The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke with founder of The Athletic Clubs Dane McCarthy and trainer and running expert Ben Lauder-Dykes about their go-to products for running in cold weather.
Dane McCarthy got his start playing rugby in Australia, where he was immediately inspired by the benefits of group exercise. “The camaraderie and collective energy of team sports laid the foundation for what would eventually become ‘squad training’ and, later, The Athletic Clubs.” he tells PS. The private-member community opened its first location in 2020 and is aiming for national expansion, with five current gyms across the Tri-State area. Ben Lauder-Dykes, a former professional and semi-professional soccer player, was introduced to The Athletic Clubs by a client he was coaching, and is now the head of Run Athletic.
“At The Athletic Clubs, our mission is to help more people enjoy running and use it as a tool to reach their broader fitness goals. By improving their running form and performance, we help members run more consistently and at a level that feels right for them,” Lauder-Dykes explains, continuing, “These improvements don’t just enhance their running; they also boost strength, conditioning, and work capacity during their squad sessions. Ultimately, this empowers them to pursue whatever fitness goals they set – whether that’s signing up for a race, competing in events like Hyrox, or simply enjoying weekend runs with friends or exploring new cities while on vacation.”
“The key is to keep your core warm, as that helps prevent blood from being redirected away from your extremities.”
Being that temperatures are dropping, I had to ask these pros how they recommend their squad stay warm, centered, and mentally sharp for outdoor runs in the cold weather – and they more than delivered. “The key is to keep your core warm, as that helps prevent blood from being redirected away from your extremities,” Lauder-Dykes says, suggesting a high-quality thermal base layer for upper and lower body; moisture-wicking socks, gloves with hand warmers, and a hat for the extremities; a winter coat made with windproof and water-resistant materials; and even winterized running shoes with thermal insulation. “In cold weather, I try to adjust my training to keep my body moving continuously, which helps maintain warmth while minimizing the time spent outside. This can also be a great opportunity to structure workouts with fewer breaks or active recoveries, which helps keep the blood flowing and your body temperature up.”
After you’ve collected all of the proper fitness gear, McCarthy reminds us that the final key is showing up – whether it’s for yourself, on a solo outdoor run, or with a team. “If you’re starting out, consistency is key. For over a year before we opened our first studio, I trained outdoors in all kinds of weather – cold, rain, heat – without missing a single session. But more than just showing up, it’s about connecting with people and staying grounded in the ‘why’ behind what you do. That’s where the real fulfillment comes from,” he says.
Ahead, shop the essentials The Athletic Clubs’s McCarthy and Lauder-Dykes rely on for running in cold weather, and find out how they use each item on the list.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Ben Lauder-Dykes, NASM CPT, is an RMP (Running Mechanics Professional) Level 2, Precision Nutrition Level 1, and Strong First Kettlebell Instructor Level 1.
