Winter is a great time to enjoy cooler, quieter trails without having to beat the heat.

If you're planning your runs around your daytime obligations, though, then you're likely going to be doing a lot of your winter miles in the dark (well, by head torch). But a good light can transform those dark mornings and dark evenings back into running time.

Investing in a good light makes tackling the trails in the dark so much easier. The right head torch can make all the difference to your confidence and help you avoid an injury due to missing rocks, roots and potholes ahead.

Dressing for success will help too, so plan on combining the right layers that keep you warm but don't smother you once the tempo rises. Keep the cooler breezes from zapping your body heat with technical long sleeves, windproof jackets or even gloves on those colder days.

Winter running is a great time to lay down the foundation for summer fitness and racing. Morning runs that start in the dark will often reward you with a chance to watch the sun come up and bask in its golden light. Not a bad way to start your day (especially when there's a post-run coffee involved).

“Winter running is a great time to lay down the foundation for summer fitness and racing”

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Headlamps

If you're new to running in the dark or have an event coming up where a head torch is mandatory gear, we have one piece of advice: buy once, buy well.

Head torches come in a variety of sizes, colours and shapes but the most important details to buying good lamp is brightness (usually measured in lumens) and burn time (the amount of time the battery will keep going). The brighter the lamp and the longer it burns will give you the ultimate versatility to shine the light you need on the trails.

Bigger lamps tend to have longer burn time due to carrying larger batteries. Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries often offer the best burn times over using AA or AAA batteries, and lamps with reactive lighting help to eek out burn time by adapting the brightness to ambient conditions. Carrying spare batteries will extend the use for smaller torches with less powerful batteries.

Camping or emergency head lamps often aren't bright enough for running in the dark, or won't burn for long at a high intensity. Getting stranded – or even trying to change batteries in the dark – isn't fun.

We suggest a minimum brightness for trail running of 300 lumen and the right lamp for you will depend on how long your run in the dark will be and matching a head torch with a burn time that will go the distance.

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Winter Gear

When it's cold, your body sucks more energy trying to stay warm. So we suggest gearing up for winter with the right kind of clothing to keep you comfortable and your energy focused on running.

Combine long sleeve running tops with gloves on the coldest mornings, or try arm sleeves with your favourite running tee to make the ultimate convertible package. Having a running scarf or Buff handy is also great for those unexpected dips in temperature – they're lightweight and versatile and will fit in your shorts pocket or wrap around your wrist until you need it.

A seriously overlooked item for winter is a windproof jacket. Here in Brissy, we don't get a lot of rain in the winter months, but cool temperatures and wind will quickly zap your body heat. Especially if your'e running in exposed areas. A windproof jacket is lighter and more breathable than a waterproof jacket, making it a fantastic barrier against the cold and more practical than a fleece which won't stop the wind.

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Nutrition

It's important to stay on top of your nutrition during your winter runs. Just because it's cold doesn't mean you're not going to sweat and you'll still need to get those calories in. Fill your bottles for those longer runs and make sure you are replacing lost electrolytes.

Fuelling your winter longer runs might mean supplementing drink powders with alternate energy sources if you usually rely on powders like Tailwind of FIXX as your main source of fuelling. A runner who drinks a lot when it's hot might find they're lowering their energy intake during winter because they're not as thirsty.

Manage your energy intake when your thirst slows by supplementing with energy gels, bars or chews.

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We're here to find you the best gear for your trail running adventures and upcoming races. Just ask a friendly member of our team who will be happy to help.