Clothes for (slow) jogging in the witner

[Gwenhwyfar]

Hi everyone

Just been looking at the thread from 7 November about winter running jackets. Most of you said in that thread that you don't wear a jacket, only hat and gloves. However, I'm really slow and out of shape and am a person who feels the cold a lot anyway - I definitely don't feel the temperature as 10 degrees higher when I job, maybe 5. I also like to combine jogging and walking so would need to be able to warm up for the walk back if I've reached my limit.

At the moment I wear the very thin short-sleeved top I used to wear for the gym, followed by a thicker top that's not really a sports top at all and a warm waterproof jacket. The two outer layers are obviously not meant for exercise and I suppose could be making things worse as I would be jogging in my own cold sweat after 10 minutes.

So, what would you suggest, at a reasonable price? I reckon I would carry on with the thin top first, then a thicker top, then a jacket (hi-vis?) over the top.

Do I need 'sports' hat and gloves, or are normal ones OK. I haven't needed these yet this year for the cold, but I do wear a hat when it's drizzling and of course my head overheats.

Also shoes, I've had to stop wearing my trainers as they have holes in the top and make my feet cold. For the last few days, I've been jogging in my walking shoes. Is this OK for my feet or do I need to buy special winter jogging shoes?

I'm also planning to buy a cheap light for my arm as I have to jog in the dark now.

It's 10 degrees here today, but it can get down to minus temperatures in Jan-Feb. I presume I'll just be doing Youtube videos by then, but if not, it would be good to have winter gear that can go from this temperature down to those ones.

www.sportsshoes.com/product/asi11984/asics-icon-women%27s-running-jacket/?utm_campaign=uk-unpaid-shopping&utm_content=Icon+Women%27s+Running+Jacket&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&kw=&cpn=6513413666&gclid=Cj0KCQiAk53-BRD0ARIsAJuNhpsLMy43hNQ6WkDguiUCe8L7nRmJKBDKNNh9N31biEcCiYGcNdcmTN4aAmyUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#sku-asi11984

I hVed this one it is warm has thermal panels on front
www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/AS1894/Asics-Womens-System-Thermal-Running-Jacket-Ironclad

What about just a normal zip up fleece jacket (over a wicking t shirt) and a waterproof hi vis/relective running or cycling jacket on top? Plus gloves/buff/beanie.

I often wear a normal fleece over a long sleeved top.

This is warm and such a bargain www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-run-warm-long-sleeved-jogging-jersey/_/R-p-152557?currentPage=1&filter=all&mc=8394789&c=BLACK&orderId=gb104639466

This is the base layer I am currently wearing for running. It is really warm so I feel fine walking in it, but I don’t get too hot when running in it in this weather.

www.decathlon.co.uk/p/simple-warm-women-s-ski-base-layer/_/R-p-121225?currentPage=1&filter=all&mc=8343705&c=BLACK&transactionId=50-66-66-20200325134613-7-6418253

Gwenhwyfar, I feel your pain! I'm cold-blooded, too.

Top: I wear one of these www.mountainwarehouse.com/merino-womens-round-neck-thermal-top-p13371.aspx/black/ as a base layer (they're wool but I don't find them itchy), with a long-sleeved thinnish running top plus a shower-proof running jacket. Psychologically, I think the wool makes me feel warmer.

Bottoms: I wear wool tights (everyday John Lewis wool tights, I keep old ones which have holes in for running) underneath normal running leggings. If it's very cold, I add a pair of running socks as well (depends if your trainers are loose enough). Alternatively, if I'm not wearing tights but think my feet will be cold, I wear smart wool socks, mine are something like these: www.smartwool.co.uk/uk/women-s-phd-run-cold-weather-mid-crew-3279.html. I find they're fine with mesh trainers. They're not cheap but they're lovely and warm.

Hands: I think any kind of gloves are fine if they're comfy and keep you warm. When I'm out, if my hands get hot, stuff the gloves either in a pocket or down my cleavage (ideally remembering to take them out before I go and buy a cup of tea at the end ...)

Head: I like a running head band which covers my ears but doesn't make my head too hot.

Lights: I have some trainer lights like these www.amazon.co.uk/SAKUUMI-Visibility-Reflective-Exercise-Activities/dp/B07WCNF1SY/ref=pd_lpo_200_t_1/257-4129835-3828506?psc=1&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_wg=ZeKYh&pf_rd_r=GHH70MPG095KPCQ8R2S0&pd_rd_i=B07WCNCWRY&pd_rd_w=Ni7Fp&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&refRID=GHH70MPG095KPCQ8R2S0&pd_rd_r=04b7e891-620c-4830-8428-c9403d69137a which are very good for visibility.

I also find that it helps to get changed half an hour or so before I run and then put thick slippers on until I leave the house so that my feet are warm before I start.

I really wish I had better circulation and didn't have to wear so many layers, but I guess it would be worse if I weren't exercising.

@Gwenhwyfar

"I wonder if your issue is that they're not wicking layers or you're almost wearing too many of the wrong type of layers? "

Well, yes, this is why I started the thread because I realised I needed more 'sports' layers. As mentioned, I've bough running leggings and a long-sleeved top, but I've found that these are not nearly enough so I also need to buy some kind of running jumper and a thick jacket. No way can I just be in a light rain coat.
The lined anorak I use now is from an outdoor shop so I presume it's windproof.

I will look into getting new trainers without mesh. I'm expecting the shops to be mad busy this weekend though.

Depending on your budget you could look at Brookes running shoes - they do a good returns policy so you can return them even if you've worn them.

I also agree with another poster who gets dressed a while before going out, so your clothes are warm on. My trainers live in the garage but I need to remember to bring them in the night before, so they aren't cold on my feet!

