Arm Warmers & Knee Wamers for Running?

[surgtech1956]

Wondering if any of you 'runner gals' use your cycling arm warmers and knee warmers to run? I'm running my first 5K race next Saturday and it looks like its going to be cold - high of 46(low of 38). Thanks for any advice.

[Tri Girl]

I wear arm warmers when the temps will start out cold and warm up. I never wear leg warmers, but when temps are that cold I'll just wear tights or capris or something to keep my legs warm.
Arm warmers are great because you can pull them up or down or halfway down as the temps change.

So it's your first, eh? SUPER exciting!!! Just remember to have fun and don't worry about your pace. Enjoy the experience!

[ny biker]

FWIW, I've worn knee warmers under my fleece sweatpants while walking around my neighborhood. They tend to slide down while I walk. These are wool Kneekers by DeFeet, which stay in place fine when I'm riding my bike.

[OakLeaf]

I don't think I'd wear knee warmers running, either. Too much chance for either chafing or sliding down, and if they don't do either of those, they'll be constricting your thigh muscles. Arm warmers would be fine - even the pros wear them.

If it's a morning race, so you'll be expecting temperatures in the 30s, I don't think lightweight tights would be too warm. They certainly wouldn't be for me, anyway. Over a distance of 5K, the amount of time you'd lose because overheating slowed you down, wouldn't compare to the amount of time you'd spend taking knee warmers off, anyway.

If it's an afternoon/evening race and temps will be in the mid-40s, then shorts are probably okay. You'll be surprised how hot you can get in three miles! Wear some baggy sweatpants or zippered tights - something you can take off without taking your shoes off - and leave them on until just before the start.

Good luck and have fun!

[surgtech1956]

Thanks. I agree with not wearing knee warmers. I'm going to run Wednesday morning and its suppose to be cold, so I'll probably wear my lightweight tights with shorts over, a long sleeve compression shirt with a short sleeve tech shirt over, gloves and hat. The only thing I'm nervous about is being slow. Thanks for the feedback.