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The Manual Touch Physical Therapy

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Running Gear: 9 Must-Haves for Winter Running Performance

November 28, 2017 By Denise Schwartz Leave a Comment

My favorite part of running is being outside, so when winter rolls around, with its plummeting temperatures, snow and darkness, accommodations and some financial investment in winter running gear needs to be made.

When my friend Gary began running 6 years ago, he realized to continue running through the Chicago winters, it would take quite some financial investment for the proper clothing/gear.  I too felt that sting many years ago, but most of the initial investment of good quality winter running gear has lasted me many years and I have yet to replace much of it, except for the usual socks and shoes.

Proper running gear is essential, for yourself or as a gift for the runners in your life:

Here are 9 Recommended Items for Those Cold Winter Runs

1 – Tights

Tights come in different thicknesses, so choose a pair that fits your body temperature the best and for the weather.  I have a thin pair for 30-55 degrees  and a thermal pair for below 30 degrees .  I’ve seen men run in shorts down to 25/30 degrees.  Be sure the tights are a wick away technical fabric.  My tights have lasted me for 10+ years, so spending a little more can go a long way.

2 – Wool socks 

I love my “smartwool” socks!  But any wool blend sock will do as they not only keep your feet warm they also keep your feet dry.

3 – Long sleeve shirt 

For appropriate layering you should own both lightweight and midweight long sleeve shirts made of technical, wick away fabric as you still sweat, despite the cold. My favorites are shirts are made from merino wool such as “Smartwool” or “Icebreaker”.  

4 – Jacket   

Must be windproof, waterproof, and breathable.  Lightweight insulation may only be necessary if you are running in extreme cold weather and your own personal thermal regulation.

5 – Vest 

A windproof and breathable vest is not a must but I have found it very useful for the in between weather of 35- 50 degrees.

6 – Hat 

As much of our body heat escapes through our head, a hat made of a wick away fabric is a must.

7 – Gloves 

You may want a lightweight and a heavier weight pair to use depending on the weather.

8 – Mittens 

Mittens will keep your fingers warmer than gloves – your choice.  I often wear mittens over my gloves and then remove the mittens if my hands become warm.

9 – Balaclava/neck gaiter 

For really cold days  (for me that is below 20 degrees)  you will need to cover your mouth and nose.  I like a balaclava as it does double duty by covering my head, ears, mouth and nose.
Happy running!

Running demands a lot from the body.  Both competitive and recreational runners all experience setbacks over time.  The Manual Touch minimizes time away from the sport you love and gets you back on the road with a customized plan to achieve your goals.  To learn more about our running services, click here.

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: chicago winter outdoor sports, running in chicago, winter running

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Denise gave me confidence that she knew what was wrong and what to do about it, and under her care I quickly felt better and am now on the road to better fitness. She has a feel for what’s causing what, and is good technically and also good at making you feel cared for.
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Denise is the best! 4 weeks before my first marathon she suggested a couple minor tweaks to my form and it immediately improved my comfort and speed. My next run was a 5 miler, and I felt so good that I ran it almost a minute / mile faster. Best run all year. My dreaded 20 miler training run was yesterday, and I ran 15-30 seconds/mile faster, and stayed consistent the whole 20 miles. It gives me quite the confidence boost leading into the marathon. Thanks Denise!
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Denise is such a talented PT. She is able to evaluate my movements and how I use my body in such detail. Her integrative manual therapy skills are unique and get to the root of my physical problems. Along with her functional movement exercises, her manual skills resolved my pain and made my body move so much more freely. I would highly recommend The Manual Touch therapy clinic if you have alignment issues or orthopedic problems. Included in her services are informative emails with advice for dai…
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