Baselayers(Running)

[zoom-zoom]

The best rule of thumb for running attire is to dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer out than it is.

Yep, someone told me that the first Winter I was running and it's really true. I'm still trying to get a handle on how to dress for different biking conditions, though. It seems a lot harder to get it right. I so often feel too warm or too cold, lately.

[limewave]

I'm in MI too and I agree with Zoom-Zoom. Two layers is usually good. I usually only wear one layer on the bottom unless it's really bitter cold (teens with a 0 degree wind-chill).

I think the important thing is a good pair of running gloves and a good hat.

I also have issues with my chest being really sensitive to the cold. So I stock up on toe-warmers. They fit nicely into a sports bra and keep me very comfortable during the bitter cold runs.

[OakLeaf]

Here's a place to start: http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/what...-0-0-0,00.html

One thing to keep in mind is that your level of exertion has a lot to do with how warm you are. So you'll want to dress warmer for a long run than you will for a race or a tempo run. For interval days, you'll want something with a zipper that you can open before your repeats and close so that you don't get chilled during the intervals. And so on.

[Becky]

Yep, someone told me that the first Winter I was running and it's really true. I'm still trying to get a handle on how to dress for different biking conditions, though. It seems a lot harder to get it right. I so often feel too warm or too cold, lately.

IME, the 20 degree rule becomes more like 10 degrees on the road bike. On the mountain bike, 20 degrees warmer is about right.

This time of year is the hardest to dress for.....it's not cold enough to need the really heavy stuff, but it's windy and chilly enough that arm and knee warmers don't quite cut it.

[OakLeaf]

IMO, the most important thing on the bike is wind protection for my hands, feet and neck. Plus, on the bike, there's a lot more variability - I'll get really warm climbing the hills and really cold descending, so I need wind protection that's both stout and zippered.

The most important thing running is fabric that wicks and breathes so that I don't get waterlogged.

The difference is less about temperature, for me, than it is about protection strategy.


Also, keep notes in your training log of temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and humidity; what you wore; and how your clothing choices worked. Then you can go back to those notes when deciding what to wear in the future.

[zoom-zoom]

Also, keep notes in your training log of temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and humidity; what you wore; and how your clothing choices worked. Then you can go back to those notes when deciding what to wear in the future.

That's really a good piece of advice--for running or biking (or any other outdoor sport).

[surgtech1956]

Thanks everyone. I like that 'dress as if its 20 degrees warmer out'. Is polyprolyene still a good layer to start with?

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks everyone. I like that 'dress as if its 20 degrees warmer out'. Is polyprolyene still a good layer to start with?

Yep! I have a variety of baselayer tops...polypro, polyester, blends, wool...all are good. Just no cotton.

[SadieKate]

Thanks everyone. I like that 'dress as if its 20 degrees warmer out'. Is polyprolyene still a good layer to start with?

Well, IMHO, if you own polypropylene, it's fine. If you don't, YUCK! It's smelly.

I know it wicks well, but if you have to buy anything pick other microfibers or wool - or run by yourself.

[surgtech1956]

I always thought that I just bought 'cheap' polypropylene. That explains the stinkiness. LOL