<p>My H and I are not into competitive running, but last summer we started running mostly for fun, just 2-3 miles a day. It was great while the weather was nice, but winter is approaching fast, and running under pouring rain becomes less fun. H is not a fan of gyms and will never run on a treadmill, so we are stuck with running outdoors. Maybe I’m just being a big whiny baby, because being cold and wet for just 20-30 minutes every day should not be that big of a deal 
but I prefer to be dry and comfy. What do you, CC runners, wear to protect yourself from the elements? Or do you just tough it out?</p>
<p>BB - I will give you a more thorough answer later and I am sure MofWC will have a more complete list than I, but a baseball cap (for rain, knit hat otherwise) and cotton gloves are essential. I think we have a tendency to overdress when it rains and then feel uncomfortable a few minutes into our workout. When I got serious about racewalking, I found that by having the right clothing I was able to get out and walk just about everyday, except when there was ice on the road and then I used the indoor track at the college where H works. </p>
<p>I use layers when it rains or when it is cold so I am comfy in the beginning, but I can shed stuff as I go along. As I said, cotton gloves make a huge difference. If your head and your hands are covered, you will feel so much better. Also high quality socks. I spend what I consider an outrageous amount for a pair of socks - I like moving comfort. </p>
<p>Anyway, those are my two most important tips. I am off for a workout right now!</p>
<p>Agree with layering and a baseball cap.</p>
<p>When it’s cold and rainy, I wear my North Face hooded rain jacket over an additional layer or two. I also wear a baseball cap under my hood to keep rain off my face.</p>
<p>What’s comfortable for me may not be comfortable for you, however. Here’s a link from Runner’s World that allows you to plug in your preferences for temperature, wind, conditions, and desired body temperature for advice on appropriate gear:</p>
<p>[What</a> to Wear for Runners: Runner’s World](<a href=“http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0,00.html]What”>http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0,00.html)</p>
<p>You might have an indoor track available. The two that I’ve used are about 1/7th of a mile, both around tennis courts.</p>
<p>it’s expensive, but gortex is the only stuff I know that will keep you dry from the rain without soaking you with sweat on the inside (by keeping moisture in). In other words, it is waterproof and breathes. Maybe today there are other hightech fabrics that do both. I have only one jacket like that, and used it a couple of days ago to run in the rain. Typically I don’t run in the rain.</p>
<p>mapesy, thanks for the link! I plugged in 45 degrees, rain, and it gave me… shorts!!! Yikes, my rear end freezes even in my running tights. Maybe I like to be extra warm when I run? I have not seen anyone running in shorts in my neck of the woods lately…
An indoor track would be fine by me, but H can’t stand gyms - sigh.</p>
<p>Shorts?? Yikes!</p>
<p>Do you have heavyweight running tights, thinner ones, or both? I have both, but I prefer to wear the thinner tights with another layer underneath (I like a specific type of Cuddl Duds long underwear that’s a stretchy cotton/nylon/spandex blend) when it’s really cold and damp outside. That combo keeps me warmer than just tights without being too much.</p>
<p>I hate running in the rain- especially cold rain- and I try not to do it. That said, sometimes I have to. It really depends on the temperature. I like something on my legs- I have some fleecy tights that seem to repel water, so they are good if it is cool enough. Otherwise, just lycra capris or tights. Legs don’t seem to get as cold as upper body. A tech fabric shirt is a must, and a cap is a must. As for jackets, the old Tyvek jackets that you used to be able to buy at marathons are pretty good, but don’t breathe. I have an expensive Asics waterproof jacket with vents that is supposed to breathe, but it can get pretty warm. Look at roadrunnersports.com for some ideas. Did I mention that I hate running in the rain? I am afraid it is going to rain for my 5 mile race this Saturday. I was planning on wearing my CAt in the Hat costume, but the thought of a large, wet felt hat on my head does not appeal…</p>
<p>Shorts and a long-sleeved shirt are enough for me at 45 but everyone is diferent. You might try keeping a running log in which you track running conditions and what you’re wearing; it’s easy to forget what works for you from one season to the next. I have a pair of gore-tex running shoes made by New Balance; when my feet are dry everything else is more tolerable. (They are not the best shoes for me, but worth it in the rain and slush.) Also, when it’s really cold out I have a cup of tea before I head out; this warms me up enough that I’m fairly comfortable until my muscles warm up. I run indoors sometimes when it’s icy; now that I’m older my greatest fear is falling. One problem I have with indoor tracks is the dry air (and getting to feel like a lab rat after a couple miles).</p>
