I’ve got quite used to doing my runs in cold weather and have been enjoying them. It’s been really mild in London today (16 degrees) so I set off in a short sleeved top and leggings.
Boy oh boy, it’s so much harder when it’s warm/mild. I keep trying to convince myself that the struggle was a result of the fact that it has warmed up so quickly so no gradual acclimatising. Maybe that’s right, maybe I’m being a twit.
In any event I was a proper sweaty mess by the time that I got home but I did chalk up my fastest paced run so far and did 6.5k. Maybe it was the (very slight) increase in pace that made me feel so warm.
And... even though it was a sweaty effort today it felt so much better than my 5k park run on Thursday which was really muddy underfoot and felt like hard work.
Still enjoying it and still getting out at least three times a week whatever the weather.
Hope everyone is doing well, keeping healthy and managing to get out for their runs 😊😊
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JetsNanna
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I have been thinking exactly the same. I found it humid and hard work yesterday. Soon getting back to going really early in the morning to get the coolest part of the day.
I much prefer running in the cooler weather and certainly it takes a little time to acclimatise to the warmth, so I’m not surprised that today’s temperature caught you out! I frequently run on trails which get very muddy at this time of year. Aside from loving the challenge, they are great for strengthening our legs - which of course translates in to faster times on the roads and pavements!🙂
I'm sorry -16 degrees! Which London were you in? Some lesser-known-one in warmer climes? I'm in a not-so-sunny Devon where the mercury didn't rise above a 10 today.As a walker and cyclist I have found warmer weather does slow you down, but as the years wends its way towards some late Spring consistency you do get used to it. Running may well be the same. Good luck.
East London - Stratford. Seriously, it was a no coat kinda day. Went for a 5k walk in the afternoon in a sweatshirt and jeans and was too warm! It was a freaky mild day.
East London, 7.30 run, 11-12 degrees this morning! Shedding my jacket midway made such a difference; it was like I’d started the run with fresh legs. I’d prefer not to be carrying my jacket though; such a palaver. Need to be braver before I cross the threshold.
I am very much a newbie, but I was told by one of the rather wonderful moderators to dress as though not was about 10 degrees warmer. Others offered the same advice. After only a few runs, I can see exactly where they are coming from - you do heat up rather quickly. My only concern would be of I was injured and needed a coat until I was able to get back to the car - where I run is rather remote - and for this reason I would take a windproof in a bag. Not a supermarket carried bag, you understand, but a running vest type! You would look like a 'proper' runner too!!
Good point, especially for remoter locations (hardly a problem for me, of course!) You sound very ‘pro’ btw, with your running pack!! And that’s right about the anticipation of 5-10 degrees above actual temperature. It’s the balance of keeping muscles warm at the start that tricks me into over-dressing. Mind you, my running partner (otherwise known as my husband) went out today with beanie hat and gloves; I had to stop him adding a third layer to his tops!
Totally agree with you! I’m not a fan of running in mild or hot weather. I’ve been running early morning if I can as I fine it much cooler and manageable. Went on last Tuesday before lunch and it was so mild I had a bright red tomato face by the end of the run! 🥵
I tried to find shade today. I started out just before 11. I think it is just the sudden change. It was about 13 degrees here this morning in South London but obviously warmer in direct if milky sunlight. Now I know why parkrun starts at 9am. I reckon it won't be until June before that starts up. I have only done some (not) parkruns and many more to come (touch wood) so I will at least have trained for the real thing!
I did the same thing, I tried to run on the side of the road that had some shade. I think it just took me by surprise that I was so uncomfortably warm. Us British and our obsession with weather 😂. I’ll run in snow, rain, sub zero temps but a balmy 15 degree Saturday and I’m whinging 🤦🏻♀️
I had my first run yesterday morning for two weeks after a calf twinge and was just thinking how much better I feel running in the warmer weather. The cold really makes me stall and I struggle to keep up the motivation for three runs a week. Whereas in the summer, I'd happily run five days (as long as it's early enough so not under baking midday sun). Amazes me sometimes how different we all are as runners.
It’d be boring if we were all the same, I guess. It won’t stop me running but I’d be lying if I said I am looking forward to very early runs again. That said, I’ll probably feel fine about it when I reach the point where it’s necessary 😊
I hear you JetsNanna! I just came back from a very sweaty run, I’m absolutely dripping. I wasn’t sensible like you and was totally overdressed for it so lesson learned. Onwards and upwards though! Happy running 🏃♂️.
I'll be switching to the cooler mornings again soon. 10°C is OK today, "feels like 8", but I'll be going out soon wearing just a tee shirt and shorts today (and shoes, of course).
I definitely need to invest in some shorts or cropped running leggings / that should make a difference for sure. Women have the added ‘ache’ of having to wear sports bras which mean that you have an extra layer whether you like it or not. Plus, I’m still carrying about a stone of extra cargo - that doesn’t help 😂
I read on here last year about "dress for 5 degrees more than the actual temperature" and have found this works really well. If you are a little chilly when you start, give it 5 minutes or so and you will be at a good temperature. So in theory this might mean even mean a stringer top! But time your run well so that you are not cooling down too far from home and get chilled in the process.
At 7C and below I wore a base layer shirt and long sleeve running top with silk longjohns and trackie bottoms and it was perfect!
I hate running in the cold, messes up my breathing badly, roll on the warm weather!
I absolutely love running when it's warm and hot, as many here have heard about over the years. Yesterday I ran 20km linking Battersea, Hyde and Green parks, lapping them all and linking all the dots in between. The key for me is, no layers, the most comfortable clothes, right tempo, fully hydrated body and electrolyte hydration during running. Finally, when the temperatures hit 30 degrees (or even 25C), never (EVER) go running when the sun is at its peak or you'll regret it badly. Run when the air is the coolest, and that's as early in the morning as possible. If you run in the evening, the ground will be radiating heat. I can hardly wait to start posting comments in July and August. 😎
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