What to wear running in 25 degrees (a NYC Run)

Temps: 25 degrees
Wind: 5 mph
Humidity/Precip.: Big, wet snowflakes
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 2 miles

What I Wore: Road Runner Sports t-shirt, Nike zip-up running jacket, heavy Road Runner Sports tights, gloves and hat.

Did It Work: Mostly yes. Except:

• These lined tights are so darn good, my thighs were sweating by the time I got home. A run that included a walk might have led to cooling down too much.
• My hat didn't cover my ears, so they were chilly

Do This Run: Whether you're a distance runner, a walker or just in New York, I strongly recommend this run. It was through Fort Tryon Park in upper Manhattan. Most New Yorkers rarely make it to this part of the island, but it is beautiful, especially early in the morning when it is more quiet than you would think NYC can be.

Order this print at www.brianskinner.net/ManhattanGroupPublishers/prod03b.htm#The%20Fort%20Tryon%20Series

What to wear running in wind

Temp.: 50 degrees (9C)
Wind: 15 mph and cold!
Humidity/Precip.: None
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 4.5 miles

What I wore: Nike full-body sports bra (guys, substitute with a singlet), New Balance wick-away t-shirt, Under Armour shorts.

Did It Work: Yes. I was worried that I might have gone overboard with the under layer, but the strong, cold wind kept me perfectly balanced between cool and warm.

Note to self (and maybe you?): As long as key parts of me are warm enough, I am comfortable. Specifically, I hate having cold ears, hands and torso. When dressing for temps on the edge of cold, I always make sure I protect these parts first.

Happy running!

What to wear running when almost everything is dirty

You know you're a runner when one load of laundry per week is entirely made up of workout gear. Saturday's run hit on laundry day, so the outfit was not my usual for 55 degrees.

Temp: 55 (~12 C), sunny
Humidity/Precip.: High, none
Wind: Mild
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 4 miles

What I Wore: Puma double-layer tank with built-in sports bra; generic-brand capris; running hat.

Did it Work: Yes. My hands were a little cold at first, but then the whole thing was perfect.

Keeping it fresh: Usually at these temps, I go with shorts and a T, but all 8 pairs of running shorts were dirty along with my 6 sports bras and the only tops were what I wore or a heavy pull over. This change of pace was comfortable and, because it felt new, added pep to my step.

What to wear running in 50 degrees Part 2

Temp: 52 degrees (15 C)
Humidity/Precip.: high/none
Wind: 8 mph (light breeze)
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about running in 50 degrees. I wore tights, a t and light jacket and said I would have been too hot if I'd gone much further. Taking that advice, today...

What I Wore: Puma shorts, Road Runner Sports very light-weight, long-sleeve shirt, the usual brimmed hat.

Did It Work: Yes, with my sleeves pushed up for the last half. Except for one woman in sweats and capris, other runners were dressed similarly or wearing t-shirts (men). My core warms up pretty quickly, but my arms and hands can stay cold far into a run at these temps, so I like a sleeve.

What I Mean by "Light Weight": When shopping for tights and tops, test the fabric "weight" (aka warmth due to thickness) by:
1) reading the label
2) rubbing the fabric between your fingers
3) feeling the lining (a soft, brushed lining is warmer)
4) comparing the actual weight of similar items by hanging them off of a finger and doing mini lifts and
5) checking for vented panels.
Today's shirt is "very light" because it:
a) has thin fabric that is not brushed  on the inside
b) weighs less than my other long-sleeve tops and
c) has the nice, wide vented panel in the back displayed in the photo. This vent makes it better at these temps, when a heavier shirt would be too much.

Happy running!

Too cold to run in shorts?

When is it too cold to run in shorts? For every person it's different, but here's my rough guide...

It's too cold if everyone else is wearing ski gear. Even if you run warm, protect your skin on cold, snowy days with tights.

It's ok to have goose bumps at first. Being cool when you start will help keep you from sweating too much, which can lead to abruptly cooling down. It also will prevent your heart rate from jumping too quickly. Even though it means a cold start, I wear shorts down to about 44 degrees (~4 C).

It's not ok to have goose bumps at the end. If you don't know if you run hot or cold, do a short (1-2 miles) test run on a 45-50 degree day. Try wearing shorts and a long-sleeve top. At the beginning, middle and end of the run (not the "stopped running" end, but the "homestretch, last push!" end), think about how comfortable you are.

• A little chilly throughout the run? Try adding gloves and/or a warmer hat. 
• Cold with goose bumps, even at the end? Move up to tights. 
• Totally Goldilocks (aka Just right!)? You've found a sweet spot and can adjust accordingly as temps rise and fall.

Hope this helps and remember: none of us gets it right every time. I might make fun of you in my head if I see you out there, in sleet or snow, in shorts, but I'll still be glad to see you. Happy running!

What to wear running in 45 degrees

Temp: 44-48 degrees (7-9 C)
Wind: Calm
Humidity/Precip.: Moderate/None
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 4 miles

What I Wore: Dri-fit capris; Road Runner Sports light-weight, long-sleeve shirt; Asics mid-weight, long-sleeve outer layer and a fleece-lined running cap.

Did it Work: Yes, with a twist: I was running in the hills of Boise, which means 1) the altitude was kicking my behind! 2) the temperature at the foot of the hills was about 4 degrees cooler than up higher, so...
I warmed up easily but was glad to have the layers at the end of the run when the air cooled down.

