Running at 3C has its ups but comfort isn’t necessarily one of them. Whenever l go out knowing that the elements might conspire against me, l pick a route that will entertain my brain and trick it into ignoring my half frozen Raynaud fingers. Knowing what to wear in the cold is the top of one’s priority and layering is the key. I had to consider an additional garnish en route, a breeze along the Thames that just wouldn’t let go.
So, some of you are familiar with my fairly ridiculous running gear (full-on vintage basketball tops and shorts, you can’t make it up), and that calls for some careful layers. I wore a single tight-to-the-bone thermal top (covered with a green Boston Celtics jersey, imagine that), and downstairs l had the tights (of a very light fabric) and basketball shorts that covered everything that nobody would ever want to see. Gloves were paper thin thermal. That combo is designed to see me through the first 3km freezing, then another few kilometres getting comfortably warm, and whatever was left out of the remaining 10K schedule, sweating and taking off the gloves.
Getting your layering right makes that fine margin between enjoying the large segments of the route or, in extreme situations, getting actually hurt. I will never forget a freezing run in February 2018 when l decided (typically and trade mark stupidly) to run in just my shorts and a T-shirt. The cramp that caused the section of my back muscles to seize up and disable my walking, let alone running, sending fire shots of pain down my back and make my return home a total agony, will forever stay with me.
In other words, layer up well in the cold and don’t do a previous version of me. 😉😅
Written by
mrrun
Ultramarathon
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You’re so right about the layers. I went out today in thermal leggings, a merino wool top, a lightweight running top and a gilet. Gilet came off a 3K and went in my running vest. So handy having one of those.
And I shouldn’t worry about the basketball shorts. If it’s good enough for Courtney Dauwalter…
The only time when I’ll cover my ‘see me from the moon’ basketball jersey with a wind/wet proof top is when it’s cold, wet and windy. You don’t want to be caught out getting frozen miles from the shelter. Of course, l once did that too. The Fastest 8K Sprint to the Car, as it will fondly be remembered.
I love running when it’s cold, although colder than -2 and my jaw goes numb! It’s like getting a local anaesthetic at the dentist.
It’s odd, because normally I get cold. But on a running day - I think “oh great - zero degrees. Perfect!”
I don’t wear loads of layers. Warmish long sleeved running top, lightweight windproof jacket, warmish running tights, neck buff, woolly hat and gloves. My thumbs get cold at the start. It all stays on during a slow run, but I remove the jacket and gloves if I’m doing intervals or speeding up.
I don’t cope well if the temp is above 15 degrees. My heart rate goes up. In the summer I get up about 5 to run .
Totally get the layers and I'm just layering up including 2 pairs of gloves as I also have Raynaud's and hate my hands getting cold. I'll probably get to 3 km and strip off the top jacket, at 4km the next jacket will come off, and at 5km the hat or buff will be off - it's a bit like the slowest and most unappealing strip tease ever. But the two pairs of gloves and my running vest will definitely stay on, one for modesty, the other to ensure my hands still work when I get home, so that I can get the key in the lock and into the warmth of my house.
hmm, it was +3 degrees C here this morning but I was already wearing the recommended layers for -6 to -1 C! No idea what I will add when it gets down to those temperatures!!
We all react differently to different temperatures. If it's really unfriendly out there, I'll warm up well before the run and get my cardio pumping first. And then, my mate will run in any freezer by wearing nothing but his shorts, a T-shirt and a pair of gloves.
This is my favourite time of year as I hate being too hot. But you're right, layers are key.
I’m just back from Ireland and it’s mostly colder there than at home so I always pack an extra layer. In fact on Saturday I had to wait until the ice thawed as it was too slippery first thing in the morning. But once the sun came out and the ice melted, it was glorious 🤗
I always imagine you in your colourful kit mrrun , much safer than all-over black and much more interesting 🙂
That is a fab photo. It must be thrilling to run around London, especially at night. I’m sure you’ve seen some weird and wonderful sights.
