Running Sleeves - do they make a difference??

[Hedgehogs123]

Just watching the London Marathon and interested to know about why most runners wea only shorts , so no warmth on the leg muscles, but they do wear arm sleeves. So they keep their arms warm but not their legs ? Don't really understand that?

[damienair Administrator]

I wear shorts all through the year. I just like running in shorts, even in the middle of winter. But I will layer up in the winter, with a base layer, T-Shirt and a running jacket. Elite runners who run 40 kilometres at least twice the speed as I could manage a 5K will have a completely different need for clothing. I certainly won't be comparing what I wear or how I run to them. I just wear what I find to be comfortable and what works for me. I'd look like a right muppet wearing arm sleeves too.

Damien

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

I wear calf supports as prone to tears, after years of teaching aerobics , Step etc, so couldn't wear shorts would really look weird!🏃‍♀️😆

[Roxdog Graduate10]

I was wondering about the arm sleeves. I wonder if they're to stop swelling hands. On longer runs my fingers swell a bit. Do you think that's it?

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I don’t know anything about arm sleeves but was amazed that I ran through ice and snow in the north of Scotland last year with capris on - legs never got cold even though I had jacket, thermal gloves and hat on. Happy running 🤗

[FurtherFaster Graduate10]

I think it's about blood flow more than staying warm - the ones I saw this morning looked like compression sleeves. Maybe because they don't seem to move their arms at all it's to make sure they don't loose criculation?

[Cp1965 Graduate10]

Don't know about anyone else but I seem to feel the cold more in my arms... must admit it's not something I'd ever thought of till you pointed it out, I try to keep my "top half" covered more anyway due to an arthritic shoulder. Maybe not just me then!

[Tasha99 Graduate10]

They’re not for keeping warm. And shorts, as it wasn’t cold. I’m going to stick with shorts for longer this year, only wearing leggings when it’s down to 4 degrees or less I think.