BMF Race Team member, Adam Teszke, has been training with British Military Fitness for over six years and competing in races such as the RBL Major Series. Over this time, he admits that some of the winters have been a lot harsher than others! That said, providing you have the right gear, outdoor winter training can be exceptionally good.
Before we go straight into the kit you'll need for training or your event, it's important to note that it is incredibly important to also consider what you wear afterwards. Particularly if it's been a wet class or you're taking on a wet and muddy race. You'll finish and feel incredibly warm from the exertion, but within minutes your core body temperature will begin to drop so our essential advice to you is to strip off ALL your wet clothes (yes, this does include underwear!) and swap into something warm and dry. That way you can stay on for a drink or a chat without making yourself unwell.
As important as it is to stay warm and dry before and after the class or your race, you won't want anything too heavy to be running in as you can overheat or if you get wet and/or muddy it will just weigh you down. There are ways to be clever with your layers - especially with some technical gear that can be bought from high street retailers, such as Blacks.
Here's the list of kit Adam’s come to appreciate during the winter months whilst racing and training outside:
Head gear
A snood, chute or neck gaiter is such a simple bit of kit but can be really versatile. I mostly wear it around my neck but if it’s really chilly I wear it over my ears like a hood. It can also be worn like a headband and is small enough to take off and give to the instructor if you get too warm. They’re fairly inexpensive so I have several of them.
Smart base layers
Be smart with your layers. I find base layers by SMARTWOOL fantastic for keeping me warm. They have exceptional wicking qualities meaning even when you sweat, you won’t catch a chill in the cold weather.
T-shirt
The ICEBREAKER Oasis Long Sleeve Crew is a great garment that I’d recommend for its quick-drying fabric.
Leggings or Shorts
I wear shorts when possible (my favourite are GORE Baggy Shorts) as skin dries quicker than fabric! But when I need a full length running legging, I find OMM Full Length Running Leggings to be fantastic. They help keep your muscles warm which is really important if you want to avoid injury and get the most out of your winter training.
Gloves
I wear EXTREMITIES Waterproof Sticky Power Liner Glove and they’re great. Whatever glove you choose, my key recommendation is to ensure they’re waterproof. There's often a fair amount of ground work during BMF, and although there’s usually less during the winter months due to the boggy ground, you’ll be incredibly grateful for warm and comfortable hands when the next round of burpees come!
Socks
The main thing is to get comfortable socks. SEALSKINZ do a fantastic range of waterproof socks that make a big difference at a wet BMF class.
Trainers
Many people have their own preference of trainer, but the one thing that really is important is to have good grip for the wet months. There are several pairs of trail shoes that I'd recommend in particular for this. My preferred footwear is the Inov-8s 212 trail shoe, but a close second is the Salomon Speedcross – certainly a popular choice amongst BMF members! Another recommendation is the Nike Zoom Wildhorse Running Shoe - a great lightweight and stable shoe!
If you’ve found any other products that you would suggest for winter training, I’d love to know!
Remember that if you buy any of these products from Blacks you can get 20% off as a BMF member. Find your exclusive discount in your members area.