Update: I went out Tuesday after work with new winter socks and my normal trainers and I was still way too cold. My right foot was a bit numb, though I could still feel it and jog properly. So I'll be sticking to my walking shoes until I'm ready to fork out for running shoes without mesh. I won't do it now just in case I end up doing aerobics in front of YouTube come January-February anyway.

I had fingerless gloves on, but the tips of my fingers were freezing so I'll be wearing normal gloves from now on. Is there any issue with just using my normal every day gloves? I won't be able to wash them after each time, but my hands were so cold, I don't think they were sweating at all.

The rest of me was warm enough, just didn't look very good.

I'm going to explore the skiing things over the weekend as the Decathlon is open now.

How cold is it where you are OP?

Decathlon is the way to go OP. I’ve had some great stuff from there and like you say, you don’t have to stick to the running section. I tend to run in a long sleeved top with a gilet over the top (from Decathlon actually!), but that sounds like it wouldn’t be warm enough for you. I always wear tights. Shorts are far too cold at the speed I go.

@Europilgrim

How cold is it where you are OP?

Recently it's been 3-4 degrees at the time when I might be jogging, so after work. The early morning slot is always an idea, but never happens.

On the weekends, I can go a bit later of course. I've seen a forecast for double figures next week though.

I have one of these www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-horse-riding-sleeveless-jacket-500/_/R-p-173991?mc=8485580&c=BLUE

I wear it for walking and cycling but can't see why you couldn't run in it. It is very warm but light. I do feel as if I should be striding around telling me butler to hurry up with my whisky mac.

I often have to start runs with full finger gloves on.
Cold feet when running is a feat, though... I only get cold feet problem when cycling.

sorry, should say start run with TWO pairs of gloves on, one full finger, and fingerless underneath.

@MsMartini

I have one of these www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-horse-riding-sleeveless-jacket-500/_/R-p-173991?mc=8485580&c=BLUE

I wear it for walking and cycling but can't see why you couldn't run in it. It is very warm but light. I do feel as if I should be striding around telling me butler to hurry up with my whisky mac.

Thanks, but I've never seen the point of a jacket without sleeves.

I always wear gloves this time of year. I usually take them off after a couple of miles though
I buy cheap woolly ones because I have a poor track record with gloves.

I wear:
Long sleeve base layer with thumb holes so I can pull it over my hands. Gloves if it’s really cold.
Short sleeve t shirt over the top
Padded gilet (keeps your core warm but your arms free to move)
Run warm leggings from decathlon. If really cold, a pair of shorts over the top to keep my bum warm.
Running socks - double layered. OP if your feet are the issue wear two pairs of socks. Layers are key.
A buff around my ears (which I can put on my wrist if I get too hot). OP I think you’ll benefit from wearing a hat or similar.

I would really advise against running in walking shoes as they could cause you injury.

Don’t be out off by the ‘holes’ this makes it breathable and wicking which will stop you feeling cold and sweaty.

Sorry above post was regarding the running jacket posted earlier.

"Running socks - double layered. OP if your feet are the issue wear two pairs of socks. Layers are key."

I've always heard that too many socks cut off the circulation and make your feet colder.
I don't think I'll be putting those mesh trainers on again this winter. Two terrible experiences now, not doing it again.

What do you mean by "mesh" shoes, OP? You've referred to "forking out" for expensive running shoes "without mesh" compared to cheaper shoes that have mesh - I'm a bit baffled tbc. If anything, expensive running shoes are more breathable than cheap ones.

I would also gently suggest that this focus on your feet not being cold is slowing you down and potentially affecting your gait too, which could lead to injuries. If you have proper running shoes rather than heavier walking shoes then it'll be easier to run with improved form, and in turn its easier to run more quickly... which then leads to your feet being less cold.

If your feet really are such an issue then I suggest decent running shoes with Injinji toe socks would keep them warm and blister free, while not impeding movement.

Can you do you warm up at home, go out and only run so you are running door to door and then cool down at home? Then jump into the bath or shower, and layer up afterwards in comfy warm clothes with a hot drink?

I'm fairly new to running to myself, but couldn't run in walking shoes. It sounds like an injury waiting to happen. I'm also fairly slow and feel the cold (until I'm mid run) but am feeling quite hot blooded now! What sort of material are you wearing? Is it sweat wicking/technical fabrics or cotton?

I don't know if this applies to anyone on here but if you have Vitality health insurance through work then you can get 1 pair of running shoes from runnersneed per year half price, you just give them your membership number.

I got a 2 pack of long sleeve running tops with thumb holes from Tesco which are great, they're the wicking fabric and long enough to come about half way down your bum so you don't end up with a cold back.

By mesh I mean the mesh you have on the top of most trainers.
The walking shoes I've been jogging in also look a bit like trainers - they're not heavy and I haven't noticed a difference in speed with them - I'm slow whatever I wear.
The materials I'm wearing are mostly sweat wicking - I bought the long sleeved top from Decathlon people mentioned here, also the leggings. I've been finding the leggings too cold and feel exposed in them so am probably going back to tracksuit bottoms, but will stick with the long sleeved top, with my old sport top underneath. My coat is not a special sport one, but I'm going to look for a special jogging jacket. My problem is that I think it may not be warm enough. I obviously don't get along with what other people think are warm enough clothes for jogging as I feel the cold so much and jog so slowly.

"Can you do you warm up at home, go out and only run so you are running door to door and then cool down at home? Then jump into the bath or shower, and layer up afterwards in comfy warm clothes with a hot drink?"

Yes, but I am still not willing to suffer cold feet for the duration of my jog so no mesh shoes for me any more.
I guess if using my walking shoes is a way to injury I either take that risk or I give up jogging completely. I absolutely hate having cold feet and will not do it to myself on purpose.