`Tis the Season
Every season is running season, but there is something special about fall running!
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” recounts Anne Shirley in L.M, Montgomery’s 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables. In certain parts of the northern hemisphere - when birches turn “as golden as sunshine,” maples are “royal crimson,” and cherry trees become “dark red and bronzy green.” The air is crisp, it’s just beautiful, the fall running season is here!
Runners and walkers trudged through summer pouring salty sweat, waking before the sun to beat the heat, finding the most shady routes and opting for the treadmill. Most summer days, runners know exactly what to wear; as little clothing as possible. As the temperatures drop, running starts to feel just a little easier. This time every year many “fall in love” with the sport again or for the very first time. With all of the excitement of the crunchy leaves underfoot the crisp fall weather can get us very excited to pull out the tights, long sleeves and jackets. Weather conditions can vary during these wonderful fall days, crisp mornings and warm sunny afternoons, and those layers can leave us a little overheated a mile into our runs.
We find ourselves asking a simple question as we prepare to head out the door “What do I wear?” The answer to this question can have a dramatic impact on your performance and enjoyment of a run. A little planning ahead goes a long way.
In general, runners should dress as if the temperature is 10-20 degrees warmer than the “real feel” temperature which takes humidity and wind chill into account. If you are comfortable sitting still, you’ll likely be too warm on your run. Below is a guide, broken down by temperature (Fahrenheit) that is a great general reference. The Runner’s World What to Wear Calculator provides even more detail and takes into account time of day, wind and other weather conditions. Check it out HERE - this is an exceptional resource for race days when you just aren’t sure.
What to Wear Cheat Sheet
(All temperatures shown represent Degrees Fahrenheit)
0-20 Degrees:
1-2 long-sleeved base layers shirt
Jacket/windbreaker
Tights
Gloves
Hat / ear band
20-40 Degrees:
Long sleeved base layer
Jacket / windbreaker - with a zipper to tie around your waist if you warm up
Tights
Gloves
Hat / ear band
40-50 Degrees:
Long sleeved shirt or short sleeves with arm sleeves
Tights, capris, or shorts (depending on your preference)
Gloves for the beginning of your run
50-60 Degrees:
Short sleeved shirt
Capris or shorts
60-70 Degrees:
Short sleeved shirt
Capris or shorts
70-80 Degrees:
Tank top or light short sleeved shirt
Shorts
90+ Degrees:
Tank top or just a sports-bra
Shorts
Wherever you are, whatever your weather, we hope you have a great run today - and can’t wait to connect LIVE in the Run With Zeal app soon.
Tech Brief
We are hard at work with the foundation of the app and the deployment workflows this week. Next week we will be adding our first feature set. Stay tuned!