clothing in cold weather

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Question:

I took up runnning last year but quit when it became too cold. Lost about 12-15lbs in 5-6 weeks. I’ve been running 5-8KM (3-5 miles) As soon as the weather warms up to 8-10 degrees C (45-50 deg F), I’d like to get back to running. What do I wear? Any tips on what clothing is appropriate? (i have checked the FAQ but see next question). Are shorts really okay at that temperature. I do find I sweat quite a bit and its my neck that I am worried about. It becomes very wet with perspiration. I’m afraid that my body termperature will go down too much and of catching a cold or something. What’s the best way to combat excess persperation? I mean, a lot of perspiration is expected, I just don’t want my body temperature to drop too low. Thanks!

Response:

I took up runnning last year but quit when it became too cold. Lost

You’re living in the North Pole, right ? (-; about 12-15lbs in 5-6 weeks. I’ve been running 5-8KM (3-5 miles) As soon as the weather warms up to 8-10 degrees C (45-50 deg F), I’d like to get back to running. What do I wear? Any tips on what clothing is appropriate? (i have checked the FAQ but see next question). Are shorts really okay at that temperature.

Shorts are fine above 40. I’d go with a lightweight synthetic long sleeve top in the 40-50 range. I do find I sweat quite a bit

What kind of clothing are you wearing ? You should stay pretty dry in that temperature range — it’s a sweat spot where it’s warm enough that you don’t need to wear too much but cool enough that you don’t (or shouldn’t) overheat. Maybe you’re dressing too warm ? and its my neck that I am worried about. It becomes very wet with perspiration. I’m afraid that my body termperature will go down too much

Unlikely. At worst, you’ll suffer minor discomfort. You shouldn’t need to cover your neck at that temp, so the sweat will evaporate unless humidity is very high. and of catching a cold or something.

Catching a cold doesn’t have anything to do with feeling cold. What’s the best way to combat excess persperation? I

Wear appropriate clothing — this reduces the chances of excess perspiration in the first place, and also increases the chances that when you sweat, it will evaporate. Cheers, — Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Response:

+10C to +5C — Shorts and a lightweight long sleeve shirt

You forgot to mention that the OP should google ‘ITB syndrome cures’, ’cause that’s what they’ll need if they follow your advice and prance around in shorts below c.7C.

Response:

The general guideline I’ve heard is to dress as though it were 20 degrees warmer than actual temperature. This doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s a reasonable place to start (My tolerance seems to be something more like +25). If you’re going to buy one piece of cooler-weather running wear, let it be a long-sleeved wicking t-shirt: perfectly serviceable ones can usually be had at WalMart for 10-15 dollars. Much better than cotton, especially in cooler temps.

Response:

Dress yourself as you would if it were 20F (11C) degrees warmer and you were going out for normal activity. For example, if it’s 45F (7C) and you want to get dressed for a run, dress as if it were 65F (18C) and you are going outside for a stroll. However, if it is windy (more than 15 mph winds), I would add a wind proof jacket or vest. Also, check out this site: http://www.runnersworld.com/apparel/dress_form.html Just plug in the temperature, wind speed, and conditions. It will tell you what to wear. -Phil

Response:

+10C to +5C — Shorts and a lightweight long sleeve shirt You forgot to mention that the OP should google ‘ITB syndrome cures’, ’cause that’s what they’ll need if they follow your advice and prance around in shorts below c.7C.

Nonsense. I’ve been doing it for years. cheers, — David (in Hamilton, ON) www.allfalldown.org "What?" she whispered, "D’you think that’ll work?"

Response:

Nonsense. I’ve been doing it for years.

