Editor’s Note: Register for Tough Mudder’s Hometown Heroes 5K Appreciation Run, taking place Oct. 26 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (Granbury, Texas). In collaboration with Lexipol Media Group, publishers of Police1, EMS1, Corrections1, FireRescue1 and the Better Every Shift podcast, this special event honors our nation’s first responders, celebrating their dedication and service. First responders and their immediate family members are invited to race at no charge. Register here.
If you are a veteran of Spartan or Tough Mudder races, chilly to frigid weather is likely a minor obstacle in your training regimen. Still, even if you are the most extreme and confident of athletes, preparing yourself for colder conditions will decrease your odds of missing out on training time due to sickness or injuries. Below is a collection of items that will help keep you warm, dry and safe from your toes to your nose during unforgiving winter weather.
Crew shirt
A key to exercising in frigid whether is layering. Pick up a fitted crew made of material that will keep you warm while simultaneously wicking sweat away as an effective bottom layer. Target a crew shirt that’s not too tight or loose, and that dries fast to maintain warmth.
Leggings
Back in the day, all we had were thermal “long johns” to keep our legs warm during winter exercise. The material would capture sweat and freeze your legs once you had finished working out. Be thankful for modern leggings that keep your legs warm while wicking away sweat.
Gloves
If you plan on training for Spartan obstacles such as monkey bars, the rope climb and the atlas carry during the cold months, then you are going to need some warm gloves with good grip. Target some gloves that are moisture wicking and that feature anti-slip grip so you can hold on tight without too much of a fight.
Beanie
The beanie is a no-brainer when it comes to keeping your head warm during workouts. For your Spartan training, target a beanie that has a snug fit and that features an outer material that will repel both rain and snow.
Ski mask
If you live in a region such as New England or the northern region of the Great Plains, a beanie may not be enough to keep your head safe from the harsh winter elements. Consider ramping up to a winter face mask (better known as a ski mask) for the ultimate facial protection. Target a mask with a long neck cover and one that includes breathable mesh panels around your nose and mouth.
Socks
Spartan racers are known for getting their feet, shoes and socks absolutely soaked in the wet and muddy conditions present on many obstacle courses. Keep your feet both warm and dry in the frigid months by utilizing Merino wool socks. The material is renowned for its warmth, durability and moisture-wicking abilities that will keep sweaty feet from soaking socks during long workouts.
Jacket
Layering will certainly help you stay warm, but nothing beats an exceptional jacket when it comes to locking in upper body heat. Because you are going to be training, you need to find something that will keep you warm without being so bulky that it restricts your movement. Target a jacket that features a water-resistant front layer with a detachable hood, and that inludes thumb holes to prevent the sleeves from creeping up.
Shoes
A typical cross-trainer or running shoe isn’t likely to cut it when ground conditions include sleet, ice and snow. Up your protection a bit and invest in an all-terrain shoe that offers grip, comfort and protection. Pick up a mid-cut shoe with waterproof uppers to get a bit more ankle support. A protected toe box will also come in handy when you bang into the occasional rock or root.
Headlamp
If you are training outside during the winter months, you are probably going to spend some time in the dark. Ditch the flashlight and free up your hands with a rechargeable headlamp. A device with dual LED strips across the headlamp’s band will not only give you great light, but also give your forehead a break from the pressure created by most traditional headlamps.
Fanny pack
Pockets can only hold so much, and in the winter, you may need a place to stash extra add-ons such as your gloves and beanies, plus your cell phone and energy bars. Invest in a waterproof fanny pack that can withstand the elements to ensure that you have ample space to store and protect all the extra items you need to bring along. Snag one with a water bottle holder to free up one of your hands as well.
