Going to do my 3rd parkrun this morning but I’ve never run in temps below 4C before.
I usually wear a running vest and 3/4 length bottoms.
Do I need a long sleeve top and gloves at this temp.
I hate being too hot. Any advice would be gratefully received 😊
Thank you.
It's probably the hanging about at the beginning which is tricky.
Gloves are often the most important bit, that and neck/ears. Multiple buffs can be used for all of these and twisted round wrist when not needed.
Hi. Must admit never run in 1-4c before as last year when it was cold I was on the treadmill. No doubt those that have run at these temps and below will give you good advice. I personally would stick with the 3/4 and put at least 2 long sleeved thin polyester or similar tops on.Again personally I would not wear the gloves as like you I hate getting too hot and your hands will soon warm up.Perhaps a very thin pair of gloves with somewhere to put them when you get hot. They also say and are correct the worse bit is the 5 min warm up walk as that is when you feel the cold. I have tried running on the spot waving my arms about etc for 5 mins to get heartbeat up and body warm then go straight out on the run but slow to start with,that seems to work.
According to the experts as a guide you add 10 degrees onto the temp and dress as you would for that temp so 1-4 becomes 11 - 14 C so dress as you would for that temp.That is only a rough guide and seems to work.
Layers that can easily be unzipped or peeled off and tied round your waist, or jettisoned at the start if s race/run. I have a fine knit merino top which is light as a feather but warm. I often start with it and peel it off once warmed up. It was from Aldi. I think they have them in now
I always have a lightweight run jacket, also tied round my middle if it gets too warm. Base layer is usually vest. Capris usually I wear long tights on winter training runs if it’s snowing, raining or very cold I’ve got some winter weight ones
Thanks all. In the end I went with 3/4 capris, running T-shirt, running gloves and a neck buff.
I did the warm up walk with a hoodie too.
Running gloves went into bumbag at 2km and the neck buff got jettisoned at a tree near the finish on lap 1😂.
I was definitely warm enough but needed the sweatshirt for warm down walk.
I usually run with full length arms and legs. Most years the cropped running bottoms and short sleeves make a rare appearance. This Summer was different and I'm having some difficulty adjusting back.
But normally in the Winter it is all about the extremities as mentioned (and easy to take off, as you found... though buffs aren't good enough on the hands instead of gloves when it is really cold) and when it goes below zero I might put a short sleeved t shirt over the long sleeved. I have a great windproof cycling jacket but I have never yet gone out for a run and not regretted having a jacket on. I reckon that I should feel slightly chilly with the urge to get a move on as I start my initial walk and then I should be OK.
The best advice I was given early on was dress for 8 degrees above the ‘real feel’ forecast you can see on Met Office or similar. This morning on the south coast it was about 4 degrees on the thermostat but felt like 1 degree in the cold wind. So in 9 degrees I would normally want full length tights and sleeves but wouldn’t (yet) need to dig out the merino layers and gloves or hat. I did run in a long sleeved zipped top that had light padding on the core, with a thin short sleeved top underneath. By the end I had jettisoned the outer layer.
I was in a long sleeve top and full length leggings for the first time today. I also had a buff round my neck and wished I’d taken gloves. I also have a fleece jacket and gym legs to go over the top before and after the run. I’m thinking I might get a thicker running top for when it gets colder. Layers are probably best to regulate your heat as you run. 🌬❄️
I stumbled upon a good idea, because it was already in my wardrobe! 😀 I have a very lightweight (waterproof, breathable and extremely thin fleece lined), cycling jacket which I wear or tie round my waist. The particular benefit of a cycling rather than running jacket is that they are cut longer at the back than the front and so cover your bum and the sleeves are extra long so you can put your hands up your sleeves and not bother with gloves. These two design details are there to compensate for the forward stretched position on a bicycle but they work brilliantly for running clothes too. 😃
As Miss Wobble says, think in terms of layers. I progress from capris to full length leggings when I feel the need. Tops start with a vest T- shirt in warm weather. I add a cami, short sleeves, later long sleeves as the weather cools - and of course my trusty cycling jacket to any combination of the above depending on the temperature/ wetness of the day. 😃
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