Winter fitness: go running

Arc’teryx Norvan Shell Jacket

Embarrassingly, I once had a stand-up row with my significant other because I couldn’t find my favourite running socks. I just wasn’t prepared to run in any old pair. Daft, yes – but for me and no doubt countless other runners, this sport is annoyingly psychological.

Having the right gear, and feeling good wearing it, really can make a difference… and as autumn turned to winter this year, I found myself wishing it would rain just so I could wear the Norvan Jacket. OK, the price is verging on ludicrous, but there’s no escaping the quality of this super-light Gore-Tex trail running jacket.

Made from a thin but durable C-Knit Gore-Tex fabric with a 28,000mm HH rating, this thing is more waterproof than most high-end hiking jackets, but packs down to virtually nothing and weighs less than 200g. There are lighter options, but the Norvan is robust enough to wear with a backpack without damage.
Cut close, but not too tight, this is a stylish, minimalist jacket with only the essentials included – there are no pockets, for instance. It simply excels in filthy-cold weather, and paired with a long-sleeved top it’ll become an absolute essential for your winter runs.

Arc’teryx hooded jackets don’t often come with stuff sacks, but you can tuck this one inside its hood and pull the cinch cord for a tidy bundle. And while not needed on the trails of Epping Forest, the jacket also has an embedded RECCO chip – as used to find adventurers lost in proper mountains.

£350 / go.stuff.tv/Norvan

Now add these…

On Running Challenger Cap

This multi-function cap can be worn with or without earflaps, and comes with a fleece liner and a fit-securing drawstring.

£65 / on-running.com

Onodio Openrock Pro

After years using earphones with bone-conduction tech, these wonderfully comfy waterproof ‘air-conduction’ true wireless ’phones are my new favourites for running. The 16.2mm dynamic driver sits over the ear, instead of inside, and sounds so much better than you might expect, while allowing just enough ambient noise through to feel safe on the streets.

£116 / oneodio.com

Polar Vantage V3

Polar’s most ambitious sports watch ever is clearly one of its best – thanks to a plethora of improved health-sensing features (over the Vantage V2) including continuous monitoring of heart-rate, skin temperature, ECG and SpO2. The 47mm design has a new 1.39in AMOLED screen, faster CPU, bigger battery (up to 61hrs in training mode) and 32GB of storage, making space for detailed maps.

£519 / polar.com

Salomon Pulsar Pro 2

The Pulsar Pro 2 is one of the most stylish trail running shoes available. Alas, pretty won’t win you races… which is why it also has a brilliant combination of a highly responsive soleplate, with mountains of springy Energy Foam through the midsole to push you forward with a smile on your face, and 3.5mm Contagrip rubber lugs helping you tear up the terrain.

£160 / salomon.com

Rab Veil 6L

This lightweight trail running vest comes complete with two short-hose bite-valve flasks (500ml each), and space for a traditional 2L reservoir (not included) – handy if you’re planning on going a long, long way. The breathable ripstop mesh fabric – 50% lighter than traditional fabrics – really helps you regulate your temperature, and there’s space in the rear stuff pocket if you need to shed a layer.

£125 / rab.equipment

Bodylite Nightvision Light

Staying safe and being seen during the winter months is easier with this versatile light, which can be attached securely to a Bodylite jacket, gilet, belt or bike mount. Weighing 78g, with IPX4 waterproofing and 2hr battery life, it’s light enough to be ignored by you – but with its three light settings and 250-lumen output, it will be a beacon to everyone else.

£35 / bodylitegear.com

Nike Therma-Fit Adv Repel Aeroloft

Admittedly, the insulation does give this winter running gilet a bit of a camping mattress vibe; but it’s a superb technical garment, perfectly balancing weight and warmth. An ideal layer for harsh 7am runs, it combines heat-regulating fabric with both down and synthetic insulation, plus the woven fabric is water-repellent.

£165 / nike.com

Runna

This app is a running coach in your pocket, designed to get you through plans for everything from your first 5km to Ultra Marathons with motivation and loads of useful stats.

£15.99/m / Android, iOS

Mobot

Obviously tighten the lid before you start your recovery session, but this dual gadget makes sense: it’s a water bottle and a foam roller, offering hydration and massage in one.

£44 / houseoffraser.co.uk

Inov-8 Race Elite 3in1 Gloves

These fast-drying, high-wicking gloves have a small pocket on the back of each hand housing a light waterproof mitten that can be pulled over when it’s proper brass monkeys.

£45 / inov-8.com