Earlier this week, I asked the Instagram running community what their favorite winter running essentials are. It’s only appropriate, as this morning suddenly felt 20 degrees colder than yesterday..!
Below is a list of some of your responses, along with a few of my own winter running essentials.
Enjoy, and stay warm out there!
Favorite headgear
@r_p_olson “My buff is a must. I can not do a winter run without one.”
Check out these polar reversible buffs. They’re wind-resistant, they manage moisture and odor, and they can be worn as a mask or a hood or a cap.
$27.50-$39 at Buff
Favorite gloves
@bree_runstrong “Tech gloves are a must!”
These Greenlight Brooks running gloves are warm and touch screen-friendly. They also have a little pocket for a key – extra storage is always welcome in my book.
$34 at Brooks
Favorite clothing item
The Nike Therma Sphere Element is my favorite new piece of running clothes. It’s so soft and warm, and the ends of the sleeves turn into mittens! I have the one in blue below 🙂
$90 at Nike
Favorite stocking stuffer
Give this card to the runner(s) in your life!
$2.95 at Zazzle
Favorite motivator
@runwithjenn “Other people! My running group gets me out the door in the winter.”
I recommend checking out different running groups in  your area to see what’s the best fit for you. You can also check out Nike+ Run Club in your area. And while November Project isn’t technically a running group, it’s a great way to stay fit (a lot of running involved!) and to make a lot of new workout buddies. Do it!
Favorite snow-running accessory
@peterson_sam “My Yaktrax! Love em. Yaktrax works best on hard packed snow.”
$39.99 on Yaktrax
Favorite safety accessory
@ginafelter “RunLites and Under Armour gear for safety and warmth”
I had never heard of RunLites before…SO COOL! They have full-length and half-length gloves (shown here) with a compartment for lights. I often find myself wanting to hold my headlamp instead of wearing it on my head — this is the perfect solution!
$19.95 at RunLites
Favorite recovery meal
Tomato soup and grilled cheese! (Even better when the grilled cheese has goat cheese!)
I’m obsessed with cheese. All kinds of cheese. Goat is one of my favorites. For an interesting twist, try these crispy eggplant and goat cheese sandwiches. #drooling
Recipe can be found here
Favorite warm drink
I’m dying to try Bobby Flay’s bourbon apple hot toddy. I mean, come. on.
Check out the (easy) recipe here.
Favorite running read
I just finished ‘What I talk about when I talk about running’ by Haruki Murakami. It’s a wonderful memoir about Murakami’s journey with writing and running and how the two intertwine.
$10 at Amazon
trailsandkale.blog 