Running in crap weather, what gear do you use?
Discussion
Getting back into running after a long time away, the good weather has been great but I know when it starts raining or getting colder I'm going to start slipping in motivation.
So I've decided to combat that by getting some gear that will make dealing with bad weather a bit easier. The thing is I'm clueless when it comes to gear(always been shorts and a T-shirt kind of person), don't know what to get, where to get it brands that are good etc...
I do have the body of a God, but unfortunately its Buddha, so I'd be particularly interested to hear from people who don't have a great physique themselves as I don't think skin tight stuff is really going to suit me
So what do people recommend, what do you bring to combat poor weather, whats important breathability, water resistance? What good value gear is there and where do you get it.
So I've decided to combat that by getting some gear that will make dealing with bad weather a bit easier. The thing is I'm clueless when it comes to gear(always been shorts and a T-shirt kind of person), don't know what to get, where to get it brands that are good etc...
I do have the body of a God, but unfortunately its Buddha, so I'd be particularly interested to hear from people who don't have a great physique themselves as I don't think skin tight stuff is really going to suit me
So what do people recommend, what do you bring to combat poor weather, whats important breathability, water resistance? What good value gear is there and where do you get it.
I run all year round in shorts and t shirt, though in winter when it's dark I wear a light fluorescent jacket. I do find my legs struggle if it's really cold so should probably wear track suit bottoms or something.
At the end of the day, so long as you're comfortable and out running then I don't see it really matters too much.
At the end of the day, so long as you're comfortable and out running then I don't see it really matters too much.
In the summer I wear shorts and a high-wicking t-shirt with a cap. I also take a bottle of isotonic drink on a belt as it's 32C today.
If it drops below 8C or it's windy I wear some Ron Hills, long sleeved top with collar to zip up. If it's really cold I wear lightweight gloves and a thin windproof top with a Nike hat.
As I get older, I wear more stuff!
If it drops below 8C or it's windy I wear some Ron Hills, long sleeved top with collar to zip up. If it's really cold I wear lightweight gloves and a thin windproof top with a Nike hat.
As I get older, I wear more stuff!
It's all about smart layering.
Summer's easy - shorts (or whatever) and wicking T-shirt. You can buy looser ones that hang off you and keep you cool, still wicking and drying (a normal t-shirt would just soak up the sweat and stick to you).
Winter - wicking t-shirt plus water resistant top with zip. I use one of these in winter: http://amzn.to/1hlJbrg You can unzip as much as you want to vent heat, the wicking T will draw away moisture which then evaporates when you vent. Might feel chilly initially as it's a very thin layer. If you really start to heat up, you can remove the jacket and stuff it in a pocket. If you find you're not heating up that much, layer with a zipped fleece over the T eg http://amzn.to/1mmlB1k because then if you do get warm, you can again vent heat. This is what I do for winter tennis.
Summer's easy - shorts (or whatever) and wicking T-shirt. You can buy looser ones that hang off you and keep you cool, still wicking and drying (a normal t-shirt would just soak up the sweat and stick to you).
Winter - wicking t-shirt plus water resistant top with zip. I use one of these in winter: http://amzn.to/1hlJbrg You can unzip as much as you want to vent heat, the wicking T will draw away moisture which then evaporates when you vent. Might feel chilly initially as it's a very thin layer. If you really start to heat up, you can remove the jacket and stuff it in a pocket. If you find you're not heating up that much, layer with a zipped fleece over the T eg http://amzn.to/1mmlB1k because then if you do get warm, you can again vent heat. This is what I do for winter tennis.
Fozziebear said:
Have a look at under armour cold gear, they do a good range that'll last well and keep you warm. Make sure your feet and hands are warm also.
I've debated this. Is their cold gear wicking or does it keep you warm? I've got thermal stuff but I wouldn't wear it when exercising. Or am I getting confused?
if you get cold, run fasterHoofy said:
Is their cold gear wicking or does it keep you warm? I've got thermal stuff but I wouldn't wear it when exercising. Or am I getting confused?
Their Cold Gear range is great - it's not thermal wear and I'm unsure how it works, but it certainly keeps the worst of the cold weather at bay. Even does a great job in the rain in that you don't get the soaking wet feeling. Highly recommended.I'm currently wearing their hot gear range in the hot weather!
Here's what I used to do, for what it's worth.
Summer - as said, shorts and a proper running jersey sufficed. I found that you really do need a proper lightweight running top, especially on a distance run. Normal T-shirts have a heavy-ish cotton weave, which especially once heavy with sweat - can start to rub the nipples somewhat
Winter - lycra longs on the legs, because if those leg muscles get cold, which can happen on a slower distance run, you will be f
ked. They will start to seize and cramp up on you, resulting in an aborted run.
Top - same running jersey, but depending upon how cold it was, augmented with a lightweight Berghaus jacket. These are great for running actually - with good insualtion, waterproof, and lots of pockets for food / phones etc.
As also said, when it was really cold - a beanie hat and gloves too.
However!
