33 Degrees and Sunny: What I Wore

One of the biggest issues for runners is what to wear on a run. In the summer, it's relatively easy. When it is 900 degrees outside and humid (as it tends to be for most of the summer where I live), the goal is simply to wear as little as possible while still abiding by any community decency standards.

In the winter things get a little trickier. My biggest dilemma is always: is it cool enough for long sleeves? Trust me, folks, there is nothing more miserable than setting out on a 2 hour run only to discover halfway through that it is still too hot for your long sleeved shirt and you aren't wearing a tank top underneath so you can't take the long sleeved shirt off. Oh the misery!

So yesterday I ran 7 miles. I started my run around 12:30 p.m. (meant to head out earlier but the mailman showed up unexpectedly early with two packages! *Squee!*). When I left the house, the thermostat on my Husband's computer said 33 degrees. When I got home, it said 38 degrees. It was a really bright and sunny day, no wind or rain.

So what did I wear?

Sports bra, Addidas, size Medium (similiar available here)

Tank top, Nike, size Large (similiar available here)

Long sleeve top, Nike, size Large (similiar available here)

Vest, L.L. Bean, size Medium (available here - um for $22? I might pick up a few more right now! I love this thing!)

Gloves, Nike (similiar available here)

Headband, Nike (similiar available here)

Pants, Nike, size Large (similiar available here)

Socks, Smart Wool, size Large (available here)

Shoes, Nike Air Zoom Vomero 3, size 11 (always size up at least 1 full size in running shoes) (updated model available here - and on sale!)

Insoles, Green Superfeet (available here)

Everything I run in is the special wicking material fabric. Yes, it is more expensive, but you really do notice a difference. I have gone running in snowstorms and all sorts of other horrible weather and I come home nice and dry with no blisters (there is nothing worse than running in wet conditions in regular socks - eek!) I got most of this stuff at Marshall's or the Dick's Sporting Goods clearance rack. Just shop off season and stock up for the next year.

You also might think I'm wearing not enough clothing for 33 degree weather. That's a personal preference. I have three layers on my core which is more than enough to keep me warm along with my gloves and headband. On really chilly days when I do wear a long sleeved jacket, the sleeves usually end up annoying me more than they are actually keeping me warm. Remember also though your body temperature will rise approximately 20 degrees during a run so dress like it is 20 degrees warmer than it is. Sure, you'll be a little frosty that first mile, but eventually you'll be glad you left your enormous winter coat at home.

Like I said before, though, this is total trial and error so don't be afraid to play around with it!

Happy running!