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check out all the running clothes for winter... what you really need-

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In Texas, the definition of cold is so different to so many people. Some, its 50 degress, others its 30. Well, whatever the case remember these key components to your running apparel:

 

1. HAT- heat escapes through your head. For those super cold days- wear ear muffs instead of a hat when you run. Like the really warm head band, would be fine and have the hat handy when you finish because, you'll be smokn' (out of the top of your head)

 

2. GLOVES- they can be fingerless just make sure they cover your knuckles, even the shirts that have a thumb hole and cover your knuckles are good. But the last thing you want is cracked hands to ruin your concentration on a race

 

3. JACKET- light-weight running jacket- my favorite is of course Brooks running apparel but you know- make sure it keeps you warm but yet light weight enough that you can keep your pace.

 

4. SOCKS- non-cotton running socks. If you go to Run On! or Luke's Locker they the socks you are looking for. Don't purchase "socks" they state they are "wicking material" at the department store. Think of it this way, if it is cheaper than you thought more than likely like food it has an additive to make it cheap; therefore, you have a higher chance of blisters like the non-cotton socks.

 

 5. SHORTS- light weight, easy to run in. What you wear is preference. I prefer for my quads to have room to kick it up at the end. If your quads are restricted then you won't have room for those power legs to kick in. If your shorts rub you the wrong way, chaffing can occur. That's why going to places where you can wear the product at home and return if needed is great- again paying a little extra for stuff like this is beneficial in the long run.

 

 6. SUNSCREEN- yes, you can get sunburn in the winter. Its called windburn and some really sunny days-sunburn. I got great runner tan lines last year in the winter of all seasons! Wear lip balm on your face and 15 SPF on your face.

 

7. Breathe-Right Strip- Yes, folks the Breathe-Right Strip. It is great tool for runners. It keeps your air passage from conducting the phlegm that you sometimes get from that nasty runner who spits it all over you- hock-yucky.

 

8. Sports Bras- ladies, this is essential to running. Your breasts move literally in a circle when moving- I'm talking equivalent to earthquake status. Just FYI, check out Runner's World Sept 2008 magazine- tells you stuff like: small breast to large breast and what you need.

 

 http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-369-371--12029-0,00.html 

 

9. SHIRTS- do not wear the shirt the Race folks gave you. Its like wearing the rock shirt to the concert of the band you are going to go see. But in this sense, most race shirts are made of 100% cotton. The cotton that will weigh you down when it absorbs all your sweat from the run! Wicking shirts, very light weight materials are great. Afterwards, make sure you have the long sleeve handy to cover your chest to prevent colds, and such. The first line of weakness is uncovered chest/arms after a run. Lungs are going crazy for air- its getting cold air so cover up!!!

 

10. SMILE- always smile during the race, no matter how bad you hurt. The photo guys are everywhere. They will be sending this to you via email- Smile, your on camera! Just a tip: when you look at your race pics look at your form- were your hands in the right place? did you carry your shoulders high? Were you slumped over? I look at myself- cool, send it too family members and then critic myself.

 

In my opinion, only if it’s super cold that I will wear running pants and definitely for a 5k yes. Your body will warm up but only for 20 minutes then will cool off quickly. For my longer runs, I just wear shorts and a warm top. I have been in races where the temperatures were freezing all the way up to the day of the race then it was like 60- not fun and it’s really hard to take off pants when you’re running in the zone. Therefore, it is easier to take off a top you don't mind "throwing away". Now, I just wear shorts for a marathon or a half marathon and keep my upper body covered. However, keep the pants handy for the warm up and cool down periods. Look at it this way, the elite runners barely have clothes on but they do have gloves on and they are running 4:30mm-5mm pace; however, if you are running 8mm pace… well, cover up, not like a snow bunny but cover up according to the weather.

 

 Of course: great clothing reviews are in your Runner’s World magazine: www.runnersworld.com

 

If someone gives you apparel for Christmas and you have doubt, just simply don't wear it to race in but wear it to the store and home. Then educate them on racing apparel- its very different than "just running-around-in" apparel.

 

Remember: your local running stores are the best place to go to get more info on clothes. I always love going to RunON! for my apparel.

 

See you at the race!  

 

 

 

Posted by Core Runner on Nov 14, 2008 6:24 AM

What you really need to do for clothing, don't try to spend a lot on running gear just yet.

The essentials are:

gloves to cover you knuckles, especially

hat: the dollar store is great

fleece sweat shirt: old navy is cool

good pair of socks: REI has a ridiculous amount for ever need

and your running shorts that you picked up at your favorite Luke's Locker or Run On! Store.

Remember to keep your ears covered and your chest covered. Just like crazy fire it will rise out through your head so keep the heat in by just wearing a hat. Don't over-dress with sweat pants, you will become overheated and that will mess with the leg muscles and your internal heating mechanisms. So, by keeping it simple, you will stay warm. Not to mention, runners have to keep it light because time is of essence.   If you are training to run in a very humid environment like Jamaica then a good thing to do is wear the plastic outfit. But, remember a 5k is only 3.2 miles- so keep it light and get to the finish fast!

Race and training are similar because you want to train some days just like your race day so dressing the same for training a few days a week will eliminate guessing on race day.

Posted by Core Runner on Sep 24, 2008 2:57 PM

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