Pace Setter : February 2022

Winter Gear Questionnaire

Devised by Mary Claire Walker
Filled out by Winter Series Race Runners

                                         Danielle Maslowsky

Danielle Maslowsky

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

I wish I had a good, go-to answer for this one. We have a bin of winter hats and I just grab one. You will typically see me in my 'Run, Beer, Relax' winter hat from the ADK 5k. As long my ears are covered and it fits comfortably while I'm running, it's one of my favorites.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite? Why?

I wear a fleece neck gaiter. Here is my tip - use a new disposable mask (the stiffer the better) under your gaiter. You can wear it under your chin and the gaiter stays in place or you can pull it up over your nose and it keeps you very warm!

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

I prefer long sleeve running shirts with thumbholes and a half zip mock neck. The thumb holes are useful under gloves and the mock neck fits nicely under the gaiter. If you overdress you can always unzip! For comfort and warmth, my go-to brands are Under Armor and Nike.

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

I have an Athleta lightweight jacket for layering and a Columbia rain jacket.

What are your best layering undergarments?

I always wear a tank, then layer long sleeves.

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

Nike and Under Armor. I have tried the zip ankles and if I don't wear longer socks I find they can rub again my ankles and cut into me. I like the higher waist to tuck my first layer in.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

Balega 100%. So many options for all seasons! Ask Kristen Hislop!

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

My hands are my biggest problem, they get very dry, cold, and uncomfortable. It took me forever to find gloves/mittens to keep me truly warm. Then Beth Stalker gave me a pair of her old Kombi Gore-Tex ski gloves and it truly changed my winter running experience! They are so warm I don't need hand warmers. For my dry and cracked hands check out Theraplex Healing Emollient. Life-changing!

Courtney Breiner

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

I wear a basic Nike headband typically, but I also have a Saucony hat with a ponytail hole for very cold days (normally sub-0). I am planning to try the Skida headbands, which my friends all love – they come in both fleece-lined and unlined versions.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite? Why?

I love my Skida neckies – they come in a thousand cute patterns as well as regular and fleece-lined versions. Easy to pull up over my ears and nose on the coldest days and nice to just have around my neck for “warmer” days.

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

Layers – a base layer Oiselle shirt, quarter-zip fleece, and Helly Hansen jacket get me through runs in the coldest weather and allow for me to remove layers as necessary on long runs.

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

Easily my Helly Hansen which I’ve unexpectedly fallen in love with for running. I have the Women’s Luna SoftShell from their WorkWear collection, and it’s perfect for these really cold days, as well as snow. For rain, I just throw on a Patagonia shell.

What are your best layering undergarments?

Oiselle long sleeves – the Flow or Flyout Wool depending on the weather.

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

I have a pair of Oiselle and a pair of Brooks that are a bit thicker – but I am looking for warmer pairs that block wind – help!

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

Any of the Darn Tough socks are a dream.

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

I have two pairs of Nike gloves – one thin, one fleece-lined. I am planning to get the TrailHeads Women’s Convertible Running Gloves for the colder days, but I’m currently using my fleece-lined gloves under Swany Toaster ski gloves, which are easy to hook together if my hands get hot, and then hook onto a jacket zipper so I don’t have to hold them.

Megan James

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

I don’t wear hats, just headbands/ear-warmers. I have a fleece-lined reflective headband from Target that is great for the super-cold dark mornings, and a light-weight Under Armour headband that is good for less-cold days.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite? Why?

I have a buff from RMI (Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.) Expeditions that I got when I climbed Mt. Rainier, so it’s useful and has sentimental value to help me stay focused! If it’s sunny or windy, I’ll wear a pair of Goodr sunglasses so my eyes don’t freeze.

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

Layers! Usually a tight-fitting long-sleeve and a quarter zip, plus a jacket if it’s windy or snowing. My favorite workout gear for a cold day is Oiselle’s long-sleeve Flyte shirt, with Oiselle’s Say Anything jacket over top for warm-up, and Under Armour tights – I feel unstoppable!

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

If it’s really cold, I wear my 2014 Boston Marathon jacket because it’s a little big so it fits over a few layers underneath – and it is bright orange so I can be seen on the roads. If it’s raining/snowing, I wear Oiselle’s Say Anything jacket to keep me dry.

What are your best layering undergarments?

Top: Oiselle’s long-sleeve Flyte shirt under a jacket, or a tight-fitting tank under a quarter-zip.

Bottom: anything other than cotton!

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

Single digits/below-zero, I’m in two pairs of tights – whatever is clean and can layer easily! In the teens-twenties, I choose from two pairs of Under Armour tights that I’ve had since high school/college – talk about longevity! In the high-twenties I switch to Oiselle’s Firecracker crop-length tights so I don’t get too warm.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

SmartWool or L.L. Bean hiking socks! If it’s not super cold and the roads are dry/clear, I’ll go for my regular “no show” Balega or Bombas socks.