Travel Tip: I visit my mom in Boise three or four times a year. It's a short flight from San Francisco and very easy, as long as I don't check luggage. A simple way to pack light is to leave a pair of running shoes at her house.
If you have a parental home or timeshare that you visit often, find an out-of-the-way place to stash a pair of running shoes. That way, you don't have to make room in your luggage for another pair of shoes and can't make excuses to not run!

Happy trails (and travels)!

Running in 42 degrees (aka Hiding My Behind in Running Tights)

Temp: 42 degrees (6 C) and sunny
Wind: Calm
Humidity/Precip.: Moderate/None
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

What I Wore: Nike light-weight running tights; Asics light-weight, long-sleeve, wicking T-shirt; Nike heavy-weight running jacket; Asics gloves; and Nike running hat.

Did It Work: Yes. In the sun, I was comfortably warm and in the shade, which there's a lot of during this time of year, I was perfectly neutral. Plus, I've been sick, so I wanted something that would cover my neck without the weight of a balaclava.

A rare shot from the rear

Most importantly, I haven't run in three weeks, which means that, in my opinion, my bum does not need to be seen in running tights. Because running and cotton go together like pickles and ice cream, I don't train in baggy sweats, so I pulled on wicking running tights and then subtly covered up with the running jacket. It has a long tail, to cover my rear, and zip pockets in the front to hold my Kleenex.

Happy trails!

What to wear running in 55 & rainy

Temp: 55 degrees (12ish C)
Wind: 10 mph
Humidity/Precip.: 85%/passing showers
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

What I Wore: Shorts, tank and mid-weight jacket.

Yes, my torso really is this short.

Did It Work: Sort of. I dislike cold rain on my arms before I warm up, so long sleeves were good. And, the jacket was the right weight. BUT I forgot that this particular jacket is the opposite of breathable. In fact, I think it might create a vacuum when zipped. It's like running in a cute garbage bag. As I warmed up, my perspiration collected inside. Disgusting.

But, I was comfortable in every other way - the layer of a tank with jacket was right. I tend to be chilly and still thought it was warm enough for shorts.

Solution for future: only wear a jacket like this one when it is cool enough for long sleeves and you aren't likely to be too hot. Otherwise, ask before buying if your gear breaths and wicks.

Happy holidays and good running to all!

Gifts for Runners

Ok, I missed Hanukkah, but if you're still shopping for Christmas/Kwanza/the Solstice, here are some gift ideas for your favorite runner:

Socks: I've said it before, but it's still true: runners actually like socks as a gift. Smartwool, Nike and Icebreaker are my favorites. Just make sure you're buying the right size and a style meant for running. The best ones have little Ls and Rs on them, indicating which foot they belong on.
Gift certificates: I recommend a gift certificate to Road Runner Sports - big selection and great customer service or your runner's local running shop (e.g. A Runner's Mind on Howard in Burlingame). Smaller, local shops tend to have a nice, hands on approach and really know the gear in their store.
Compression anything: We're not getting any younger. Compression socks, tights and even arm bands help us keep it together, especially during and after long runs.
Accessories (clothing): Running hat (Nike, Brooks, Asics), wrist sweat bands and thin knit gloves all make great stocking stuffers.

Accessories (gear): Some of us are pretty particular, but if you know what you're doing, gear is great. Clip on water bottles and headlamps (for night runs) are affordable options, while watches, sunglasses and iPod shuffles are great for the generous giver.
Slightly risky, but novel: Race registration. Races can be expensive. If you know someone plans to run a race (and I mean you really know it, not just they've said they might), gifting them their race registration is very thoughtful and shows your support.
More risky:
Clothing of any sort. Runners can be picky. We don't want to seem ungrateful but we would be so much happier getting to pick out our own toys (yes, running clothes count as toys). Hence, the suggestion of a gift cert.
Shoes. An expensive gift that can be wrong in every way. Thoughtful, but don't do it unless the runner is with you, picking out their size, style, color and brand.
Scale. Unless you're trying to give your running pal a complex, avoid gifts that imply they should be running more and eating less.

Happy holidays and may all your gifts be good ones!

What to wear running in 55 degrees

Temp: 55 degrees
Humidity/Precip.: 95%/none
Wind: Calm
Terrain: Rolling hills
Distance: 3 miles

Before

What I Wore: Well, I started out wearing Brooks running shorts, Under Armour wicking T and Pearl Izumi running jacket. BUT, when I stepped outside, I was comfortable. Learning from past mistakes I went back in, took off the two top layers and replaced them with one - the Asics long-sleeve, wicking T from the 2007 ING NYC marathon.

After

Did It Work: Yes! It was just a little cool when I started but I was ready to push up my sleeves around mile 2. Thanks to the cool, damp air, the outfit was never too hot. Plus, on a foggy day in the Bay Area, the bright orange was just what the folks in the 'hood needed!

Race Gear: Not all race swag is good. Please don't feel like you HAVE  to wear whatever someone gives you. I didn't wear the NYC shirt for the '07 race because even the small is too big (see pic) and because it was untested - 26.2 miles is a long way to run in something you've never worn before.
For a long race, don't wear something new. And for any race, skip the cotton. As Shu's Running Store in Boise, ID, likes to say: Cotton is a tool of the devil (when it comes to running).

Happy running. Hope to see you on the trail.