I am going to be training for spring and summer races during the winter and I have to dress in layers.  Dressing this way will help me regulate my body temperature as I run.  My first winter training run I overdressed and became overheated by the end of the run.  I had dressed for the weather not the run.  I failed to take into consideration that I would warm up as the run progressed. I was HOT!

I run early in the morning so the temperatures are rather low when I start.  I’ve run in single digit weather and I was worried about not being warm enough. My first run was around 12 degrees or so.  I was a novice and I did not know what to expect.  I planned for the worst and was hoping for the best.

I had on 3 shirts, a jacket, and 2 pairs of pants, gloves, hat, and ear warmers.  I was warm when I started and felt like I was boiling when it ended. Panting like a dog, gasping for air and in need of water.  What had I done?  Was I trying to internally cook myself?  I got to the car and started stripping right away.  I had a few onlookers watching my striptease.  I did not care I was trying to cool down, not put on a show.  I have since learned from that.  I dress in layers.

When I run this winter I will dress accordingly.  I have thermal compression pants and shirt, a jacket and vest.  I am a little chilly when I start running but the end of the run my temperature is regulated.  NO striptease necessary!

Do you train in the winter for warm weather races? If so, how do you dress for your runs?

~Fran, @Flash_Fran

Francine has a love of family, fitness, fashion and fun.  She is on a journey to become a better runner, eat healthier, get fit as a family and show off her fashion sense all while having fun.  She is the mother of 2 boys, works full-time and is a recent grad. She believes that Hard Work = Results and staying Positive gets you there.