As a shiny, new graduate I've only run so far in the warmer months and I get very warm. I am wondering what clothing people wear once the temperatures drop, and the rain starts to fall; long sleeved tops? Waterproof or just wind proof jackets? Extra thick running leggings/tights? Any recommendations? Thanks
The weather is changing: As a shiny, new... - Couch to 5K
The weather is changing
Compression base layers for the very coldest weather, along with a buff and gloves. Also running trousers and long sleeved tops. I never wear more than two layers nor waterproof top.... otherwise the moisture from within drowns me!
I easily get cold but actually last year wore very little as the temperature dropped. Running itself kept me quite toasty. At the very coldest point I wore full leggings, long slv top and a very lightweight wind resistant jacket. Buff, and gloves. Usually it was leggings and a sleeveless top with the lightweight jacket & buff. Jackets normally came off at some point and buff was worn around the neck. Was really important to take jacket and buff to have to keep warm on the cool down walk. With regards to the rain - you just get wet Waterproof stuff get so sweaty it's just not worth it.
In the summer I wear running T shirt and shorts, and usually some kind of head protection against the sun (baseball cap or bandana).
As the temperature drops in the early autumn on early morning runs I add a decathlon hoodie as at 6am it's getting chilly here.
As we get further into autumn, the shorts will be replaced by running tights, with the shorts over the top for the practicality of their pockets, and for modesty Also head will be covered by woolly hat. If it is raining then a lightweight decathlon running jacket wil be added.
As we head into winter I will add a skiing base layer top for temperatures below 6 degrees. Also thin thermal gloves.
That's been my running wardrobe for the last two years, and I've not yet felt cold on a run
I've just moved into long-sleeved tech tops with the cooler mornings. Agree with IannodaTruffe and Terrorrun about the other stuff and waterproofs, and buffs are brilliant.
I move into long sleeved tops and into long running tights. When it's really cold I double up with compression base layers, gloves, buff and woolly hat. I do have a windproof jacket but it needs to be really freezing before I need it.
They always say you should dress for about 10 degrees warmer than it actually is but you need to guard against getting cold at the start and end of the run.
Layers are the way forward - but it does tend to lead to much faffing about trying to decide on the right combination.
Oh - and longer running socks because a gap between running tights and sock is a killer!
Um, what's a buff?
Google Buff. It's a great piece of kit. I got a free one when I began running and it's great, not just for holding my earphones in place but keeping hair out of ones eyes. You can wear them in loads of ways which are illustrated on the website.
I have a hooded cheapo run jacket from Aldi and I got that out today but it soon came off. I put it on after running for the cool down walk home.
I can't abide gloves but on brutally cold days I might start off wearing them but invariably they come off as soon as I warm up.
I wear long running tights come winter but they're not thermal as I just get too hot. I agree about the sock thing. That gap is terrible. Eek I can feel that draught now!
Our temperatures here have really dropped in the morning. Today it was 50degrees with a strong wind. I switched my short running capris with a full length pair of tights. I wore my usual compression tank top underneath a lightweight long sleeved running top. I have to tell you within 5min into the run I was sweating buckets. The whole run all I wanted to do was rip off my clothing I was so hot. I will definitely have to rethink my clothing choices on my next run. I tend to get really hot and sweaty when running so perhaps I don't need as much clothing for insulation.lol
In addition to the comments above I like using this tool to decide what to wear: runnersworld.com/what-to-wear
Thank you all for the great advice. I shall seek out a wind proof jacket and buff first, and see how I get on. Very grateful for your replies 😎
I have a water resistant running top for very heavy rain but it has to be pretty treacherous to keep it on as I don't like to feel too warm! I wear long running tights and short sleeved top. Although I set off with a hoody on a cold day, I always finish with it tied around my waist! I do like a pair of gloves though as I find my hands get really cold on a long run. My most prized item of wear for the wet winter is a pair of waterproof socks which I wear when running through mud and puddles on my off road runs! Don't mind wet feet, but in winter it can be freezing. They keep my feet toasty even when my shoes are soaked! I think it's just about finding out what suits you best as well as what terrain you like to run on.🙂
Apart from the hottest weather my running gear is the same at 20C or minus 10, rain, snow, whatever - long sleeved cotton t shirt and long cotton leggings from Sainsbury's (can't seem to get on with techno fabrics). The difference is the number of buffs, plus gloves when very cold (otherwise I use buffs as gloves too) Buff twisted and worn as hat, buff round neck, buff twisted round each wrist so that I can pull a bit over my fingers.
Another vote here for a buff, it is just so versatile without adding lots of extra weight. I have a lightweight jacket but it would has to get very cold for me to wear it, I've only worn it once so far!
Love the sound of waterproof socks though (slinks off to Google it...)
Ron Hill Running "tights" with simple technical ( light, wicks away sweat, breathable ) t shirt in all weathers and now it's getting cooler I'm running wearing a Mizuno running jacket.