Cooler Mornings and Warmer Days
This is that time of year where the weather can be a bit tricky. Mornings start out cold and crisp while the afternoons can get pretty hot.
Trying to figure out what to wear and when to run becomes quite important. Here are a few things to consider before you head out.
Remember when you start out running that you want to be a little chilled for the first five to 10 minutes
as you will warm up fast. If you start out warm you will be sweating a lot by the first 10 minutes
of your run. In the cold your muscles warm up much slower, so always start your run
at a much slower pace.
Wind-chill can be big factor during in the morning cold so try to run into the wind on the way out so you can
have it behind you on the way back! Look for wind protection in all three layers of clothing, not
just your jacket. Windproof baselayers are especially effective. If you find the cold air very uncomfortable cover your
mouth with a balaclava or a facemask.
If you are running later in the morning be aware that the temperature will likely rise during your run so wear clothing with vents
that you can open or layers that you can open or remove easily. Vests are great for this time of year as they keep your core warm and allow
your body to breath.
As Summer Comes and the Temperature Rises...
Cotton may look good, but it's not a good fabric to run in. When you run, you sweat, and cotton
absorbs the moisture when you sweat and stays wet, then gets very heavy, and very
uncomfortable. The fabrics that are most comfortable to run in are generally synthetic, such as
Coolmax, Drylete, Climalite, Dryfit. These fabrics are all moisture wicking and will help keep you
cool and dry during summer runs. Wear clothing that is lighter in colour as this will also help
keep you cool in the summer. Wear a hat made from a Coolmax material, as this will protect
you from the sun. Wearing the correct type of socks is also very important, again no cotton. The
best is a synthetic sock that wicks the moisture away from your skin.
During the summer try to avoid running during mid-day, do your runs either early in the morning
or late at night. On really hot days, slow down your pace as you are putting in a much greater
effort due to the heat. Wear sunscreen to avoid getting burned. Hydration is also very important
during the summer, be sure to run with
water or know where you can get water on your route.
5 Tips to Remember
- Be sure to replace your winter running shoes: cold, snow,salt, sand etc. put extra wear and tear on running shoes through the winter so be
sure to have a good set of running shoes to start the new season.
- Cool running clothes: be sure to get a pair of shorts and t-shirt made from synthetic material. Cotton is very hot and not performance
friendly material. Polyester wick's moisture away from the body, and keeps you cool and comfortable during the hot sunny runs.
- Socks: wear socks made of synthetic fibers that wick moisture away from your skin to help prevent blisters and athlete's foot.
- Hydration: with warmer weather it is important to make sure you stay well hydrated. Carrying water is always a good idea to prevent
dehydration. A Fuel Belt or a water bottle holder is a great idea to carry your water because then you will always have water when you
need/want it.
- Use sunscreen to prevent solar injury to your skin.