exercise clothes

[LighthouseSouth]

hi all
I've never been one to think much about running gear but tbh I don't usually run outside in winter

however, this winter I will.

so I'm wondering about the tops that say they wick sweat away etc. do they start out feeling warm when you first go out but won't overheat you?

generally any advice about heading out when it's cold but you know you will be warming up a lot?

also what happens about washing them, I think some of them are treated with anti microbial stuff. Will I have to handwash them separately?

thanks!

I do light layers that tie around my waist when I get too hot.

Or when it's really cold I do a mile then head home, dump my hoody then carry on.

I have one 'technical' top which is definitely worth it as it doesn't get sweaty which cools you down too much.

I get very hot when running. In the winter I often go out with a short sleeved running tshirt, leggings and hat and running gloves.
I start off cold, but that encourages me to walk very briskly for my warm up.
The hat/gloves sometimes get shoved in a hedge if I'm running back the same way home, otherwise I just hold them while running.
Really cold? Then I wear a hoodie which usually ends up tied round my waist.
I much prefer running in winter!

Thanks, they seem to be on sale at the mo so I should get one.

Do they need any specific washes etc?

so I'm wondering about the tops that say they wick sweat away etc. do they start out feeling warm when you first go out but won't overheat you?
No, they start out feeling dry but slimey, I really don't like active wear for this. They aren't any warmer when dry but they should insulate a bit when wet (so you don't get as chilled afterwards).

generally any advice about heading out when it's cold but you know you will be warming up a lot?
Thin layers, as many as you need to get out the door. I do really well with neckbuff & head band & sleeves which I can put on my wrists if I do warm up. My knees need to be kept warm too.

I think some of them are treated with anti microbial stuff. Will I have to handwash them separately?
I dunno about antimicrobial; check care instructions. My cheap stuff from SportsDirect probably isn't so fancy. Some have DWR (water repellent) coating, so mustn't wash in bio detergs.

@ragged

ooh dry & slimey sounds horrible

am in two minds now!

No one else says it's slimey, maybe just me has an issue. Go feel up some tops & see if they feel that way to you. Like wearing loose nylon, very synthetic when I prefer cotton, I suppose, I didn't like.

If you’re running in winter try merino wool tops. They are magic! Soft, wick sweat and don’t get smelly (so you can rewear them before washing). Look for sales as the are pricier than synthetic fabrics, but they last forever.

In terms of washing, I read than you shouldn’t use fabric conditioner on technical fabrics, as it destroys the coating that makes them wick away sweat. You can get sports wash (called halo, Sainsbury’s and Asda stock it). I tend to do all my sports gear on one quick 40degree wash.

Thanks Badgerlady

I thought merino wool would be too hot. Re washing, we don't use fabric conditioner and only use a non bio powder.

I'm also going to have to think about running shoes on potentially frosty pavements. My ability to fall over is well established!

My DS who is senstive to lots of clothes is fine with technical t-shirts. Different ones feel different. Cotton will quickly feel heavy and cold in cold wet weather.

I agree with light layers. My baggy race t-shirts are good warm up layers. A long sleeved t-shirt is good to have. A cap to keep rain/ sun out of your eyes. Buffs can be good for many uses. A light shower resistant jacket. No need for full waterproofing as you'd be just as wet from sweat, but enough to keep the wind off and let you warm up before getting cold. My legs appreciate thicker, full length leggings. Bright colours/ reflectors/ LEDs are good for visibility in dull conditions/ long nights.

Aldi/ Lidl often have seasonal running events. Decathlon is great if there's one handy.

In frosty weather I stay off road where mud or grit are better for grip.

I've been known to loop past home after a warm up and chuck layers in the front garden, hide them or often just tie them round my waist.