Running in cold weather: A novice's viewpoint

If there's one valuable lesson I learnt from the recent experience, it would be how to dress for running in cold weather.

• Keeping the body warm during the run (even in near zero temperature) isn't a big problem as the body perspire. Keeping the wind out is. So a good lightweight wind jacket is essential.
• The number of layers depend on one's cold tolerance. I found two additional layers to suffice, one L/S running top and another S/S tee over it. The L/S top I had had thumb holes in them so that (a) I can cover most of my hands within the sleeve and (b) I can wear my watch over the sleeve.
• A pair of running / compression tights should keep the legs warm. (I saw some brave souls running in shorts at the WDW marathon, and their legs were bright pink). Bottom is not as essential as the top.
• Gloves. The gloves I used had removable thumb covers to facilitate delicate tasks (such as tearing open the gel packs) and tactile holds.
• Running top to cover the head and ears, if necessary. Some folks had ski-masks that cover the nose and lower face.
• Place thermal packs in the gloves, and on thighs and calves (easily held up by the compression tights). Someone said that keeping the hands warm is the key.
• Keep a small towel handy for snort.
• Standing around is the hardest part. Solution 1: more layers. Some people used garbage bags - a cheap and effective way to keep warm and dry. It was quite hilarious to see how many garbage bags running that day. Solution 2: huddle in groups, avoid wind. Solution 3: Don't go too early. Solution 4: Stay in porta potty as long as possible without someone banging on the door.
• Remove layers as soon as possible to prevent overheating. For the same reason, zip up when running into the wind, and zip down with tail wind.
• After the run, get out of the cold or change into dry clothes as soon as possible. I felt comfortable for about 5 minutes after the WDW race, but the heat was gone and I was shivering all the way after that. The mylar blanket helped some (Thanks to technology).

There we have it. A novice's take on running in cold weather.