Running gear resources, links and information
Running in winter
Thanks to Elise, Trevelee and Rachel, all members of the Serpentine running club, for their advice on safe and visible running in winter. |
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Elise It really it depends on how much you heat up. Personally, I get quite hot running (and even walking). The most important thing is to have breathable fabrics. Thankfully there are some excellent options available. The Nike dri-fit is really good. Currently I am running in three quarter pants with a dry-fit T shirt, but I am using my gloves. I've noticed that other runners are in long sleeves but this is still too much for me (of course, it is really important to put on a warm jumper as soon as you stop, particularly after a long run where the body may be struggling to maintain body temperature and dehydration can come into play and we can easily get "confused" and think we are OK as our core body temp drops). Anyway, in another month or so I'll be pulling out my Helly Hanson sleeved top. It's fantastic! Protects against the wind chill and my body regulates really well under it. I can also wear my serpie vest over the top. I'll also switch to full length running pants (I like Running Bare brand). Gloves are an absolute must. If you do get hot you can take them off and tuck them into your waist band. Something important to watch out for is chaffing. With the extra clothing make sure it fits comfortably and doesn't have any rough seams. Again the Helly Hanson I find perfect as the seams are smoothly overlocked. It is a personal thing though. Go to a specialist running shop and try a range of options. Don't worry too much about the brands, or even sticking to the same one. A good shop (like Sweatshop) will only carry decent stuff, find what suits you. It may be a trial and error. Just buy one piece and try it till you know it suits! One note — avoid cotton. As it gets wet it continues to draw heat away from the body as opposed to endothermic fabrics like wool or a specially designed man-made which still retain heat. This can be dangerous in the cold. As for head wear, I wear a Nike running cap. A beanie might be good when it's really cold but I find the cap adequate. Try to warm up a bit before you go outside so you don’t over kill with the layers. But there are some great light weight jackets that can be tied around your waist once you do warm up. I can just say it's worth investing in some quality modern gear. Don’t let inadequate gear be the thing that stops you from running! |
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Trevelee I'd highly recommend Run and Become (closest tube is St. James Park) — they have a massive range of winter wear — far more than I've found at Sweatshop and Runners Need. I bought a "Gore Running" LS top and loved it so much I've ordered another one exactly the same, and the windstopper top. They are both expensive but I'm so happy with the first one, I don't mind paying! The LS top is the Gore Running Lady Senza running shirt — around £40 and the windstopper is the Gore Mythos Lady Jacket — I think it's about £120 — but VERY nice! Run and Become have all the other major brands as well, and I've found that their staff are great too. |
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Rachel There are stacks of great high-visibility gear in the shops now, doesn't have to be a geeky fluorescent bib — I have a Brooks cap which is fluorescent with reflective bits and a flashing red light on the back! Available at Run and Become and also good because you can wear it all the time with any other kit. |