Cool Running

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Winter doesn't have to mean your stuck running on a treadmill or track inside. With the right attire you can hit the pavement while the white stuff is still on the ground! Here is the best way to get suited up for a wintery run:
Head:-On cold days you can lose a lot of body heat through your head so keep the heat in by using a thermal fleece or wool hat-if it's too hot, tuck it into the side or back of your waist band on your pans while you run.
Neck-Gaiter, you can wear the neck gaiter over your neck to keep it covered from the cold air, and you can also pull it up over your mouth to allow warmer air to enter your lungs.
Face-Balaclava (ski mask) covers your whole head exposing only eyes, nose and mouth (usually for those REALLY cold runs.
Lips, nose, cheeks, chin-Chapstick for the lips and vaseline everywhere else to block the wind from drying out skin.

For your upper body layers are important for warmth and to allow moisture to be wicked away-allowing for optimal heat efficiency. Layer in the following order.

Wicking layer-Dryfit, Thermax, Coolmax etc synthetic fibers keep your skin dry from sweat.
Insulating Layer-fleece, Dryline, Polartec, Microfleece etc keeps warm air in and allows moisture to continue to the outer layer for evaporation.
Wind/Water Proof Layer-A zipper is handy to allow for more or less cool air in depending on comfort. Gor-Tex, nylon, Climafit etc.

Hands-gloves that wick away moisture or mits on even colder days as your fingers will keep eachother warm.
Legs-tights or runnig pants made of synthetic material, Thinsulate, Coolmax, Thermax. For those really cold days you may wish to layer your lower body as you did for the upper body. Typically the lower body stays warmer because of larger muscle groups and flesh to produce heat.
Socks-Never wear cotton in warm or cold weather(once wet they stay wet), a wet foot is more prone to blisters and skin breakdown. Wear socks made of wicking material, Coolmax, Wool etc.
Shoes-Aim to keep them dry, best shoes for winter are those with less mesh (these are best for hot weather running). You may want to invest in some YakTrax that fit right on your shoe to provide extra traction and grip on ice and wintery surfaces.

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