Runners - A Question
 

Hi all,

I've just started doing my runs outside with my dog instead of on the treadmill at the gym. Alas, I have made this move at the very moment that my regular gym wear (capris, tanks) is insufficient for running outdoors in the mornings. I'm going to need to buy a few bits a pieces if I'm to keep this up through the fall and into the winter. I definitely want to buy one of those Nike dri-fit skull caps (I wore my merino/cashmere beanie this morning and, um, it's all sweaty now), but what do you think about the high tech fabric shirts? Would you advise buying the more expensive running shirts, or will I be fine for a few months layering long sleeve cotton shirts?

Thanks for any and all advice.

I don't know exactly how cold it gets where you live, but I've done just fine with layering regular long sleeve cotton t-shirts, fleece vest, sweatshirts, etc, depending on how cold it is. I've run quite comfortably in temps down to the single digits, just make sure the layer closest to your skin has some moisture-wicking ability. Oh, and I have a really cheap polyester blend hat that I wear when I run in the cold, it absorbs the sweat pretty well and can be washed repeatedly with no problem.

I dont like using cotton because eventually you will sweat and wet cotton can get VERY cold. Plus where I live cold weather and wet weather go hand in hand....nothing worse than running in cold rain with a cotton shirt.

I layer tech fabric shirts ...they do me well for a wider range of temperatures than cotton, but if you HAVE cotton then no need to rush out to buy right away. But as you see them on sale or something it might be worth picking up one or two. Or do what I do and sign up for races that have them!

I won't run in cotton, at all, ever. It's just so much nicer to sweat in something that wicks the sweat off your body.

Cheap wicking tees work about as well as expensive wicking tees. Try campmor.com or sierratradingpost.com or try a froogle search for "coolmax tee" or "wicking tee." Or, if you're shaped in a way that makes it practical to wear boys or mens sizes, Target carries some nice dirst-cheap wicking tees for the guys (but not much lately in misses sizes).

Incidentally, remember that you probably don't need to dress to be comfortable standing around at whatever temperature. The usual guideline is to dress for 20 degrees (F) warmer than actual-- adjust this up or down depending on personal preference.

Thanks for the suggestions. It rarely gets super cold here, but it will hover around freezing and it tends to drizzle constantly throughout the winter. I'd rather not be running while cold AND wet. :)

I'm going to go in search of wicking shirts on ebay. I'll want them for my bike rides too, so it'll be worth it to buy a couple of long and short sleeve ones for layering and flexibility.

Btw, do you guys carry water while you're running? I generally drink the better part of a 12oz water bottle while I'm on the treadmill and I can't actually imagine surviving without it. That said, it's a bit awkward trying to run with the bottle in hand (especially since I have the dog leash in the other. I'm rather like a running pack horse). Have any of you had any success with those cycling shirts that have bottle pockets in the back? Can the pocket withstand the impact? Or with a doggie backpack? (Make the mutt do the work!)

I carry water for distance runs, I have to. I have an old waist pack camelbak (not the over the shoulder kind) but a lot of people prefer the fuel belt style...4 little bottles on a belt.

Hi Baffled, count me in as another gal who will not wear cotton while running. I have purchased a number of cheap technical shirts (i.e., non-cotton, made with cool-max, dri-max, or a number of other similar names, all of which mean no cotton). Some from Target, some from my local Marshalls or TJ Maxx (they tend to have Nike, New Balance, etc. stuff cheaper than Sportmart), some from Campmor or Sierra Trading Post. Compared to a lot of other sports, running is relatively cheap, no gym fees or equipment, except shoes, so I figure the cost of the clothing is not a problem.

(Now running bras - that's a whole separate discussion - as I've lost weight, I've spent a small fortune on running bras this year to make sure the girls stay well supported!)

As to water, I usually run along the Chicago lake front which has fountains, so I admit I'm spoiled rotton - but when I do have to tote my own, I use a waist pack to carry a water bottle. There are a number of different configurations out there, so you may want to go to a running store to get a feel for what is comfortable for you, but Amphipod is a popular option: http://www.amphipod.com/products_a/products.html. Some people prefer to carry a camelback, so that's also another option.

One other thing to be said about the wicking shirts is that there is typically less chafing, which will become a problem sooner or later if you run long enough.

I have a waist-type camelback like ennay. DH runs with a Nathan system with the little bottles.

Anne

For distance runs I'd carry water or know where it would be available. For normal training runs especially when it's not hot and humid, I don't carry water.

On my usual routes, it's the walkers who carry water. Very few runners do.

I have an over the shoulder backpack style "kamelback" (it's a cheaper off-brand, but works just fine). I don't carry it unless it's hot or I'm going to be out on a longer trail run. You do get more back sweat but it’s handy as I like to carry extra things in the backpack, like keys, phone, dog water bowl, etc. My dog also has a backpack but I don't use it for running, unless the weight is very balanced on each side the pack tends to slide off from the impact. Plus I always worry about my dog overheating, so I carry the water for both of us.

I don't wear cotton as my first layer either, I use a moisture wicking tank or T-shirt but for the layers thereafter (when it's really cold I'll wear up to 4) I find that as long as it's not the layer directly in contact with my skin I don't mind the cotton or fleece material.

I think I need to plan a trip to a nearby city and have a look for some of this stuff at TJ Maxx. That's a great suggestion--cheaper, and I can check the sizing.

I must be the thirstiest, most de-hydrated person on the planet. I only do short runs--3.25miles--but I still can't imagine pulling one off without water. But I actually never go anywhere without water; I'm constantly thirsty. Those waist pack things are very cool, but I think they might be, um, overdoing it, for my short morning runs. I'd have to move my exercise emphasis away from weights towards distance running to not feel like a complete tool. :)