Winter hasnot yet entered its prime but many of us are already running in the cold or dark. With a little bit of shrewdness as far as clothing is concerned and with some appropriate accessories, each runner can cope best with both and run smoothly even in these months of adverse weather and little light. However, winter is also the season of Christmas, so perhaps you can treasure this list of things you can give to winter runners (or buy for yourself).
- Gloves: whether colored, black, padded or woolen, gloves are the first of the accessories I recommend for winter. They keep the hands warm and prevent that annoying cold numbness that in some cases, especially if temperatures drop below freezing, can even become a real pain in the fingers. Depending on where you live you can choose a pair made of simple technical fabric, suitable for temperatures down to 2-3°, or take something more protective in case it is common to run in sub-zero temperatures. You can find the first type
here
(that’s the one I use), while the second type, for colder climates, you can find it
here
.
- The buff: as with gloves, this accessory becomes relevant if you run where temperatures reach freezing, or if it is very windy. It helps protect the throat and allows the mouth to be covered in really very cold temperatures, making it easier to warm the air. There are so many types, but the main division that can be made is between those in totally breathable fabric and those in thermal fabric. Again, the choice will depend greatly on where you usually run. If it’s very cold in your neck of the woods, my advice is to take.
this model
, it is a wool blend and I have used it with satisfaction in temperatures down to over -20°. On the other hand, if it’s not particularly cold at your place and you also want to put on something ridiculously nice, there’s the RunLovers x 361° buff, which you can find
here
.
- The cap: I’m personally a fan of the beanie, which in addition to protecting your head a bit also allows you to shelter from the sun’s rays, in case you run on a sunny day, and from raindrops, in case it rains (of course!). In winter, however, when the mistral blows and the air becomes crisp, I really appreciate a headset that can repair my ears. There are models that I call “Benedictine-style,” because they are shaped like a monk’s haircut and protect only the ears and forehead, or more classic ones that cover the entire head. I use one of
these
, but in the past I have also used the monk model and as long as I had fairly thick hair I was fine with it, then when it started to thin out I had to give up and get the full one.
- Elastic laces: these are on the list because they are simply invaluable convenience. They always are, but in winter, when cold and wet weather makes standard running shoe laces tighten as if they were welded, with elastic laces you simply press the little release button et voila! Untied shoe. To lace them up? Press the button, pull the lace, and you’re done. Mine are
these
, they don’t cost much and I can assure you they are worth trying.
- Running light: whether it is the frontal type – such as
this
– or whether it’s the kind to be strapped to the chest, the light is a must for runners in the dark. It allows you to light the path and see where you put your feet, but most importantly it signals to others that you are there. Especially if you are running in the city and passing through crossings, the fact that you are immediately visible is crucial. Of the chest ones, there are models that have a red flashing light at the back, so that you can immediately tell which way you’re going, like.
this
. An absolutely useful accessory.
- Along the same lines as the light, I also recommend the use of the
reflective bracelets
or better yet
bright
. They cost a few euros and yes, they make you look a bit like a Christmas tree or an airstrip, but they certainly make you visible and increase your safety. The reflective ones you can find them
here
, while
here
there are the bright ones that I use from time to time.
- If you run long distances, in winter you might find it useful to carry one backpack in which to put a dry shirt, so you can change on the fly in case the one you are using is too sweaty and you feel cold. I have one like this.
this
, which stays stable on your shoulders and also allows you to carry a sachet of liquids (water or salts, whichever you prefer) and most importantly is resistant to light rain (if it pours, however, it won’t hold up and what’s inside will get wet).
- On the other hand, if you run distances that are not too long and you do not need to have too much stuff with you, one piece of advice I would give is to still carry your cell phone with you, which can be useful just in case. Maybe turn off the ringer and turn off notifications while you’re running if you don’t want it to bother you, but it’s definitely a tolerable weight and won’t affect your running, especially if you keep it snug against your body inside a running belt appropriate (such as this, where by the way you can also put your keys) or even attached to your arm in a banded case such as this (which is universal, but may not fit your smartphone, watch out!).
- Personalized water bottle: there are many services and online stores (
here
, for example) and physical ones that allow one’s name-or any other inscription-to be printed on the sports water bottles, an idea that will surely be appreciated since it allows one’s water bottle not to be confused in case one uses, for example, common stands or tables with other athletes.
- Medal holder: okay, this is a pure gift for its own sake and has nothing to do with winter, but if you want to give a gift to a runner who races and is a serial medal accumulator (or you are that runner), think about a wall medal holder. There are dozens of them, dedicated to a single distance or more generic, cheap or expensive.
Here
there is a simple model, but if you want something more elaborate,
here
you can find a lot of variations on the theme.
Dulcis in fundo, extra list
Because absolutely out of any possible list
, there is HE.
The accessory that
ALL
runners of the world should have, from the beginner to the professional, from the centimeter runner to the ultramarathoner :
the MARSUPLE
.
(Main image credits: alphaspirit on DepositPhotos.com)