Oh, well that’s that sorted. My mistake.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took up runnning last year but quit when it became too cold. Lost You’re living in the North Pole, right ? (-; about 12-15lbs in 5-6 weeks. I’ve been running 5-8KM (3-5 miles) As soon as the weather warms up to 8-10 degrees C (45-50 deg F), I’d like to get back to running. What do I wear? Any tips on what clothing is appropriate? (i have checked the FAQ but see next question). Are shorts really okay at that temperature. Shorts are fine above 40. I’d go with a lightweight synthetic long sleeve top in the 40-50 range. I do find I sweat quite a bit What kind of clothing are you wearing ? You should stay pretty dry in that temperature range — it’s a sweat spot where it’s warm enough that you don’t need to wear too much but cool enough that you don’t (or shouldn’t) overheat. Maybe you’re dressing too warm ? and its my neck that I am worried about. It becomes very wet with perspiration. I’m afraid that my body termperature will go down too much Unlikely. At worst, you’ll suffer minor discomfort. You shouldn’t need to cover your neck at that temp, so the sweat will evaporate unless humidity is very high. and of catching a cold or something. Catching a cold doesn’t have anything to do with feeling cold. What’s the best way to combat excess persperation? I Wear appropriate clothing — this reduces the chances of excess perspiration in the first place, and also increases the chances that when you sweat, it will evaporate. Cheers,

The OP doesn’t sound like a candidate for running at all. My 7 year old would say, What a major wuss".

Response:

think that’ll work?" You forgot to mention that the OP should google ‘ITB syndrome cures’, ’cause that’s what they’ll need if they follow your advice and prance around in shorts below c.7C.

You think so? Do tell.

Response:

This might be common advice, but it’s not good advice. The problem is that your cooling requirements are different when you run. For example, your hands and ears don’t get a whole lot warmer as a result of running, but your legs and upper body do. So for example, it’s not unusual to wear shorts and gloves when running, but it’s seldom that one chooses such attire for "normal" activity. For example, if it’s 45F (7C) and you want to get dressed for a run, dress as if it were 65F (18C) and you are going outside for a stroll.

Again, the difference is that you’re much more likely to wear shorts for running. A long sleeved top combined with shorts is common running attire, but less common for normal clothing. However, if it is windy (more than 15 mph winds), I would add a wind proof jacket or vest.

You’re joking, right ? 45 degrees and you’re putting on a windproof jacket ? Ouch. That’s a severe overkill. FWIW, I wear my SportHill top with a windproof front, but only if it’s under 40 degrees. A vest with a mesh back would be a workable replacement, but a windproof jacket is a huge overkill. Over 40 and I wear a lightweight top (regardless of the wind). YMMV of course, but the conditions he’s describing simply aren’t that cold. Cheers, — Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Response:

Why wait? Enjoy the seasons, esp. the beautiful winter wonderland, assuming you’ve got snow and not just frozen ground. What do I wear? Any tips on what clothing is appropriate? (i have checked the FAQ but see next question). Are shorts really okay at that temperature.

Many people wear shorts at those temperatures. Some wear tights or pants, esp. if leg muscles feel tight or if they run better with warmer legs. It depends on what works for you. At those temperatures, one synthetic layer is probably all you need while running. If you’re sweating at those temperatures, then you may be able to use both short-sleeve top and bottom. I do find I sweat quite a bit and its my neck that I am worried about.

Sweating is the body’s way of not overheating. If you’re sweating, you can probably run in cooler temperatures than you thought. It becomes very wet with perspiration. I’m afraid that my body termperature will go down too much and of catching a cold or something. What’s the best way to combat excess persperation?

You probably don’t want to "combat excess persperation" as this is the body’s way of maintaining core temperature and not overheating. You will *need* sweat production when the temperatures get much above 40-50F. These are actually considered close to ideal running temperatures, or a little on the warm side, by many people. You could run outside when it’s cooler with the same layers you’re using and sweating. Wicking materials can help wick the moisture away. I mean, a lot of perspiration is expected, I just don’t want my body temperature to drop too low.

