Layering, clothes, etc...

midnite-penguin

midnite-penguin

Joined
Nov 6, 2007
Messages
244
OK, I'm determined to NOT get a beer gut this winter, so I want to keep up my trail running even through the fall and winter this year.(usually I pack it in when it drops below 45 because I'm a pansy:grumpy:)

But damn it - its time to acclimate!

Problem is, I think I have the worst body type for cold weather. I have poor circulation to my hands and feet, and I also sweat like a stuffed pig. I'm not exaggerating either - I would routinely drop 2-5 pounds in an afternoon when I was on the Wrestling team just sweating it out.

So I have a tough time figuring out how to layer to where I can stay warm, but also ventilate enough so I don't have sweat stuck to me and making me cold. I've read through some posts on here when the topic comes up and I have some ideas. But maybe someone that can relate to my body chemistry can help me out with suggestions with how they layer, what they use as a base - etc.
 
Get shirts/sweaters that button or zip up, so you can undo them one by one, and avoid cotton which will soak up sweat and loose its insulating ability.
 
Seems like you are going to sweat no matter what, so you have to focus in keeping that moisture warm. Arms and legs are not a problem, but you should try to protect your chest from windchill. I have a full zip stretch fleece jacket (second layer) that has the chest protected with a softshell fabric while keeping the arms, back and armpits in stretchy fleec fabric. Works like a champ keeping your chest warm when wind blows heavily but allows your perspiration to evaporate from the arms so you don't overheat.

If you are going to start and finish your running sessions at home, you don't have to worry about getting cold afterwards since you will be having a cold shower and dumping all that sweaty clothes in the dirty clothes bag.

Mikel
 
If you are a trail runner, there is so much high tech gear out there......

I make sure everything is breathable, so that means no cotton. My base layer is shorts and a short/long sleeved t-shirt, depending on how hot/cold it is. Over that I can layer light fleece pants and jacket, and if it is colder, I add a vest underneath. Over that, a well ventilated waterproof, breathable shell and pants. Add light gloves and a hat. I also switch to Gore-Tex lined trail running shoes in cold weather.

This is how I dress for all my outdoor activity, and I love how ultralight it all is. I see a lot of guys outdoors trying to look like Daniel Boone (heavy wool shirts, etc.), but I stick with the trail runner look! For real winter weather, I just make the fleece and shell heavier, and switch to boots, etc.
 
I like the wicking ability of polypro for a base layer. That wicks the sweat away from my skin so I don't feel cold and clammy. Over that I wear (in cooler weather when long pants are needed) cheapo thin WOOL dress pants from any discount department store. For colder weather and deep snow conditions I wear thick wool military surplus, usually German or Swiss as they tend to be really thick, both pants and shirts, with a fleece jacket and a Gore-Tex shell parka over that. My primary heat regulators are my hat and my gloves. They are the first to go on when I'm cold and the first to come off when I begin to heat up.

Stitchawl
 
Like others have said, you need to block the wind. I don't run anymore, but when I did I run in cold weather I wore a gore-tex top, gloves and a stocking hat. I hated anything on my legs so I just wore shorts, even at temps well below freezing. That's probably not going to work for you, so you'll just have to play around with different mixes until you do find what works.

The best advice I can give you is....if you're warm before you start you're overdressed. You should be a bit chilly when you start since you're going to generate heat.
 
I don't know if this would be right for you but there are 2 drugs that I have seen used for excessive sweating. One is a topical solution called DrySol. The other is a tablet called Robinul Forte (I think excessive sweating is an off-labeled use). Both of these are available by prescription only. I recommend seeing a physician and discussing these meds with him/her. Just another option...Hope this helps...
 
Get some woolpower brand undergarments they are made of merino wool that is specialy processed to not itch. It will keep you warm even when wet and it wicks weat like crazy.

It would be a gpood idea as well to get some wool glove liners or mitten liners as you warm upo these can be removed to help regulate body temp. The same goes for a hat.

If you dress in two layers make sure the second layer ccn be vented if a single layer make sure that layer is ventable.

Be very careful to not chill down too quickly, be especially careful to warm down on the way back home. If the temp drops below 25 make sure to wear a scarf over the mouth and nose to allow your body heat to temper the incoming air.

Running in the winter is a blast just take care of yourself.
 
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