Cool Runnings

Winter Running Layers by tamsinkr featuring Sweaty Betty

WINTER IS COMING

The cold, dark nights are beginning to set in and it's almost time to turn the clocks back. This means its important to start layering up if you want to enjoy a successful run.

After I put it on blast last week that I was going to take up running I have since become a woman obsessed. I've been devouring running books, skulking in sports shops and doing some serious online research looking at different running blogs and websites. 

Basically I've bombarded myself with so much inspiration and motivation that I'm pretty much foaming at the mouth and in a frenzy to finally get out there and go for a run. I've even got my exact route planned and mapped out!

I'll save my run planning and favourite websites & blogs for another post and instead introduce a few of my favourite picks for appropriate layering if you're running this winter - you may notice I've not included any jackets or windbreakers and that is because I've fallen deeply in love, but sadly that love will remain unrequited because of the extortionate price - and also because I thought I'd do a more detailed post about what you want to look for in a running jacket, and what best suits me. 

I wouldn't yet count myself as a runner yet (seeing as I've not yet ran!) but I've read enough of the books, did enough sport at school and have lived long enough in the North & Scotland to have some background knowledge as to how to wrap up warm - although does anyone agree that at school you were generally ripped out of your warm tracksuit whatever the weather and forced to play hockey with chattering teeth in just a skirt, knee high socks and thin polo? If people are so insistent you can do yourself damage by being too cold why is this the norm at schools?!

I think the key ingredients for any run are simply

a) a good sports bra (high impact of course)

b) a good pair of trainers - which means getting a gait analysis to ensure your trainers are helping how you run!)

c)a wicking top (wicking material being what draws your sweat away from the surface and to the top of the fabric to stop you getting too cold/or overheating

d) comfortable bottoms - whether thats shorts/capris/tights - lycras generally the best though. 

e) Sports socks - you can buy specialist running ones which help prevent blisters through a double layer system

f)a hat - a cap to keep the sun off your face (not cardboard as it tends to go soggy), and to keep your ears warm in winter

Jon Snow knows one thing - how to
dress appropriately for winter

However in winter you definitely need to add a few extras, such as:

g) gloves - protect those hands! And according to some books - good for wiping your nose. You won't be the only thing thats running, guaranteed. My ones feature a handy hidden pocket for my house key.

h)a snood - protect that neck!

i)a base layer thermal wicking top - this can go under any tshirt, although experts warn you to stay away from cotton as a 2nd layer on top of this, as it can get soggy and therefore heavy.

j) a jacket/windbreaker - definitely needs to be waterproof. This is the UK after all. 

Even more additional items that have been suggested include leg warmers, and specialist trail shoes to handle different terrains and icy roads. Don't kid yourself that your run itself will warm you up - winter is bitter and you'll enjoy your run more if you have the proper layers - you can always take them off as you go along. *

Now that that's all done its also important to remember that just because the nights are getting dark and gloomy your kit doesn't have to stay muted. In fact it's imperative to your safety that you're as bright and noticeable as possible, so say AYE to anything neon so that you don't end up being hit by a car that didn't see you trotting along the side of the road. You should always have something bright and reflective on - even if its just an armband (As seen in image 9 of my collage) it could just save your life - especially if you're too focused on your music that you can't hear any background noise, (massive no-no) and therefore any cars coming, several books back up the idea that you should run in the direction of traffic & try to look the driver in the eye so that you know that they have seen you. 

Lecture over, lets look at my top picks.

1. 2. & 3. Are all by Black Milk Clothing. Not specialist running wear, but they are lycra, look great, and lots of runners are already big fans. I love these Queen of Hearts, Cathedral and Hills of Gondor (Hello LOTR) prints but Black Milk are really well known for their Galaxy prints also and have a huge choice of lots of imaginative designs including famous artwork. Pricey, but it beats black. (If they bring out some Game of Thrones styles I'll be a very happy lady)

4-9 Are all from Sweaty Betty.

4. Stardust Run Tights £65

5. Competitor Run Hoody £70 One of my faves, this has thumb-hole cuffs and a funnel neck for extra warmth. Its at the top of my Christmas list already with...

6. Zero Gravity Run Tights £85 It's taking me a lot of willpower to not just buy these immediately. They look amazing. I love galaxy prints.

7. Relaxed Long Sleeve Run Top £70 I just love this colour combo, and it looks like it has a nice fit. I like my clothes slightly baggier. Would work well over a thermal base layer.

8. Heart Rate Long Sleeve Run Top

9.Reflective Arm Blinker £14 You can get much cheaper ones but I like that this one has blinking lights as well. You don't have to rely on the car light catching you, your blinking E.T arm will be seen a mile off. 

10. Saucony Ultimate Run Gloves - there's a lot of gloves out there, I liked the orange stripe on these. My gloves were actually a lot cheaper and although they're just plain black they also have the secret key pocket. Mine are by Hind.

11. & 12. Both Urban Outfitters - you can get proper running hats, and its important to wear something as a lot of heat leaves your head, but I don't see anything wrong with just wearing a baseball cap or a normal woolly one. Mine's from UO as well and I like the extra colour and pattern it brings to my outfit. As long as my ears are warm and it helps keep my headphones in - I'm happy. Plus it never hurts to include a few contrasting patterns & colours, hell it brightens up my day even if it makes me look like a jumble sale escapee.

There we go - those are my top picks! There's A LOT of running gear out there but these are just some of my favourites from some of the more well known websites. If you want to look further I'll be doing a post soon with some of my favourite running websites and retailers (so much running right now, I did tell you - a woman obsessed!)

I tried to leave off Nike etc because the big brands are an obvious go-to for goodlooking sports wear, but they all do have lovely stuff. I can't wait for my new Nike trainers to arrive!

Happy running/shopping

T x

*Never forget the general essentials such as sunlotion throughout the year, & staying appropriately hydrated.