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

I have a pair of mittens made from old sweaters that are basically ovens on my hands, so those are my go-to for really cold days. High-teens and up, I’m in Oiselle’s Bad Weather glove/mittens. I don’t take hand warmers on runs, but I have used battery-operated hand-held hand warmers to keep in my mittens or coat pockets for cold days when I am coaching!

Susan Demos

My favorite winter running hat is made by a company called trailheads. I like it best because it is medium warmth and has a hole in the back for a ponytail to go through, which I find very convenient.

I do not usually wear a mask or a buff. If that is needed, it’s usually too cold for me to run. However, during the pandemic, I have worn a paper mask to start, and only took it off when I warmed up.

My warmest running long sleeve is a smart wool quarter zip. I like it because it is lightweight, very warm, and dries quickly.

My favorite running jacket is an Endotherm that I purchased at EMS. It is a hooded soft shell with a medium amount of micro fleece inside. It is water resistant, so it is good for light rain or snow.

If I layer, it is typically just the smart wool quarter zip and softshell I mentioned above.

My favorite warm weather running tights are micro fleece lined, they are made by Nike.

I typically wear smart wool PhD running socks. They come in various warmth levels from thin to thick.

I wear trailheads medium weight gloves. I’ve never tried battery operated gloves or handwarmers. I have heard mixed reviews from my hiking friends about the battery operated ones though. Many of my hiking friends use handwarmers, with great success!

Anne Hurley

My favorite winter running hat is the one received a few years ago by all of the Just Run volunteers. It’s a great fit, warm, comfortable fabric, bright enough that drivers can see it, and a great reminder of the Just Run program.

I have to wear glasses when I run—to see. When the temperature gets below 20, or on a cold windy day, I wear the Dodge the Deer gator that ARE distributed a few years ago. It’s light enough to breathe through, but give some protection to my face.

Best long sleeve for running is Under Armor Cold Gear as a base layer. I don’t know the science, but I couldn’t get through winter running without it.

If I’ve got my Under Armor, I’m set. The outer most layer is more about visibility than warmth. Also, it’s good to have pockets, if you want to take off hat/gloves mid run.

Under Armor, top and bottom Under Armor.

No favorite pair of winter socks.

I generally start the season with a few pairs of gloves from the dollar store. If you double up and use 2 pair, your hands will never be cold. If your hands get too warm, you can take off a pair and put them in your pocket. If you lose them, no big loss.

Sally Drake

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

I only wear a hat when it is below 20 degrees (otherwise I wear a headband that covers my ears) because they make me too warm. This winter, though, I've worn one a lot. My favorite is a lightly lined pom-pom hat I got for doing a winter activity challenge last year.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite?

I wear a thin buff on the coldest days, but generally only cover my face when the wind is very bad. I wear sunglasses when it is sunny, especially when snow is on the ground. Almost all my weekly running is during dark early-morning hours, so no sun glasses needed!

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

My warmest top is a running hoodie from EMS I've had for years. On the coldest days I'll layer a tank top underneath and a light running jacket over.

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

The jacket I've worn most this year is from the 2019 Helderberg to Hudson half-marathon. It is the perfect top layer to block wind without being too heavy. Most days I wear a reflective vest that also is very effective at blocking wind. Key to cold weather running is keeping the core warm--layers do this best.

What are your best layering undergarments?

On the coldest days I’ll base layer with a wicking tank top and bike-style shorts under my tights.

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

Fleece-lined running tights from Athleta.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

Not really, but my hiking socks work best on cold days.

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

I wear 2 pairs of gloves on cold and/or windy days. A thin running glove with a fleece mitten over them. They are neither fancy or expensive, the key is the layer. Hand warmers are too hot!

Barbara Bradley

What is your favorite running hat and why?

I alternate between a black-and-white acrylic knit camo hat I originally made for my son years ago and a forest green fleece CDPHP headband. I also like hoodies that I can wear over both. If I get too warm, I can push the hood back.

Do you wear a mask, buff or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite? Why?

I wear a buff that can serve as a mask, neck gaiter and/or headband. I favor my two merino wool Buffs. They’re warm and washable. I gave up on sunglasses because I have a harder time seeing with them.

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

My warmest long sleeve is a SmartWool quarter zip, which I wear over a sleeveless tank top or singlet for extra warmth around my core. Otherwise, I alternate among fleece hoodies, half-zips (mainly from LL Bean) and long-sleeve race T-shirts – again, with a sleeveless tank or singlet underneath.

