I want- no need- to start training so I can compete in a 5K. I am a first timer and I know I have to start training very soon and I was curious what should I wear outside in the wintertime to try to train? The only thing I can think of is underarmoire underneath a shirt and running pants.... HELP!

Thanks!

Lots of layers!!! Hat and gloves are very important, I forgot my gloves once and never did it again. Jacket with ventilation, long sleeved shirt and running tights were my cold weather running staples when I lived in Oregon. Just remove and add layers as you warm up and cool down. A good rule of thumb is to start out a bit cold, if you are cozy warm when you step out the door you will overheat during your run. Have fun training for your 5K! They are a lot of fun .

You're in PA so this would be my suggestion:

sports bra
t=shirt
Long sleeve Tshirt
fitted fleecey (if you are too bulk with a winter jacket, the fleece jacket is better)
Long running pants with long underwear underneath
gloves
head band
stop watch!
MP3 player!


You think that may not be enough, but trust me once you get moving, you will start getting warm and sweaty and will WANT to take layers off....so even though it's good to layer up, do so in thin layers!
Off you go!

Thank you ladies! Now if I can just swipe my dd's ipod I think I should be in great shape!

Another question- since we live in the "foothills" do you think that I should try to train in the hilly areas to get used to that? We have a park that is a few minutes down the road that has really good hills on it's trails (little, steep and regular hills)- do you think it would be a good idea to start there?

I think you should do a combination of both. It makes your legs stronger and it helps build your endurance. Running in OK sucks ~~ it's so flat. When we lived in State College, PA that sucked too because it was all hills, but I was a stronger runner for sure!

If you're new to running I would avoid hills at first, you don't want to start too much too soon. Downhill running is really hard on your muscles and joints so you can start by running uphill and walking down, working up to running both up and down hill. Other than that have fun on the hills!

As far as running clothes you can buy running tights that are lined or thicker than regular tights so you don't have to wear long underwear, that just creates bulk and increases your chances of chaffing InSport Thermostat Tight - Women's Running Tights - Womens Cold Weather Running Tights.
For a jacket you can get something like this Moving Comfort NoChill Hooded Jacket - Women's Outer Wear - Running Jacket that is lightweight, fitted and breathes.
If there are any specialty running stores in your area you can always go in and check out their winter running clothes and what they recomend.

How do you guys run with all those clothes on!? I don't run anymore but I used to run part of the JFK marathon (50miles) with my uncle. We both wore shorts.. in November..when it was freezing. I would wear shorts, moisture wicking l/s shirt and a fleece. The fleece usually ended up around my waist. When I walk/hike in the cold, I wear moisture wicking pants, l/s moisture wicking top and a fleece vest & gloves. For Christmas, my hubby bought me a pair of "fitness" gloves at Dicks for hiking and they are awesome.