running in cold weather..?

Question

I have heard that In cold weather it is better on our muscles if we wear a bottom layer of tight fitting clothes when we run? especially pants..

Have you heard this too? Is this true? and do you know why?

Answer 1

I live in the Chicago area, so I know a little bit about winter running.

From my personal experience, when it gets cold out, I usually throw on a pair of running shorts (plus underwear) over a pair of sweats. This protects everything down below the belt. Your legs are generally okay, with minimal protection, but the waist area needs the extra layering.

For the upper body, I usually wear a t-shirt with a heavy-duty sweat-shirt over it.

This is my usual outfit for temperatures below 30. I do have some compression, tight fitting clothes that I wear when the temperature is in the 30 - 40's. That seems to be the style these days (I was just at the running store and that's all they had). The tight fitting clothes definitely buffer the wind better and allow you to cut through the air without getting bogged down with cotton.

Go with whatever keeps you warm. If you are concerned about time / speed, definitely check out the compression (under armor) type of stuff at the sports store.

Answer 2

What To Wear:
http://youtu.be/VpnqrGBc7rA