Brrr…a little chilly in the am on the run. Now that I am back out there I had to retrieve the fall running clothes out of the basement. I have several fabric weights that I ”run my way” into as the days progress and the air gets colder. In the depths of the winter, having warm layers can make all the difference for an enjoyable run (especially on the most frigid days). Runners are forced to consider how to dress as the weather changes…
It can help to check the temperature ahead of time on weather.com and adjust accordingly. But like the weather man, I am not always on target and have learned to layer. If you have time, you can check out Runner’s World “What to Wear” tool that suggests the appropriate running attire after you enter the weather conditions. I tried this using a 30 degree cool/sunny day and they still suggested shorts! (Perhaps their gauge is set for manly men–I would have been in tights…but maybe real men… ) Over time (I am always on the lookout at TJ Maxx and Marshalls–they have great bargains on these things), I have built the following base running closet that helps keep me well dressed…
Monica’s Fall/Winter Running Closet: (shoes and running bras are a given)
lightweight running tights for fall (comfort is key–lightweight so you are not too hot on the run)
my fast light weight running tights (I know this ridiculous, but I have tights that make me feel fast that I wear on my tempo/track days–they are very fitted)
thermal running tights for the cold/snow days of winter (I have a fabulous pair of Pearl Izumi thermal tights that are so warm in any weather)
lightweight dri-fit running tops for fall
warm soft long sleeve dri-fit outerwear for winter (my favorite is one my LDF Jane gave me from Sugoi–it is so soft with a hood with a hole in the back for my pony-tail)
running vest for fall (I love this on the cold but not so cold days–keeps you warm but not too hot–perfect on a fall day coupled with a knitted hat and light gloves)
light rain jacket (for wet days)
winter all weather running jacket (I have an Adidas Supernova Jacket that was so great last winter–I love that thing)
knitted hats: more than one as they can take some time to dry ( I like a men’s hat so it goes over my ears–some of the women’s ones are too short)
light weight dri-fit gloves for fall
warm frost-resistant gloves for winter (I wear mine over my dri-fit gloves on the really cold days)
In your bag: (Changing quickly out of wet gear can make a huge difference in warming up)
a warm, soft pullover and sweatshirt/jacket in my running bag always ( I have just discovered these Avani tops and LOVE them for after a run. They are so soft)
Sunscreen for even the coldest bleakest days–SAVE the skin ladies!!
Chapstick backup–SAVE the lips!!
and of course that Starbucks Card…nothing like a latte after a cold long run!
On the wish list for this years addition (holidays around the corner):
Love these fab running tights from Lululemon that are supposed to make your back side look good–great colors and the critical back pocket!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Good list. And I will definitely use it when I’ve recovered from my injury and resume running in January. But I’ve already got the chapstick and gloves covered. You can find both in every pocket/pouch/hidden compartment of every piece of running gear I own.
mswoodenshoes´s last blog ..An A-Ha Moment
Oh No Monique! Sorry to hear about the injury. I am just getting back…it can be SO frustrating so hang in there.
Thanks for checking in.
ps. loved the a-ha post.
Monica- great list. Wish I could get the whole clothing thermometer thing down! We have a 10 mile run tomorrow, the temp is supposed to be around 9. It will be our first run in the single digits. Wish I had time to get extra tips from you- but as it’s midnight- I’ll just say- wish me luck! Danna
Danna´s last blog ..Blizzard Run
Hi Danna: I wish I could say I have mastered this but this morning I went out overdressed on chilly, windy 8 mi run. We are lucky to begin with a 2 mile loop that bring us back around near our houses so if we have to drop clothes we can. I went with the jacket and should have gone with the vest…I hope you had a good one , 9 brrrr…