Keep Warm, Winter Runners

It depends where you live, but this cold snap could be affecting your runs. Remember, there is no such thing as weather that is too cold, just not enough clothes. If you have the right clothes, you will stay warm, dry and comfortable!

This is just a preliminary guide, since every person differs in how much warmth they require, it depends on the length of the run, and the humidity.

When It’s 32 Degrees or Below:

  • Our first layer is a anti-wicking bra and tank top. This keeps the sweat from soaking the layer closest to your skin and making you sick.
  • Long sleeve midweight base layer shirt. You can either try wool/polyester, or a long sleeved race tech shirt. If you don’t have a pair, try finding one at a second hand store (running clothes are just way too expensive!). If you’re up for something cute, try the Swiftly Tech from Lululemon.
  • If your feet tend to get cold, use wicking knee length socks. Also try ski socks if you have those handy!
  • Over the long sleeve shirt, wear a wind breaking jacket. This should be tight fitting so it doesn’t bounce as you run. The purpose of this jacket is to keep you dry and protect you from the wind.
  • Invest in a pair of running tights. May we suggest the Pearl iZUMi Women’s Thermal Tights, which are extremely warm and have a zipper at the ankle to ensure no cool breezes up your legs!
  • Wear a lightweight running beanie, anti wicking so it doesn’t retain moister from sweat and cause a head cold. We don’t suggest purchasing this item online, as they tend to be too short to cover your ears.
  • Light gloves work for cooler temperatures to warm up your hands. Some people only need gloves for the first couple miles, which means they are removed by the time your hands get sweaty. If you need them for a longer time, try a pair of running gloves.
    clothes

    This is my running attire for weather at about 25F. An anti wicking tank top, two long sleeved race tech shirts, and loose fitting wind breaking jacket. I also wear running tights and think long socks. I need gloves for the first mile or so, but I stash them into my pockets once my hands have warmed up.

     

When It’s Above 32 Degrees:
When it’s a little warmer than freezing, it still requires you to dress for the weather. Layering with all those layer above results in a sweaty uncomfortable run, but you can’t head out in shorts and a t-shirt.

  • Dress in layer, but wear the same first layer of a anti-wicking bra and tank top.
  • Wear a long sleeve midweight base layer shirt.
  • If you need a jacket, keep it light weight in case you warm up and it needs to be tied around your waist.
  • If it’s windy, wear the thicker running tights. However, if it’s warmer, thinner running capri’s will keep you from overheating.  Our favorite is the inspire crop from Lululemon.
  • Try a thinner running hat or cap to keep your heat warm during your run. If it’s raining, try a waterproof cap to keep the rain from soaking your hair.

What do you wear on your winter runs? Share them on twitter #girlsrunfaster or on our facebook page!

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10 things to bring on your run

This re-blog post was written by Allessia over at Lululemon on March 29, 2012 and I thought my readers would enjoy reading it! – filed under gear, run. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. –

10 things to bring on your run

Whether you’re heading on vacay or out for a run – packing is a skill not easily mastered. We asked seasoned runners who have gone the distance (like, every distance) for their ‘take-it or leave-it’ run gear.

10 things to bring on your run


1. house key
Two things that suck: being robbed and getting locked out. Bring your house key.

2. money (cash or credit)
Good for emergency fluids (or recovery drinks), transit (hey, there’s nothing wrong with running as far as you can one-way and bussing it back) or making a SOS call (contrary to popular belief payphones still exist).

3. identification
You should never go anywhere without ID and your run is no exception.

4. ipod (optional)
iPhone, iTouch, iShuffle, i-can’t-remember-the-latest-gadget – whatever your tech heart desires, tunes add a little extra spring in our step and that’s music to our ears.


5. spf lip balm
Lip balm (with SPF) not only soothes lips (which can dry out after long periods of heavy breathing) but also protects your kisser from the sun. Bonus: It can also double as emergency Bodyglide for those “sticky” situations.

6. bandaids
Good for unexpected chaffing emergencies and spontaneous blisters.

7. fuel belt filled with electrolytes
Hydrationis key.

8. gels
Our running guru Tess recommends one for every 45 minutes (plus one extra for good measure).

9. some dry socks (those of you blessed with a sunny climate, skip to number 10). 
We’ve been caught in one too many rainstorms to head out on a 42K run without at least an extra pair of socks. Dry feet are happy feet and happy feet mean strong finishes. ps. we have the perfect pocket to store them in!

10. bodyglide
Keep things going smoothly with a little extra help from our dear friend Bodyglide. You’ve already got 30K on your mind, you don’t need to be worrying about chaffing too.