Thank you, your Highness. Indeed, I've visited many a sight over the years, all equally photogenic - this is Nine Elms, next to Vauxhall Bridge. And here’s a little sober piece that l don when l am not keen to draw too much attention. However, when visiting more central locations l will dress to kill and last night was no exception (google Larry Bird, green top 😉). Also, contrary to somewhat ingrained opinion that l dislike running in the cold, which is not true, l do, I’d just like to say that l much prefer running in the summer heat, when l am truly in my element. More about that in six or so months. 😀
I think winter clothes are marvellous as it gives us a chance to wear more colour. We can be seen from Mars in our bright winter plumage 😀
MrRun you are a peacock to be sure 🥰. Getting out there to be seen strutting your stuff 😁🏃♂️ Why not! If you got it …… 😀
I’m off out in my night reflective, warm-lined Ronhills today. I have matching headband and gloves but I think I’ll leave those at home today. Don’t want to be boiling for sitting down in front of the dentist 😏
My pink/brown/purple combo Ciele bobble hat is topping my ensemble. It’s a gorgeous thing 😍
'Pink/brown/purple combo Ciele bobble hat' sounds like a missing part of my circus show. Problem is, the NBA does great hats but they are not wind friendly and the last thing I need is to run after a hat while wearing my Sunday best. Imagine the fashion police burying me alive! 😳
Love that photo. My 3C run yesterday was pretty slow and long, so I chose my layers carefully. I have some great, thin gloves with a second 'mitten layer'; all I do is peel that back and roll it into the cuff for the first level of cooling (yesterday I didn't totally take them off til I got home). Often I'll roll up my sleeves before I'll take gloves off! My buff is another easy layer to change - starting round my neck it makes such a difference in those first few km, but when it gets too warm I just roll it up over my head as a headband and let the breeze back round my neck.Needing my vest and bladder meant I knew I'd end up hot in the back, whatever I wore. Such a weird sensation - the outer skin chilled by the icy wind but the inner skin hot and sweaty. It's like having flu!!! But it was the most beautiful day after all the gloom and grey skies. So many other runners out too 😊
I’ve not donned gloves yet. They got on my wick, although are quite useful for wiping one’s nose ☺️ Also a good thing to be wearing if one tumbles 🫣 Not me obvs 😎
You've got that spot on. Long and slow runs in the cold need to be considered carefully. Sprints and intervals are fine but anything longer, you need to get wrapped up. Yeah, I love the river scenery no matter where I am and what the weather is. Born by the water kind of thing. 😀
Timely post mrrun! We are set for a pretty cold morning here oop north. The forecast says bright sun all day with the temperature reaching a maximum 3 degrees. The garden thermometer is reading a couple of degrees higher than that, but that is still chilly, for me anyway.
Monday is long run day so I will be layering up and heading out soon. On top, tight thermal bottom layer, long sleeved shirt and zip up jacket. Lower half, tights, longish shorts (with a large phone pocket) and socks which are long enough to avoid leaving a gap around my ankles, and have toes too. Bobble hat, neck gaiter and thin gloves complete the set. Much of my gear has been bought for me as presents, which is nice, but it does mean that colour coordination has suffered. Who cares? everyone will be too preoccupied with keeping themselves warm to notice my sartorial cry for help!
The other problem this morning will be frozen puddles, so I will be looking down most of the time. I wonder if I will meet the guy who popped up on my early run last year and said I was running too slowly. Guess what, I will be running slowly this morning too. CB says it is the right thing to do in very cold weather👍.
Funnily enough I haven’t seen that lippy man since! I have really enjoyed my last three runs. CB’s “it’s how you feel afterwards that counts” makes a lot of sense at present. The pace and distance didn’t really matter; oh gosh, I may be losing my edge! 🙂
Shockingly, my basketball gear does not come with any pockets (in fairness, why would there be, it’s designed for…basketball players) so l end up holding the gloves…..car keys….water bottle…..phone. I guess that’s what l need to sacrifice in order to look like a clown! 🤣 Of course, very long runs will call for a vest with all those pockets but the overall look changes dramatically. As you can imagine, my wife will roll her eyes each time l present her with my traumas. 😅
I forgot to mention frozen puddles, thank you! That's when I draw the line - frozen puddles, black ice and/or gale force winds. Not training for the World Series yet so can afford to skip the run in conditions that are treacherous. Not worth risking any damage! Enjoy your running!
With you on gales and ice. Both a big issue on my woodland trails. Flying branches and skating rinks…..no thanks. Thankfully we were ice free and there was little if any wind today. Just a bit cool on warm up and cool down walks….but I really enjoyed the run.👍
Yes winter seems to have arrived this week. I went out in two zip up long sleeved tops yesterday,, thinking I could take one off when I got warm. Nope, I stayed in both. I do need warmer running gloves though.
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