Runners want to be stylish when they are running and working out, just as any other athlete, on or off the playing field. Running clothes must not only be stylish but they must fulfill a certain function when the weather is very hot or very cold. The best running clothes must meet all requirements: fashion, function and durability.
During the hot summer months runners should look for materials that wick moisture away from the body, breathe well, aren’t chafing and offer some support.
Women will need a good running bra to support the breast during the pounding done on the pavement or track. Without adequate support the breast tissue can be stretched, a condition that isn’t reversible. The breast is held in place by one tendon; once that tendon is stretched it can’t be contracted, repaired or replaced. Once the damage is done there is no going back in time.
Many of today’s running shorts have an undergarment attached to the shorts. Some men may find that this undergarment doesn’t offer the support that they desire as they run through the streets. Instead a pair of briefs or athletic supporter may be just what the athlete ordered.
During the winter months the best running clothes must fit the criteria of function first. The outermost clothing should be made of material that wicks the moisture away from the body and still keeps the runner warm. Sweat that stays close to the body will only freeze to ice and cool the runners body in a way that can be dangerous when running long distances.
Gortex is a material used by skiers to accomplish just this task. Running sweats are now also made of gortex to keep the runner warm while wicking the sweat away from the body and preventing that freeze effect. These sweat suits don’t have to be devoid of fashion either. They should be bright colors to stand out against the snow or trails on which you’ll be running and they can have extra zipped pockets to carry keys and cell phones to follow safety rules.
Outside of the fashionable and functional outer layer should be an under layer of wicking material that begins the process of wicking moisture. This can be made of Coolmax, Thermax, Thinsulate, Thermion or polyporpolene. Men should be especially careful of keeping the scrotum warm. Although the body will draw the scrotum tighter to the body to keep the sperm producing cells warm an added layer of a wool sock will go a long way to helping out.
During cold weather workouts the best running clothes also include other material that covers other exposed skin, which includes good socks and shoes. Many of the specialty running stores carry socks that are especially made for extra warmth and to keep the feet dry.
Keeping your shoes dry after a particularly wet run can be tough. Dry them out after each run without using direct heat. Heat from a register, dryer or direct sunlight can melt the glue that binds the soles together and will change the shape of the shoe. These differences in shape will be felt when you don’t have the cushioning you once did or the shoe begins to fall apart prematurely.
Instead, stuff the shoe with newspaper (no color pictures – they bleed) or paper towel. Change the paper every couple of hours. This will help the shoe to hold it’s shape and dry out the interior quickly. Consider using a pair of running shoes for the winter months that were built for trail running. These shoes are somewhat water-proof and have a deeper tread that gives them more grip on the road – makes them perfect for running in the snow or mud.
Your head is another place where heat is lost quickly during the cold weather runs. Headgear is very important to guard against heat loss when you are running in the cold. The best running clothes include the use of a wool hat or knit skull cap that can be tucked into the waistband of your running gear if you begin to overheat while running.
Vaseline is another product that runners use to cover their face and nose when running in the cold weather. This may seem a bit strange but it is very helpful for your eyelids, nose and other delicate skin on your face to be protected from freezing weather. Use it on your lips and cheeks to keep from getting chapped, between your legs so the pants don’t rub you raw and on your eyelids and lashes so they don’t freeze shut.
The best running clothes in either hot or cold weather will be functional, fashionable and very durable. They will last you several seasons, make you feel great when you put them on and function to keep you warm and dry – or cool and dry depending upon the weather. Choose your clothing wisely and you’ll be very happy with your results.
Resources:
Runner’s World: Running Apparel
http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes-gear/running-apparel
Race Ready
http://www.raceready.com/
Fitness: Our Best Winter Running Clothes and Gear
http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/gear/reviews/best-winter-running-clothes-gear/
The Independent: The 50 Best Running Gear
http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/gadgets-tech/the-50-best-running-gear-8215635.html
Marathon Training: How to Choose a Pair of Running Shorts
http://www.marathontraining.com/articles/art_29th.htm
Van T Cortland Track Club: Where do you go to buy good running clothes
http://www.vctc.org/forum/topics/where-do-you-go-to-buy-good
Washington Running Report: Training Tips, Running Hints to Help you Survive a Marathon
http://www.runwashington.com/news/1085/310/Training-Tips-Running-Hints-To-Help-You-Survive-A-Marathon.htm
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