Compression top? Ideas needed

[Catrin]

I've a mud run/obstacle event this Saturday, and it looks like it is going to probably be close to 40 degrees :( That isn't going to stop me however, and am rethinking what I am going to wear. For bottoms I will just stick with my dri-fit running/exercise capris that I was going to wear. I figure once I get into the mud and water it won't much matter what is on my lower half and I don't want to wear something that will be dragged down by water and mud. I will wear wool socks.

I've never purchased a compression fitness top - and I don't have much of a budget nor much time in which to find one. What is the best kind of store to find this sort of thing without paying a fortune? I am sure my LRS would have something, but at a higher cost than I can swing. Unsure what a compression top even looks like in person :o so I wouldn't know it if it bit me at a second hand store.

Any thoughts? Would it make more sense to wear a LS wool base layer beneath a t-shirt?

[OakLeaf]

My suggestion would be a tight long sleeve workout top like the Champion C9 line from Target. I definitely would not wear any cotton or long sleeve wool. If you have a black sleeveless wool base layer or feel like investing in one, that could go underneath. Bring cheap gloves and hat that you don't mind throwing away once you warm up. As much rain as we've had, I'd plan on getting and staying pretty wet.

[thekarens]

I got a long sleeve compression shirt from academy pretty cheap. I use it as a base layer in the winter.

PS mine looks like any other running shirt, but the liner is slightly fuzzy (very soft) and the material is stretchy.

[Catrin]

I don't have time to order anything, so I will be visiting some stores. My LRS has two Mizuno compression tops on the clearance rack, small and medium. They think it will likely be too warm for my purposes, but will swing by and try them on for size. As it is May, I suspect that I won't have much luck finding a LS compressive top at Target/etc, but I will check them out. I should have expected the temps to turn, but we've been in the mid-80's! I've sent a heads-up to my event partner, she's never done this before either so we are both babes in the woods :D If I have to I will risk going to Athleta and see what they might have on their clearance rack, but that is a DANGEROUS store for me to enter!

[Catrin]

I stopped by my LRS last night and tried on a black LS Mizuno "thermo breath" compression top that was on the clearance rack. It is tight, of course it has to be :rolleyes: On sale for $39, which appears to be a really good price for that sort of thing. It is a blend of wool and different technical fibers that is said to be literally "heat-generating" and warms you when you get wet. They are holding it for me while I make up my mind. I hate to spend that much for a 1-time use before setting it aside for next winter. I also wonder if it might be TOO warm, but is that even possible in low 40's with water and mud involved? Before I decide will hit Target tonight and see if they've something appropriate on the winter clearance rack from Champion. This top is so compressive that I suspect I would still wear something over it.

[Crankin]

For me, at that temp. with water and mud, it would be perfect.

[Catrin]

Agreed, and I do get cold! I will visit Target today to see if there is a Champion top that will work but I don't expect to find anything.

[Catrin]

Well, I've pulled the trigger and made up my mind what I will wear. I DID get the Mizuno LS Breath Thermal compression top - at 40% off. I did try it on again and asked a woman who works at the LRS if it was fitting properly for a compression top as I've never had one. All was good. I've an old light pink sleeveless Terry jersey that I will wear over it as the top is compressive enough to make me self conscious. Sure it will get ruined, but it is too large for me these days and it would be good to have pockets. My Sugoui Mid-Zero tights are also larger than they used to be, and I am wearing them as well. They aren't thick, my regular fitness capris are just too thin for the conditions I think. Hopefully I won't regret this decision. Since I will have pockets, I will also take my ear warmers and wear them as well. I DO have a cheap pair of gloves that I will also use. The ear warmers aren't cheap, but I think I will be thankful for them!

I will be able to check in a backpack with things to change into - and while there will be a rinsing station after the finish line I don't think that I will trust that it will be WARM water. I will take baby wipes, just to be safe.

So I've passed the "backing out" point of no return. This is happening if my event partner bails or not ;-)