldn't be a limit on ensuring your safety.

How to Motivate Yourself to Keep Running Running in Winter

Now that you're physically equipped to take on your winter run, it's about time we got your head in the game, too. Motivation can be hard to find at the best of times. But when it's cold, bleak and dark outside. Well, that takes the biscuit. But you can do this and you will. How? Well, we've got a couple of tips up our sleeve.

Make a Playlist: We'd recommend adding 'Hotter Than Hell' by Dua Lipa and the always classic 'Hot in Here' by Nelly to trick your mind into feeling above freezing. The 'Frozen' soundtrack will not do.

Smart Watches: We don't know what it is about tracking our progress, but it really gives us a kick up the arse and makes us want to be active to ensure we're hitting our targets. H Samuel promo codes can get you a great range for less, from Fossil Q to Fitbit and Garmin.

You can also:

• Well, it sounds a bit gross, but avoid washing your hair until you've exercised. The greasier it gets, the more compelled you'll be to get your run over and done with.

• Similarly, rewarding the end of a run with a hot bath or shower is the piece de resistance.

We appreciate it's easier said than done, but just think of those endorphins. Better still, you can feel even more inclined to stuff your face as the festive holidays hit – not that the My Favourite Voucher Codes team would ever suggest holding yourself back. Pigs in blankets. We repeat: pigs in blankets.

Get out there, tick off your winter run and spend the rest of the evening sweet smelling, freshly washed and cosy in your dressing gown.

Posted By: Alice Marshall - My Favourite Voucher Codes - 19th October 2018