Cold starts: layering that comes off one piece at a time

The first kilometre in the cold lies to you. Dress for how it feels at the door and you will be shedding kit by minute ten. The old rule holds: dress for ten degrees warmer than the thermometer says.

The base does the real work

A long sleeve compression top against the skin keeps the trunk warm without bulk and moves sweat out before it chills you. This is the layer you never take off, so it is the one worth getting right.

The mid is the thermostat

A quarter zip or light hoodie over the base. The zip is the point: two centimetres of it is a whole temperature setting, and off-and-around-the-waist is the setting after that.

Legs need less than you think

Legs generate heat and complain less. Tights alone down to freezing for most runners; joggers over tights only when the wind has opinions.