GT Guide to Winter Trail Running

We know the conundrum: the runner’s high is always worth it in the end, even if it can be hard to motivate to get out the door. But once winter comes along, it can be way harder to rally. There’s something about that frosty air and ice-hard trails that makes the couch look 500% more alluring. But we promise: there’s a way to make winter running nice. Pleasant, even! Comfy, even! Here’s a quick guide to making the transition to cold-weather running.

1. Rethink your layers: plan for cold cardio During cold cardio, smart layering is your friend. Of course, your exact plan depends on the weather. In general, we suggest planning your clothing around how warm you’ll be once you get going.We recommend wearing winter running tights that will insulate your muscles but let perspiration breathe away. Throw a nice breathable base layer on top, and a light jacket or vest. (By the way, we have a whole article on cold weather layering for cardio!) At the beginning of the run, add on a nice puffy you can wear to the trailhead and can even keep on for the first five minutes while you get your blood flowing. By the time you peel it off and stash it in your running vest, you’ll be warm and the cool air will feel nice.
2. Swap out your shoes for waterproof ones Many trail running shoes also come in a “GTX” or Gore-Tex waterproof version. Set your mesh trail runners aside till next summer and snag a pair designed to shed the rain and snow. Note, if the snow is deeper than your shoe cuffs, you’ll want to consider high-tops or gaiters. (Or, once the depth exceeds a certain point, snowshoeing!)
3. Treat your feet to some wool socks If cold feet are remotely a concern, wear wool socks to keep your toes nicely insulated even if they get wet. It makes a noticeable difference compared to synthetic socks.
4. Don’t forget micro spikes for traction Micro spikes—also called “traction devices”—are available from several brands, with YakTrax being among the best-known. They’re light, packable, and can be stashed in your running vest or pocket until needed. Pull them over your shoe soles, and suddenly you have 4WD traction and can scamper over icy, snow-slick trails with confidence.Poles can be great this time of year, too. Anywhere that’s slippery or precarious to navigate will be easier if you have poles in hand. You'll spend more time covering ground and less time falling on your bum. It adds up to a nice improvement in speed.
5. Fend off frostnip Wear a hat or headband to keep your ears warm, and use light glove liners or soft-shell gloves. You may even want to put warmer mittens over your light gloves for the first half mile till your hands warm up.
6. Warm beverages will keep the engines firing Throw an insulated bottle in your running vest to avoid the frustration of frozen straws from your hydration bladder. We love sipping hot water with lemon during cold winter runs. This warms you from your core and feels soothing on the throat, too.
7. Reap the rewards By running year ‘round, you’ll maintain your fitness and won’t have to start over every summer. This gives you a big opportunity to improve—or at least maintain—performance. Which makes it all the easier to get off the couch come spring … and next winter too. See, it’s all a virtuous cycle.

Fortunately, the swap to winter running doesn’t have to break the bank. Everything mentioned here can be easily snapped up UnNew here on Geartrade, from running tights to glove liners, poles, and winter shoes. Make your list, grab the goods you need, and get out to log some miles. What tips and tricks keep you out running in the winter? Share your ideas and tag us. Beth Lopez is a seasoned writer and creative director who loves to tell tales of adventure and discovery—and finds writing a powerful way to give a voice to people, causes, and places. Beth runs amok in the Wasatch mountains when untethered from her computer. She believes there’s no such thing as a bad ski day and considers animals her favorite people. Don’t tell her mother about her Instagram mountaineering photos. Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: Tag us @geartrade with the hashtag #unnewoutdoor #wearitout on your post or story for a chance to be featured on our page.

Have Winter gear to sell? Get cracking.

Winter is here. It is now easier than ever to sell your gear on Geartrade. With our new Consignment Selling option you can finally reclaim your gear closet. Send it in. We take care of the rest. Geartrade is Climate Neutral Certified