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

One of the best pieces of running swag I’ve ever gotten is a black hooded jacket, lightly fleece lined and water resistant, from the 2021 One NY Safe Virtual Challenge. So far it’s kept me warm in wind and water. I was glad to wear it when I ran the Winter Series 3 race. Prior to that I wore an LL Bean cross country ski shell with water and wind resistant sleeves and front, and a wool back. I would wear a hoodie and a vest underneath for added warmth.

What are your best layering undergarments?

I alternate between sleeveless Ts from LL Bean and singlets from Athleta. I also wear a quilted vest from Eddie Bauer if I’m really concerned about my core.

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

I alternate between my original 12-year-old heavy black Sugoi tights (zippers near the ankles) and a more recently acquired pair of LLBean fleece-lined tights. This year I added a Little Donkey Andy black quilted running skort (yes, that name!) from Amazon. It’s been more effective and comfortable than running shorts over tights for that part of my lower core that a jacket doesn’t cover.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

I alternate among SmartWool, Columbia and Darn Tough, all good wool socks that come up underneath the tights – no bare ankles!

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

I wear a pair of Slalom mittens – lined inside with an outside shell – that I originally bought for cross country. I also use a pair of IllumiNite mittens – fleece mitten inside with a shell mitten on the outside. I can remove the outer shell if my hands get too warm. I have not yet used hand warmers but I’m getting close, nor have I used battery-operated mittens. I never wear gloves, even when the temperatures are warmer. Then I wear a pair of Eddie Bauer mittens with a flap. I can also layer these under the IllumiNite outer shells.

Tom McGuire

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

When hats are necessary, and it’s above 25 degrees F, I often choose an orange flannel L.L.Bean cap for warmth and visibility. Less than 25 degrees F prompts a shift to a woolen woven ski hat, with an additional nylon cap (from the vintage Willow Street Gang collection) underneath when its less than 10 degrees F or windy.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite?

Generally “no.” Below zero degrees F, anything goes – even a magical scarf might appear.

Why? Reduce wind chill / risk of frostbite.

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

See Below.

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

If it’s ten degrees below zero or less, I add a goose down ski jacket over the top. If it’s raining or sleeting, a Frank Shorter Gortex jacket appears.

What are your best layering undergarments?

Polypro long-sleeve shirts on the bottom layer, then heavy cotton insulating sweatshirts, then a nylon fleece layer <below 10 degrees F, if windy>, then a heavier or lighter windbreaker layer, with an orange (Willow Street Gang) running vest for visibility after dark or before sunrise.

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

Prefer warm, black running pants w/pockets; tights can go underneath when wind chill warrants.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

Smart Wool.

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers?

For really cold days, I wear insulated nylon ski gloves. And for volunteering at Winter Series races, hand warmers are a real treat!

Jake Stookey

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

20°F and warmer: my blue Dodge the Deer 5k buff, folded into “beanie hat” shape.

10°F - 20°F: my new black SXCC 5k USATF Adirondack light winter cap.

Below 10°F: Fleece-lined wool beanie. With an added headband as a windbreaker for my ears if it’s windy or very cold.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite? Why?

I almost always wear glasses, but during very cold conditions I wear contacts. Otherwise if I’m wearing any kind of face mask, my glasses will fog and freeze.

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

I swear by my favorite thin brown Banana Republic merino wool sweater. My wife signs up for coupons, then we go on December 26th and go nuts because everything’s like half off mega clearance prices. I picked one up for $3.50 once, no joke.

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

For very cold runs I wear a few layers of shirts and sweaters, and a light wind breaker. If it’s raining hard and chilly then I wear a light, breathable rain jacket. The same jacket works ok for both.

What are your best layering undergarments?

Mostly just normal street clothes, underpants and whatever t-shirt I have laying around.

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

I have two pairs. One is a pair of Nike Cold Gear black leggings that have been fantastic for my entire running career, 15 years or so, they don’t age. For my day-to-day cold weather runs, I’ll wear a pair of merino wool leggings. In either case I’ll wear underpants underneath and shorts over the top, to keep things a little warmer. I find I can wear the wool several times before they need to be washed. If it’s super cold I’ll wear a pair of light tech pants over the top of those.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

For super-cold conditions, you can’t beat a good pair of Darn Tough socks. Specifically, their “Hunter Boot Heavyweight Hunting Sock”. My winter running shoes are a size larger so I can wear warm socks.

For warmer winter conditions, I have a variety of toe, tabi, or normal socks that work well with sandals. Sometimes I’ll wear two pairs. But personally, I’ve given up on trying to wear sandals when it’s 10°F or colder.

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

I try to avoid depending on anything that will stop working at some point, which includes hand warmers or anything battery operated. Volker introduced me to the FoxRiver Men's Extra Heavy Double Ragg Mitten, which are like 25 bucks and significantly outperform every pair of expensive mittens or gloves I’ve ever used. They are comfortable in a huge range of conditions from the coldest and windiest days on top of winter High Peaks to 32° degrees, windy, and pouring rain.

