For those that run outdoors year round...

[Anonymous]

Interesting - I actually like more layers on top and less on the bottom. So 45+ I'll run in shorts with a long sleeve shirt and/or vest if its windy or raining. Under 35-45 one layer of tights, again if windy I might put on a under armor bike short (without padding) under the tights, sports bra, long sleeve shirt and vest. Lower than 35 then I'll add a light weight long john bottoms and tops. I believe in good quality materials and design - it cuts down on chafing, helps with moisture wicking although its expensive. So I only have a few of each expensive item and wash regularly. I disagree you don't need a good pair of tights/pants. On a really windy, cold snowy day having a pair of tights that is comfortable, wicks moisture and doesn't rub is very important. As is a good pair of socks to keep your feet from freezing. Warmer weather/spring I'll toss in more target items or cheaper stuff but for extreme temperatures or rain then you want the best.

[Anonymous]

Marino wool socks!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to run in the dark? I realize that early morning winter means dark but I shift my running to weekend mornings just as the sun comes up and then I try to fit in something during the week. Until the time changes I do it after work, but before picking up the kids. Once the time changes I run at lunch and just shower at my office. For me the places I like to run I just don't feel safe as a women doing it when its dark (morning or night) and since there are fewer people out there I'm not comfortable, my running buddies stop in the winter. I aim for 2-4 days a week and fill in other times or other activities.

With that said you need good reflective gear, shoes and socks that keep your feet warm - be careful of black ice early in the morning. Reflective vest is a must. My head gets over heated so I prefer something that goes over my years (ear muffs or head band), a fleece neck up to breathe thru on cold mornings. I like long sleeve shirt that has a zipper so I can regulate temperatures. A good pair of tights. Layering helps.

I run with a weapon. Attack me and get shot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting - I actually like more layers on top and less on the bottom. So 45+ I'll run in shorts with a long sleeve shirt and/or vest if its windy or raining. Under 35-45 one layer of tights, again if windy I might put on a under armor bike short (without padding) under the tights, sports bra, long sleeve shirt and vest. Lower than 35 then I'll add a light weight long john bottoms and tops. I believe in good quality materials and design - it cuts down on chafing, helps with moisture wicking although its expensive. So I only have a few of each expensive item and wash regularly. I disagree you don't need a good pair of tights/pants. On a really windy, cold snowy day having a pair of tights that is comfortable, wicks moisture and doesn't rub is very important. As is a good pair of socks to keep your feet from freezing. Warmer weather/spring I'll toss in more target items or cheaper stuff but for extreme temperatures or rain then you want the best.

same here about being warm on top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to run in the dark? I realize that early morning winter means dark but I shift my running to weekend mornings just as the sun comes up and then I try to fit in something during the week. Until the time changes I do it after work, but before picking up the kids. Once the time changes I run at lunch and just shower at my office. For me the places I like to run I just don't feel safe as a women doing it when its dark (morning or night) and since there are fewer people out there I'm not comfortable, my running buddies stop in the winter. I aim for 2-4 days a week and fill in other times or other activities.

With that said you need good reflective gear, shoes and socks that keep your feet warm - be careful of black ice early in the morning. Reflective vest is a must. My head gets over heated so I prefer something that goes over my years (ear muffs or head band), a fleece neck up to breathe thru on cold mornings. I like long sleeve shirt that has a zipper so I can regulate temperatures. A good pair of tights. Layering helps.

I run with a weapon. Attack me and get shot.

Wow, great as long as they don't get the jump on you and take it. Or you fall or drop it, accidentally misfire and shoot yourself or some other hapless runner.

You'd be better off with a keychain self defense tool, like a Brutus self-defense keychain. there are all kinds of versions - plastic, metal - shaped like dogs or cats. You fingers go through them and they are pointed on top. So you can wear it on your hand with relative comfort. Less likely to drop, and it is right there if they the jump on you. In these types of situation, you are likely to be in basically close quarters combat, so having something on you hand would be better than a weapon you have to get out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have to run in the dark? I realize that early morning winter means dark but I shift my running to weekend mornings just as the sun comes up and then I try to fit in something during the week. Until the time changes I do it after work, but before picking up the kids. Once the time changes I run at lunch and just shower at my office. For me the places I like to run I just don't feel safe as a women doing it when its dark (morning or night) and since there are fewer people out there I'm not comfortable, my running buddies stop in the winter. I aim for 2-4 days a week and fill in other times or other activities.

With that said you need good reflective gear, shoes and socks that keep your feet warm - be careful of black ice early in the morning. Reflective vest is a must. My head gets over heated so I prefer something that goes over my years (ear muffs or head band), a fleece neck up to breathe thru on cold mornings. I like long sleeve shirt that has a zipper so I can regulate temperatures. A good pair of tights. Layering helps.

I run with a weapon. Attack me and get shot.

Wow, great as long as they don't get the jump on you and take it. Or you fall or drop it, accidentally misfire and shoot yourself or some other hapless runner.

You'd be better off with a keychain self defense tool, like a Brutus self-defense keychain. there are all kinds of versions - plastic, metal - shaped like dogs or cats. You fingers go through them and they are pointed on top. So you can wear it on your hand with relative comfort. Less likely to drop, and it is right there if they the jump on you. In these types of situation, you are likely to be in basically close quarters combat, so having something on you hand would be better than a weapon you have to get out.

That is what a safety is for.

I'd prefer not to get closer to my attacker than I have to and to have to use a scratching device. I'd rather not simply enrage my attacker with a scratch, rather just nip it right in the bud. I run when it is dark and sometimes it is pretty isolated. I keep alert and aware of my surroundings. I live next to the W&OD trail and I'm well aware of the danger that I put myself in when running. I would never carry a gun in broad daylight.

[Anonymous]

When it's cold (like in the 40s,) I wear a short sleeve shirt with a lululemon define jacket over it and cropped (shin length) pants. I love the define jacket - it's pricey, but I got mine on ebay for a bargain. It's fitted and warm but still lightweight, so I can easily tie it around my waist if need be.

When it's really cold, I wear a long sleeve shirt, the same define jacket, and full length tights. I also wear cheapy stretch gloves and a hat or headband when I can find them.

I also just ordered myself a reflective vest...

[Anonymous]

If you're always running at dawn or dusk, I'd invest in some brightly colored gear as well as a reflective vest-- think neon shades of green, pink, yellow or orange -- you need to worry about visibility.

I'm short, so I wear capris and a long sleeved shirt in the winter. It's hard to find tights in the right length, and it never really gets that cold here so capris are enough. I like the zip neck shirts for the colder days and wear them over a short sleeved shirt. Add cheap $1 stretch gloves and a cheap stretch hat or a head band, and I'm good to go. I'm not crazy about upper body gear from Target, but like their capris. Marshalls is my favorite running store!

[Anonymous]

It's pricey, but I just got a lululemon long sleeve running shirt, with the thumb holes. I was perfectly comfortable running this evening in it. Well, apart from where I ran in Rock Creek, and didn't realize it was blocked off from cars, and I was certain I would end up in a scene out of a slasher film I did increase my pace, but will not run there at dusk anymore!!

[Anonymous]

I suggest you go to Fleet Feet in Adams Morgan for the advice, and buy what they recommend online at a heavy discount