What to Wear Running in 20 Degrees

Temp: 20 degrees
Humidity: Low (about 20%)
Wind: Mild
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 2 miles

What I Wore: My mom's windproof running jacket (that is just like mine because we're sick gear heads); lined, wind-resistant tights; heavy ACG fleece vest; long-sleeve, light-weight wicking top; skull cap and my mom's fantastic Outdoor Research mittens.

Did It Work: Brace yourself: I was too hot. Seriously. Like sweat running between my shoulder blades. I really wished I had a light-weight vest - I could totally picture it. Dense fleece or tech fiber but whisper light. Of course, I don't own this item and I was on the road so, because the extra core layer was mandatory, I had to sport the heavy ACG vest.

The Gear Worth Stealing from Your Mother: I admit it. I almost stole mittens from my own mother. The only reason they are still at her house is that I live in California; I don't need mittens. But for someone with permanently cold hands, they were lovely for the following reasons:

1. Soft, thin fleece lining
2. Tight cuff kept out cold air
3. Gore-tex (or some such fabric) shell kept in my minimal hand warmth
4. Low profile so, when I made a fist, I didn't have a fistful of fabric

If you're still debating what to do with your REI holiday gift card, buy these mittens!

What to Wear Running in the Dark

I don't want to be dramatic, but if you exercise outside in the dark without lights, you're running a real risk of being hit by a car or cyclist. Be safe: if you've already invested in running shoes and wicking tops, spend a little extra on gear that will help you be seen:

1) Lights - give drivers up to 60 feet to see you with clip-on lights. The new family favorite light: Amphipod's arm band. Wrap it around the bicep of your street-side arm (should be your right, if you're in the U.S., left in England, etc.).
Headlamps are also good, if you want to light up the path in front of you. However, some people complain of getting motion sick if they watch the light bouncing off the ground.

2) Reflectors - If you're only using reflectors, keep in mind: drivers will not be able to see you until they are about 30 feet away. I like to combine reflection with lights - it doesn't add any bulk and it gives me a chance to sport this ultra-sexy, mesh crossing guard vest with front and back reflective strips!

3) Jacket - the latest addition to my night-time running gear is this fluorescent yellow jacket by Brooks. It is not reflective, so it isn't visible until about 10 feet but the light color gives my lights something bright to bounce off of. Plus, it's wind and water resistant, so it's a good piece for autumn/warm winter runs. Extra bennies: inside pocket that velcros shut for my iPod; silver threads to fight odor; a slightly longer tail, so it's good for biking and running; and a couple small reflective elements (see arrows)

Happy safe running!