Fit Mommy: Essential gear for running in a winter wonderland

• Appropriate head coverings: Try a thermal hat, ski mask or a neck gaiter (worn mostly by skiers). I have also heard about great hats that have a hole for a ponytail. If you are a music addict like myself, you may like the earmuffs I saw at Target that contain earbuds.The key is to prevent all of the heat escaping outside of your head without holding in the sweat that will make you cold.

 

• Clothing: Dress in layers, and find gear that is especially designed for running. As one of my friends told me "cotton is rotten." Invest in Under Armour or other breathable layers. You may be surprised to find out that you will be able to move your arms (unlike Ralphie's little brother in A Christmas Story) and still run comfortably in the coldest winter months.
• Mittens/Gloves: Make sure to find ones that wick away moisture. Also, I would recommend mittens on the coldest days because these will keep your hands warmest.
• YakTrax Ice Grippers: Worried about slipping? No need! These little shoe accessories slip over your shoes so that you can avoid slipping and sliding. If you find that puddles are a real problem, you can also spend more and get waterproof running shoes/boots instead.

Are you feeling motivated to try running in the winter wonderland? Or, do you run regularly in the cold? If so, please share your experiences and let me know what other equipment you find invaluable!