There were some days when the weather was crap, both summer and winter, that I took advantage of one of the most lovely, refreshing and visceral things available to the runner - and that is 'getting totally drenched and loving it...'
So, horrible weather, loads of cloud and grey, rain lashing down, and the wind whipping it sideways at 60mph.
Lightweight shorts and thin running top on - and get the fk out there!
Ok, I accept that you can't comfortably do a distance run in these conditions! But, generally, a runner won't have weather this crap for too many occasions during the year? So I embraced them!
Lovely in thin, light clothes. Wet and FREEZING at first! So, better warm up bloody quickly! Then, commit to no more than an hour in this, doing Fartlek intervals, or hills, or both. This kind of high-intensity training keeps the core and legs warm, so you don't get cold muscles and strains.
And LOVE the conditions!
Rain hammering into your face and body like freezing cold needles? Check!
Howling wind thrashing all the trees and scenery around you to death? Check!
The lovely fresh smell of soaking wet trees and vegetation all around you? Check!
Feeling your running clothes 'hug' you all around, with a damp intensity that is strangely enjoyable? Check!
Looking down and watching fresh rainwater cascade down your legs, which are warm and working well, shrugging off the wetness? Check!
Looking around, and seeing no other people mad enough to be out in such horrendous weather, and revelling in the fact that you're not just out in it, but loving it? Check!
Finally, getting home, totally soaked through, but red-hot from the interval training. Walking through the door, dripping wet, kicking off the soaked trainers, and spending 10 minutes in the hallway, cooling down and stretching. Smiling at the rainwater on your head and body evaporating and 'steaming' off you! Then getting in a warm bath, recovering, and cooking an indulgent, hot meal. Well, priceless basically!
There are so many opportunities for running in crap weather, if you expand your imagination!
Summer - as said, shorts and a proper running jersey sufficed. I found that you really do need a proper lightweight running top, especially on a distance run. Normal T-shirts have a heavy-ish cotton weave, which especially once heavy with sweat - can start to rub the nipples somewhat
Winter - lycra longs on the legs, because if those leg muscles get cold, which can happen on a slower distance run, you will be f
ked. They will start to seize and cramp up on you, resulting in an aborted run.Top - same running jersey, but depending upon how cold it was, augmented with a lightweight Berghaus jacket. These are great for running actually - with good insualtion, waterproof, and lots of pockets for food / phones etc.
As also said, when it was really cold - a beanie hat and gloves too.
However!
There were some days when the weather was crap, both summer and winter, that I took advantage of one of the most lovely, refreshing and visceral things available to the runner - and that is 'getting totally drenched and loving it...'
So, horrible weather, loads of cloud and grey, rain lashing down, and the wind whipping it sideways at 60mph.
Lightweight shorts and thin running top on - and get the f
k out there!Ok, I accept that you can't comfortably do a distance run in these conditions! But, generally, a runner won't have weather this crap for too many occasions during the year? So I embraced them!
Lovely in thin, light clothes. Wet and FREEZING at first! So, better warm up bloody quickly! Then, commit to no more than an hour in this, doing Fartlek intervals, or hills, or both. This kind of high-intensity training keeps the core and legs warm, so you don't get cold muscles and strains.
And LOVE the conditions!
Rain hammering into your face and body like freezing cold needles? Check!
Howling wind thrashing all the trees and scenery around you to death? Check!
The lovely fresh smell of soaking wet trees and vegetation all around you? Check!
Feeling your running clothes 'hug' you all around, with a damp intensity that is strangely enjoyable? Check!
Looking down and watching fresh rainwater cascade down your legs, which are warm and working well, shrugging off the wetness? Check!
Looking around, and seeing no other people mad enough to be out in such horrendous weather, and revelling in the fact that you're not just out in it, but loving it? Check!
Finally, getting home, totally soaked through, but red-hot from the interval training. Walking through the door, dripping wet, kicking off the soaked trainers, and spending 10 minutes in the hallway, cooling down and stretching. Smiling at the rainwater on your head and body evaporating and 'steaming' off you! Then getting in a warm bath, recovering, and cooking an indulgent, hot meal. Well, priceless basically!
There are so many opportunities for running in crap weather, if you expand your imagination!
Hoofy said:
Fozziebear said:
Have a look at under armour cold gear, they do a good range that'll last well and keep you warm. Make sure your feet and hands are warm also.
I've debated this. Is their cold gear wicking or does it keep you warm? I've got thermal stuff but I wouldn't wear it when exercising. Or am I getting confused?Merino top and leggings, regardless of the weather (plus a large t-shirt over the top so others don't have to look at my unsightly lumps and bumps).
Merino keeps you warm even when its wet with sweat or rain, leggings stop any chafing caused as a result of wet shorts.
I'm a fan of Howies merino as it tends to be slightly cheaper than the big brands - Icebreaker and Helly Hanson.
Merino keeps you warm even when its wet with sweat or rain, leggings stop any chafing caused as a result of wet shorts.
I'm a fan of Howies merino as it tends to be slightly cheaper than the big brands - Icebreaker and Helly Hanson.
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