The Reasonable Runner

When I began running, I lived in an area that had a widely varying climate, and one question I asked myself was, how should I dress for the weather when I’m running?

Temperature: For an outdoor run, a great baseline standard is, dress for a temperature that is 10 degrees warmer than the actual temperature outside at the time you are running. As you are running, your internal body temperature will increase, and to keep you comfortable, it is important to keep this consideration in mind when dressing for an outdoor run.

Airflow: When dressing for a run, fabrics that are breathable, light, moderately-loose, and moisture-wicking are your ideal options. Breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics help to provide ventilation as you run, and allow for greater airflow between the fabric and your skin. This ultimately helps you to feel cooler and potentially less sweaty as you run, a huge plus! Polyester, mesh materials, fabrics blended with elastane, and 100% cotton are workout gear go-tos for very good reason!

A Skin-sideration: It is worth keeping in mind that any area of your body that is covered by fabric when you exercise may be more prone to a breakout of acne. With this in mind, for females especially, I recommend workout tops with a lower neckline. By creating ventilation for your chest, more heat can be released as you run, helping to keep you cool, and also prevents sweat from being trapped between your chest and the fabric of your clothing; creating less opportunity for chest acne.

Chafing: Clothing made for running is also designed to help prevent another running discomfort: chafing. Running clothing is best purchased slightly loose-fitting. Loose enough to breathe, but not so large that the fabric falls away or rides up from areas that rub together most when running. You will find that the areas of highest friction are between your thighs, and your inner-upper arm/side of your chest directly under your armpit.

For my upcoming posts, I will be focusing specifically on dressing for hot, cold, wet, and dry climates, and some of my favorite running accessories. Stay tuned for more!