The recent cold weather is usually a welcome change for running. Cooler weather means runs can be longer and in some cases faster. It is easier to do the marathon training runs without the danger of heat problems. For experienced runners, the outfit is still a pair of shorts, a long sleeved shirt, and maybe a wool beanie cap. I have seen several runners that thought that colder weather meant a runner needs a jacket, gloves, and long pants for a run. This temperature was a “cold front” but not a freezing cold front. It was the sudden change from a warm temperature to a cooler one that when you step out the door the cold feels like winter coat weather.
I have seen runners a few miles into their run with jacket tied around their waist because they were getting too warm. It may take a mile into the run to warm up but the body is an amazing thermostat when exercising or running. It does not take long to heat up the core temperature and feel very comfortable in a cool temperature. When the temperature is in the 40’s, a long sleeved shirt might feel good on the arms. The legs will not notice the cool temperature as much. The fingers might get a little cold but that is about the limit for adding a layer of clothing.
When the temperature drops down to the low 30’s and mid 20’s, a few layers of warmth are welcome. A light nylon wind breaker will keep the wind off the body and allow the body heat inside to warm the body. The jacket should have a vent to allow the heat of the body to escape. Without the vent in the jacket the body heat will cause the runner to start to sweat. The sweat will actually feel cold when there is any wind during the run. Most running outfits are designed for cooler running weather. The older cotton sweatpants and hooded sweatshirt are not the best. The heavy cotton tends to absorb the moisture and becomes damp. It does not feel so bad during the run but after the run when the runner is standing around the damp clothes can cool a runner down fast.