<p>I hate indoor tracks (small ones) more than I hate treadmills. I resort to a treadmill if it is a 40 degree rain or if there is ANY ice. I am afraid of falling. I think treadmills are hard.</p>
<p>Another thing to look for in a winter running jacket and pants is reflective tape or fabric if you’ll be running in the early morning or after work.</p>
<p>You gotta run faster to makeup the heat loss and compensate for the cooler weather :)</p>
<p>Makes for a firmer butt. Everyone enjoys. :blush;</p>
<p>I ride a bike, I don’t get to show off as much and nothing bounces as much :)</p>
<p>I can also take more off and store clothes on the bike. After 7 miles, I am wearing very little :)</p>
<p>Thank goodness, only those who get to see me, are the people driving 55mph. ;p</p>
<p>I’m using case off woman’s shorts and tops. High visibility colors necessary for early mornings, foggy days, and rain. Basic black doesnt do me. :)</p>
<p>I also hate running in the rain. Run in cotton clothing and the rain soaks the fabrics, which then chafe the skin. Run in weatherproof covers and I get over-heated. Rain on my face drips down my neck. Water soaks my socks, which slows my pace and gives me blisters.</p>
<p>Did I mention I hate running in the rain?</p>
<p>It is funny how my organism works - when I run, my legs do most of the work, but it is the upper part of my body that gets hot. My legs always feel cool. Fleece-lined tights are a good idea. Do you know of any good brands, or is it just the same Nike, Adidas, etc. who make them? </p>
<p>A friend says there are some tights that are supposed to keep your knees “aligned” so running in them is much easier on the joints. Do they exist or is it purely a load of baloney?</p>
<p>Bunsen - some of D’s running friends swear by these, I am not sold but they might be OK for you…</p>
<p>[CW-X</a> Conditioning Wear](<a href=“http://www.cw-x.com/]CW-X”>http://www.cw-x.com/)</p>
<p>I use running pants from New Balance for cooler weather. I would think that they have good running products.</p>
<p>You might try CWX products for tights with support for the knees. You could also just use a traditional knee sleeve (sports authority, wal-mart, cvs, etc.) with running pants.</p>
<p>I hate running in the rain too. Fortunately, it seldom rains here in San Diego. I don’t mind getting wet. In the summer I get nearly as wet from sweating. But I hate the rain beating on my face as I run. Thus a baseball cap with visor helps somewhat. Usually I just keep peeking out the window to see if the rain has stopped yet. When it stops I head out for the run - hoping to get the run in before it starts again. Sometimes I make it and sometimes I don’t. </p>
<p>In winter I wear my same shorts and a long sleve T-shirt in the daytime. At night I pull a day-glow white shirt over the t-shirt for visibility to cars. if it is particularly cold I sometimes wear long warm-up pants.</p>
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<p>Not a surprise, since the suface area/mass ratio is much greater for your legs than it is for your torso, and thus the leg tissue can dissipate the heat much more efficiently. It’s the same reason why your ears get so cold so easily. The ratio is highest for the ears.</p>
<p>The bay state marathon was held two weeks ago. It was mixed rain and snow that turned to heavy, wet flakes. Must have been pretty uncomfortable.</p>
<p>Bay State Marathon was miserable. Some of my online running friends ran it and it took hours for them to warm up afterwards. I wouldn’t have made it.</p>
<p>I got great fleece tights (not too heavy, but very warm and wind-resistant) at REI.
I swear by Zensah calf sleeves, too. They are better than the expensive compression tights, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Okay, I am in the minority. I don’t mind the rain. Ice scares me to death or wet leaves on the road, but I like rain. I racewalk with another woman in the morning and we are always 1 level apart in dressing. In the dead of winter, if I have a fleece vest, she has a jacket. If I am wearing short sleeves in the fall, she has long sleeves. We know we are not dressed properly if we have on the same thing. </p>
<p>I think if you are going to commit yourself to running every day, you need to buy an assortment of things so you can experiment this year to see what works for you. We are coming to a critical time when the weather gets nasty and it is easy not to go out the door. If you force yourself out now, winter will come gradually and you will be in the habit.</p>
<p>Last year it was 7degrees, snowing, and windy and my RW buddy and I were out. A young guy drove by, rolled down his window and said, “You two are rock stars.” And we of course agreed.</p>