As long as you’re moving and in positive energy balance and hydrated, hypothermia (body’s inability to maintain its temperature up to normal) is not too likely at 40-50F. If you’re running long (multiple hours) in cold, driving rain or if you stop and stand around wet – like after a race, then hypothermia could be a real possibility. But with 3-5 mile runs (< 1 hr) at those temperatures, it’s not likely. Dot — "Success is different things to different people" -Bernd Heinrich in Racing the Antelope

Response:

"I took up runnning last year but quit when it became too cold. Lost about 12-15lbs in 5-6 weeks. I’ve been running 5-8KM (3-5 miles) As soon as the weather warms up to 8-10 degrees C (45-50 deg F), I’d like to get back to running." Check out this website on injuries and proper attire. http://www.drpribut.com/sports/sportframe.html — R.Robinson

Response:

I would totally agree with you, but: a) people live in differing climates and get accustomed to differing temps, with corresponding comfort levels. I have (well, had) relatives in the Bahamas and I remember seeing them don old coats and hats when it dropped below 60F… thick sweaters and stuff. Even if the original poster is from a winter climate, it does not matter. Surely you can recall friends who both always seem to be complaining about the cold or are wearing no jacket in late November when everyone else is? People really are unique when it comes to environmental comfort levels. b) age accounts for a huge amount of all of this. People just can’t take the cold or the heat as well as they get older. The body becomes less efficient. And this ties into ….. ….c) speed. When I go for an 8k tempo in January at say, 20F, it’s going to take me 30 minutes or so and I will be hot and sweating profusely in my lightest tights and thin long-sleeved shirt. I could easily take my shirt off and run without one, once I’m halfway and fully warmed up. Conversely, if I go for a walk in that weather, I am cursing the bitterness and end up hailing a cab. Older people (and less fit people) simply cannot work up the sort of body heat that you may be able to, and I think you need to take that into account when making statements like the one above. cheers, — David (in Hamilton, ON) www.allfalldown.org

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took up runnning last year but quit when it became too cold. Lost about 12-15lbs in 5-6 weeks. I’ve been running 5-8KM (3-5 miles) As soon as the weather warms up to 8-10 degrees C (45-50 deg F), I’d like to get back to running. Why wait? Enjoy the seasons, esp. the beautiful winter wonderland, assuming you’ve got snow and not just frozen ground. What do I wear? Any tips on what clothing is appropriate? (i have checked the FAQ but see next question). Are shorts really okay at that temperature. Many people wear shorts at those temperatures. Some wear tights or pants, esp. if leg muscles feel tight or if they run better with warmer legs. It depends on what works for you. At those temperatures, one synthetic layer is probably all you need while running. If you’re sweating at those temperatures, then you may be able to use both short-sleeve top and bottom. I do find I sweat quite a bit and its my neck that I am worried about. Sweating is the body’s way of not overheating. If you’re sweating, you can probably run in cooler temperatures than you thought. It becomes very wet with perspiration. I’m afraid that my body termperature will go down too much and of catching a cold or something. What’s the best way to combat excess persperation? You probably don’t want to "combat excess persperation" as this is the body’s way of maintaining core temperature and not overheating. You will *need* sweat production when the temperatures get much above 40-50F. These are actually considered close to ideal running temperatures, or a little on the warm side, by many people. You could run outside when it’s cooler with the same layers you’re using and sweating. Wicking materials can help wick the moisture away. I mean, a lot of perspiration is expected, I just don’t want my body temperature to drop too low. As long as you’re moving and in positive energy balance and hydrated, hypothermia (body’s inability to maintain its temperature up to normal) is not too likely at 40-50F. If you’re running long (multiple hours) in cold, driving rain or if you stop and stand around wet – like after a race, then hypothermia could be a real possibility. But with 3-5 mile runs (< 1 hr) at those temperatures, it’s not likely. Dot

Let me say it a different way and I won’t come back to this thread. If a person needs to be told or has to ask others how to dress when they go out to run, the probably should stay inside. Some runners enjoy 30

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