Jeremy McNamara

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

I have some headsweats hats I like but when the wind chill is below zero I have a swix cross country skiing hat I'll wear. 

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite? Why?

I only wear glasses if it's really windy, for everything else I have a beard. 

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

The Marine Corps Marathon shirt has a bit of a turtleneck and is pretty thick. 

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

I'll never run in anything warmer than my Boston Marathon jacket because I'll overheat. Used that in -10 wind-chill yesterday. Nothing special for rain or snow. 

What are your best layering undergarments?

I layer exclusively with race short sleeves and long sleeves. 

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

I got a pair of Lululemon tights and the hype is real. 

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

I don't use winter running socks unless it's crazy cold and then I just use whatever smartwool I have on hand that are thin. 

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them?

My normal cold weather gloves are Craft glove/mitten combos. The mitten cover folds back and stores in a pouch. My extreme cold weather option is my hunting mittens. My hands usually sweat in those regardless of temp. 

Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

Nope.

Wei Ma

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

I like the beanies that keep my ears warm.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what isyour favorite? Why?

I don’t like wearing a mask and I like wearing sunglasses especially during the sunny winter when the sun is quite low when I run toward to it.

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

I have a few jackets and I like the Lululemon the best.  I don’t separate them for rain or snow.

What are your best layering undergarments?

Under Armour

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

Under Armour

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

Yes, I like the crew from Under Armour. They fit me well

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

I never use the hand warmers. My hands are always sweaty after my run. The normal gloves work fine for me.

Josh Merlis

What is your favorite winter running hat and why?

While I realize the question asked about a hat, I'd have to go with my Nordictrack headband, that I bought from the Nordictrack store at Crossgates Mall in early 2004 before it closed. (Random side note: I believe I bumped into John Parisella there that day, also enjoying the closeout sales. There were great deals to be had!) What I love about it is how lightweight it is yet being tight to my head it is very effective at keeping my ears warm without the need for a hat (down to a temperature in the mid teens) and it's also reflective.

Do you wear a mask, buff, or glasses while running in the cold, and if so, what is your favorite? Why?

I view the term "cold" as half the story; wind makes all the difference. When running in cold but windless conditions (or, more accurately described, when the wind is behind me), I don't use any of these items unless it's very cold (i.e. below 5 deg). When the wind is blowing in my face for all/part of a run, definitely a buff, which I lift over the lower part of my face, and scrunch it back down when not needed. I wear whichever buff I have that isn't yet visibly covered in bodily fluids that ooze out of my nose and mouth while running in those conditions. If they all are, then I castigate myself for my dereliction in laundromatic duty and put in a load of wash as I get out for a run trying to not eat the frozen remains of a nose that (cold weather induced) "ran" with me.

What is your go to/warmest running long sleeve for cold weather?

The orange one Michelle got me, with the explicit instructions, "Wear this one."

What is your warmest jacket for cold runs? Do you have a separate one for rain/snow?

The waterproof "S Lab" Salomon jacket for both. I am amazed how effective it is, particularly considering how lightweight it is. It earned its forever place in my heart on my honeymoon when Michelle and I ran up Ben Nevis in Scotland. We had no idea at the start (temps in the mid 40s, overcast, mild conditions) that we were about to run into a frozen windy tundra from hell. :P Perhaps we could have been better prepared; but in any event, all I was wearing for this run was a short sleeve tech shirt and that S Lab jacket. And it worked miracles when we got to the top, where the only other people were ice climbers dressed in much "warmer clothes" than we had on.

What are your best layering undergarments?

Lightweight items. Tights and shirts, etc. Layer up. And keep it light.

What running tights do you use for the cold winter runs?

The ones on clearance.

Do you have a favorite pair of winter socks?

Whichever ones are at the top of my sock drawer and go higher than my ankle.

What are your warmest pair of gloves/mittens for winter running and do you wear hand warmers with them? Have you tried any battery-operated gloves/mittens with hand warmers? If so, did they work?

In brutal conditions, I always wear my LL Bean mittens, which are two layered and get the job done. (Generally, one's hands will sweat in these, even if outside in under -10 degrees.) Otherwise, it's a pair of Saucony "running" gloves that are a hybrid of a glove with a mitten top that can flap over the glove portion. I prefer to not run with hand warmers. I've never tried gloves that would actually meet the true definition of referring to any article of clothing/accessory as being "warm." (Indeed, sometimes I prefer to make clear that the item is well-insulated to utilize your own body's warmth; a pair of ("regular") gloves sitting outside in 20 degrees is a pair of gloves with a temperature of 20 degrees. :)

                                               At the top of Mt. Nevis with Michelle

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