It's cold outside

[Austen304]

Having started my plodding last May, the shock of the arrival of autumn this weekend has forced me to think about running in the cold. According to the adverts for the running T-shirt and running 'jersey' that I bought early on, this combination is good for cold weather. I can't say it was inadequate on Friday, when there was only a keen wind, but I don't think I would have fancied them coping with the very cold conditions today. Fortunately, I ached enough from yesterday's run to avoid the parkrun and didn't have to put them to the test. So what should the aged male plodder be equipped with for the wintry weather to come (or not, depending on the newspaper you read)?

[littleduck]

Hi Austen 304 - I am a newbie and not bought all the techie stuff (yet) but in a past life I was a golfer and so I run in a Gortex slim-fit jacket over a thermal vest, Nike trousers - works for me. Just got back from W4 R3 (half way through the programme) so possibly more walking than running BUT it was only my fingertips that felt cold - maybe ensure you wear good gloves. Mine are from the Raynaud's & Scleroderma Association and are for people with Raynaud's (sometimes called poor circulation and very, very cold hands) - they are made with silver fibre and really keep my hands warm. BTW temperature was 0 degrees C and I did not feel the cold. This is the link

rsa-shop.co.uk/

Hope this is helpful.

[AncientMum Graduate]

Don't know about an aged male plodder, but this aged female plodder ran this evening in the rain and wind at a temperature of 3C in capries, a short sleeve technical t-shirt and lightweight showerproof running jacket. My hands were cold but other than that I was fine. Previously when I've worn the jacket I've been too hot, but tonight it was perfect. I think you just need to experiment to find what works for you. Good luck

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Ahem.... P word? If I'm not allowed you certainly are not!

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Fair comment, Sarah xxx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I hate being too hot, knowing that by the time the first mile is complete I will be up to temperature. Layers are the answer, although normally I am a tshirt/singlet man. As it cools the long sleeve shirts come out, followed occasionally by the full length leggings. When it is really icy the compression vest and pants go on as a base layer. By watching the weather forecast and being flexible about my running times, I have only started about 3 runs in the rain over the past 2 1/2 years, so have never bothered with a waterproof, knowing that I would get as wet from the inside, as I would from the rain.

I try to anticipate what I will need after I am warmed up, rather than what is toasty to start in. My fingers do get cold, so gloves have already been deployed this autumn and I take a buff with me, again, when frosty. Even though the buff is removed quite quickly, it helps during warm up and is easy to carry.

Winter running, on a crisp, dry, sunny morning is the best.

[Sharonb9999 Graduate]

I love it when it's cold & crisp. Even more when there's a bit of sunshine. Not such a fan of the rain/sleet combination it was yesterday but I prefer that to humidity. I agree with the other comments about layers & gloves. I used to wear a hat but now I wear a buff or headband to keep my ears warm because my head gets too hot otherwise.

[Austen304]

Thanks for the help, which in summary seems to say that we are all different in response to the icy chill. I tried the gloves and woolly hat (chronic lack of hair covering ) and they were a help. For the parkrun, I find the critical bit is the long walk from the car park to the start and the quandary as to whether any extra outer covering will still be where it was left at the end of the run.

[MarkF42 Graduate]

I don't think there is a 'correct' answer for this. Really depends on what you feel comfortable in and what the weather is doing! I go jogging at 6.00am. Last Wednesday it was 14 deg C. Wore T-shirt and waterproof/wind proof / breathable jacket (suitable for hiking). Was OK on warm up, but a few minutes into jogging was too hot and had to unzip. Friday it was 6 deg C. Was cold for warm up but just right for the run. Tomorrow's forecast is 0, so am planning to wear an additional mid layer - probably a thin fleece jumper that I have.

I wear a 'thinsulate' fleece hat in anything under 10 deg C as I find I get brain freeze/headache if not.

For my legs I wear jogging tights all year round, and don't really notice them being cold.

[Hidden]

I find a long sleeve base layer top with a polo shirt over the top is ample, even in the rain and Capri leggings. Once I've done about 1k then I'm warm enough. I found the hailstones hurt my hands and face today though!

It's nice not to get overheated this weather

Good luck

[Austen304 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks again for the tips. I have certainly found that the warming effect of running more than makes up for the initial shiver.