Run Run Away

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any comments about headwear and/or gloves? Yeah. You need gloves earlier than you think, your hands are even colder running than walking (you can’t put your hands in your pockets, fold your arms, etc while you’re running). If it’s in the low 40s or colder, wear gloves. Depending on how cold it gets, you may find a pair of mitts handy. As for hats, any moderately warm hat that covers your ears and is made of synthetic material should do. Cheers, Do you still recommend those same gloves from last January?

Sorry about the time lag in responding. Yes. Actually, there are a bunch of brands that make gloves: sugoi, hind, sporthill, asics, etc etc. Any of these should be pretty good. Depending on how cold it is, you may want mitts. Cheers, — Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Response:

What clothing and shoes can you recommend for running in the rain and cold? Regards, H.

I thought you were a cyclist too?? I wear winter cycling tights (without the butt padding) when it’s cold and wet. And the same shirts (silk or synthetic) that I would wear under a jersey when riding in similar weather. Also, I’ve had good luck with tights made for kayaking, although some of those are kind of plastic feeling, i would avoid those. The few times I’ve worn a cycling jacket when running, it’s been way too hot, although I think it work fine if the temp goes low enough. Seattle also, -J

Response:

Now that the cold and rainy season is just about here again, I am extra determined to spend as little time as possible in the gym on the treadmill again this year.  I want to spend as much time as possible outside, and that means running in the rain and/or cold.  I just cannot bear spending the next 6 months in the gym like last year.  I lost so much fitness last fall/winter because I could barely force myself to go to the gym, and I don’t want that to happen again. What clothing and shoes can you recommend for running in the rain and cold?

It’s time for a winter clothing thread already? Since I live in Atlanta, I’m no expert at what to wear for the bitterly cold temps (see Dot for that stuff). However, I’ve had some experience in dealing with the wet/cold combination. For me, this combination of temps in the 30s with rain can make a run downright miserable. Getting soaked to the skin when it’s that cold can bring on hypothermia, even while running at a good clip. What has worked best for me is a good long sleeve t-shirt such as InSport Thermagrid 50. The zipper is nice in case you get too warm. Cover that with either a vest or a jacket (something that will breath yet repel the rain), such as Sugoi Excel Stretch Perk. I don’t normally wear tights, but for this situation they’re a must. Loose running pants will cause your legs to go numb once they are wet. The shoes don’t seem to matter. The socks should be coolmax or wool (not cotton). Phil M. — "Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself."