Tag Archives: running tips

Autumn running tips

If you are running with us this autumn you may want to consider the following:

1. Dress in layers with a waterproof top layer, especially during drizzly or cooler days.

2. Don’t wear cotton as it soaks up water and becomes heavy and uncomfortable. Stick to wicking materials.

3. Use the wind to your advantage – running in the wind will help increase your endurance while burning more calories! Head into the wind first to get the hard part over and done with.

4. Be visible, especially those attending the Tuesday evening class. Ideally wear a white, yellow or orange hi-viz jacket or bib.

Summer running gear

This week we have all been seeking shelter from the sun and many have asked about tips for running in the heat. Apart from the obvious about drinking more water, you may want to take a look at the following tips from Sweatshop’s Running Hub:

Running gear: when selecting summer running gear, look out for the following features and materials which will help keep you cool:

  • Ventilation features such as mesh or small slits designed into the fabric
  • Ultra lightweight fabric
  • Highly moisture wicking materials to help sweat to evaporate quickly
  • Loose fitting clothing to increase ventilation and minimise chafing
  • White or pale colours to reflect the heat

Summer running essentials: In addition to wearing the correct clothing, there are a number of other items that will help to make running in the heat more comfortable:

  • Drinks bottle or backpack with a bladder to carry water or sports drink
  • Sports drinks and gels with electrolytes or electrolyte tablets to replace lost salts
  • Cap or Buff to protect your head
  • Sunglasses
  • Body Glide to prevent chafing
  • Sweat proof sun lotion

And a few words of wisdom: running in the sun can be enjoyable but it places extra stress on the body. Remember to: maximise ventilation, protect yourself from sunburn, stay well hydrated, avoid running at the hottest part of the day, select a shady route if possible.

Winter running gear for the Common

This week I have been soaked through and my trainers are unrecognisable from navigating the puddles and mud! So I asked Sporting Feet for recommendations to make our lives more comfortable whilst running in the Common:

  • Ideally you need a trail running shoe for this time of year – an off road shoe with better grip and waterproofing. Sporting Feet have a good range of trail shoes in store, from Asics, Brooks, Adidas and Salomon. The most waterproof of all have a Gore-tex upper but they aren’t water-resistant.
  • If you are running three times a week, it makes sense to have two pairs of shoes – they will last twice as long so won’t cost any more in the long run.  One pair would be for the roads and when it’s dry on the Common (probably the shoes you have now) and another pair to wear when it’s really wet off road in the winter.
  • You can wear trail socks which tend to be darker in colour, sometimes with an element of waterproofing. But regular running socks with trail shoes should be fine.
  • You might want to get a thicker, warmer and more waterproof jacket if the weather turns colder and even wetter! Gore-tex is a good option and Sporting Feet have some nice Asics Gore jackets in store for women. They also have some nice winter jackets that aren’t Gore-tex but are warm and very water resistant.
  • Thicker, winter running tights are a must, especially for our 9.30am runs as it’s usually much colder than.

Guess where I’m going this week?!