Date : 2024-10-31
Running - clothing and equipment
As a follow-up to previous posts, here is a post with tips on how to think about clothing in different weather when running outdoors and some tips regarding equipment that I think is good to have. Feel free to fill in the comments below if there is anything you want to add!
First of all: No - Of course, running does not have to be a material sport, but for those who think it's fun (me) or want to make training easier, this post is just for you!
In short: We are all different and you have to experiment, but there are still some good things to think about that can help you on the way when you have to run outdoors and the temperature changes - as it usually does this year:
-Always freeze a little when you go out, you will get warmer regardless of pace and distance.
-Dress thin in layers upon layers -easier to take off/put on buff/gloves/a thin running jacket/vest etc when the temperature changes and if you need extra clothes at the start of the run, it is also beneficial to put on thin clothes that can tie around the waist, put in the sports bra/pocket/waistband when you need to take off your clothes.
-Log temperature/rain and how it felt so you can check back on how you dressed that particular session and what the "outcome" was. I always run in only a sports bra if it's +15 or more and if I need to supplement, a thin windbreaker is better protection than, for example, a long-sleeved training shirt against rain and wind. (I myself, for example, am very sensitive about how sweaty clothes feel on the body and don't want something that sticks or feels more than necessary, but there you simply have to test yourself!)
-If you are going to run a race, do a test run a few days before in the same temperature and feel how it feels, so you are a little more prepared for the race.
-When it's muddy/slippery, I prefer to use trail shoes over spikes/studs -much more comfortable to run with in my opinion and also more useful for longer periods of the year but of course this depends on where you live and what surface you run on on, if it's very slippery, of course spikes or studs will work better than trail shoes.
OTHER EQUIPMENT that is gold is, for example:
-Gaiters, a type of "gaiters" that you put on the shoe so that gravel/conifers/stones etc do not find their way inside. Some brands of shoes have attachments for gaiters so they fit like a charm!
-Toe socks in functional material (I use Injinji which I have used since 2012/2013) which prevent friction/blisters and keep feet dry longer (available in different models and materials.
-Reflex/lamp, make sure you SEE and SEE when you're running, super important when you're going out in the dark and even if you're running where it's lit, it's wise to have some extra lighting both so you can see and be seen yourself.
-Compression sleeves, provide a little extra pressure/compression (here there are studies that show that they do not work at all in terms of performance during training and studies that say the complete opposite - regardless, it feels good, it's worth trying) on calves/arms if you have to run long distances, warm a little extra and are easy to pull off and to complement e.g. shorts/shirt/t-shirt.
- Cap, highly individual, but I never run without a light and fast running cap that both protects against sun, light rain and keeps my hair in place!
-Racing belt, if you run races, I think it is beneficial to have the number tag in a belt so you can change clothes more easily if needed during the race and avoid making holes in your shirt! There are also magnets for number tags if you don't want to poke holes in the jerseys - google "Racing dots".
-And finally: Change and warm outerwear and something hot to drink after you've run if home is not your final destination but maybe you're on a race or have to go a little way home.
Good luck! PLEASE COMMENT & SHARE!
