Winter won’t slow you down if you’ve got the right gear

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Let’s face it — with colder temps, waning daylight and expensive gym memberships, it’s all too easy to give up on a regular exercise routine this time of year. Thankfully for those of us who want to keep going, there are numerous gear options to help keep us warm, dry and comfortable while running in the cold.

Apparel

Sierra Designs Microlight Accelerator Jacket — Stay dry, warm and comfortable this winter with the Microlight Accelerator jacket from Sierra Designs. Blending a water-resistant, 100-percent nylon shell with a fast-wicking, brushed polyester “Accelerator” lining, this jacket quickly sheds light rain and melting snow, while drawing internal moisture away from your skin. More than just a shell, the Microlight’s brushed Accelerator lining offers just a touch of insulation to keep you warm on cool mornings or during high exertion winter activities. ($69.00, www.SierraDesigns. com)

Woolrich Weatherchaser vest — Built to keep your core warm on cold days, the Weatherchaser’s 100 percent polyester quick-dry microfiber shell is quilted to an internal liner for excellent weather protection and warmth. Lightweight and treated with Teflon%uFFFD Fabric Protection, the Weatherchaser is stain and water resistant while staying highly breathable. It also delivers an impressive UPF 50 sun protection and blocks 99 percent of the wind. The Dri- Release%uFFFD piqué lining wicks away body vapor when you’re active. ($70.00, www. Woolrich.com)

Lights

GoMotion Light vest — As a runner, you’ve got two options for winter training: one involves spending a few dozen hours a week on a contraption designed to exercise gerbils, and the other involves the GoMotion Light Vest. Designed literally to “extend the day,” the GoMotion Light Vest is a low-profile, super-light weight, mesh pack with a sternummounted LED spotlight that can light up any road, path or trail. A high-performance safety light, the GoMotion LightVest has three different light settings and an adjustable focus that can widen or narrow the cone of light. ($99.95, www.gomotioninc.com)

Primus PrimeLite Race headlamp — With a range of 125 meters, the PrimeLite Race is the brightest flashlight in the Primus lineup — a good thing when running outdoors after dark. An aluminum case dissipates heat for a stronger beam while a separate battery case can be stowed in a pocket for less weight on your head and better cold weather performance. Three light settings provide the perfect amount of light while maximizing burn time. (www.primuscamping.com, $85.00)

Shoes

Ahnu FireTrail winter running shoe (men’s) — The name says it all! This shoe mixes performance and comfort into a design that braves harsh elements for outdoor winter training. A rugged Vibram sole prevents slipping on any sur face dry, wet or snowy. Hydrophobic mesh repels water away so it can’t seep in. Moisture wicking mesh lining moves moisture away from your feet. The combination of the two allows feet to breathe and stay dry, creating the optimal foot climate. Also features NPS (neutral positioning system) technology a biomechanical design optimizing the foot’s performance from a natural balances position. ($119.95, www.ahnufootwear.com)

Accessories

Origo Paso Pedometer watch — Accurate to within two feet per mile, the new Origo Paso Pedometer watch is a full-function watch with digitally integrated, smart detection pedometer technology that automatically switches between walk to run modes without reprogramming. Unlike standard pedometers, the Paso is worn on the wrist, providing instant access to distance traveled, calories burned, target step count, step timer, alarm and chronological functions on the fly. A broad LCD display provides superior readability. (www.origowatch.com, $40.00)