Running raingear etc.

jrar

Morning, looking for some guidance please

Took up running earlier this year and having done the Dublin marathon, I want to keep my running going over the winter. Up until now, it's been a case of shorts / t-shirt (or maybe 2 if it's a cold day) when heading out, but for the colder and wetter winter weather, I presume I need something more robust in terms of shower-proof breathable running top etc.

Any tips on the best type to get, what material I should be looking out for, where to get same, etc.

ob

I've had both Asics and Nike running jackets, both were very light and comfortable. They'll keep you dry in a shower, but not in heavy rain since they're so light.

harrier

With winter coming on there's probably a few things that will help.

1. Gloves. I can run in a T as it gets colder but my hands freeze. Gloves (or old socks) can help a huge amount.
2. Long sleeve top. I have a couple made of wicking fabric. One is not much heavier than a light wicking T. The other is heavier and good on really cold days when doing recovery runs.
3. Gillet (sleeveless jacket). I have a bright yellow one with reflective material built in. This is good for road runs in the dark and when you need to keep a chill wind off, and will cope with a light shower.
4. Running tights. These look ridiculous, but are effective if your knees /legs get cold. Tracksters are good either when it's exceptionally cold.

You might want to use a rainproof jacket but I've given up on that. I found there's almost no chance of getting a rain jacket that is waterproof, breathable and comfortable. There's a case for using one on long runs where you're going easy for an extended period in light rain. But if it's really pouring down and very cold wear a combination of the above, and just run through it.

And plasters over your nipples can save the guaranteed wet-weather chafe, especially on a long run when rain and rubbing will split your skin. If this is your first winter avoid for as long as possible the excruciatingly painful and somewhat unfashionable red streaks of blood down the front of your top with 5 miles to go!

I'm brand-agnostic. I have great running clothing from addidas, ronhill, brooks, patagonia, and a decent pair of nike shorts. I find 1000 mile socks help avoid nasty blistering if you're feet are soaked for the duration of a long run.

Most shops will have something suitable but a specialist running shop is worthwhile for the advice until you get to know what works for you. I use John Buckley Sports in Cork mostly (google it) - great advice and fantastic mail-order service. I believe Sportsworld in Dublin is good.

ecoli

there another two places u can try one is arnotts not great but ya can get lucky sometimes the other is a new running specialist shop called runningways on parnell street which has gotten good reviews so far.
nike and aasics thou i am partial to the later

mikemac

It mightn't be an obvious idea but you can use cycling gear.
Caps and gloves can be bought cheap in Dunnes Stores.

When it's cold I wear a light cycling jersey and a light waterproof jacket.
Loads of gear here, you might find something.
www.chainreactioncycles.com

copacetic

as mentioned above a long sleeve wicking top and a gillet wins out for me almost every time. personally i don't like running tights and prefer 'tracksters', a little bit less pornographic.

The best things to get imo are really light and stretchy hat and gloves that will keep you warm for the first couple of miles and are light to carry. I have a couple of waterproof/windproof jackets too but don't wear them half as much, usually only if it is v cold and planning a nice slow run.

Cycling gear works well of course but a lot of the warmer stuff is a bit too warm for running imo.

I wouldn't worry too much about brands, but imo it is worth getting running specific gloves and hat, normal ones are nearly always too heavy. I have a helly hansen lifa hat and some adidas strecthy breathable gloves they are lifesavers..

jrar

Thanks to all for your very comprehenisve responses - enough to keep me busy planning/purchasing for a while.

Did a 9-miler this evening with just long-sleeved top and shorts, and some Lidl sports gloves which were actually too warm if anything ! Cold doesn't bother me when I get going - it's more the shower-proof / breathable gear that I need to invest in.

Once again, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

HardyEustace

Aldi do great running gear. Just keep an eye out for their specials and be sure to get there early as most runners are there early to raid the offers.

The aldi jackets are fantastic. Only tonight I was running in the Aldi hat and gloves. They also do running tights and singlets and just about everything you can think of including lovely base layers.

A lot cheaper than the branded goods as well and you can wash them once/twice a week without them becoming wrecked after a week or two.

hawkwing

Hi, does anyone know Is this gilet (ron hill) i think worth 30euro http://www.irishfit.eu/reflectivemen.htm

i want something reflective and warmish for the next 3 months,any advice on a long sleeve top for underneath also? is the white ron hill for 38e on the website worth buying or is there a better option (online)?

lindab

mizuno tokyo gear top notch or ronhill pretty good.

cunnins4

I like running in the rain, without any rain gear. Must be something wrong with me!:o

A P

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who likes running in the rain! An added bonus is that it keeps dog-owners away from the parks - don't get me wrong, I like dogs, but not when they're chasing me! It's good speedwork though.

Racing Flat

Most improtant thing is 'wicking' material, e.g. Nike Dry-fit. they don't get wet and heavy. classic mistake people make is have a great running jacket, rainproof breathable etc but wear cotton t-shirt underneath. So wear top of wicking material under the jacket. You don't actually need much - I would never wear more than two layers on top, you'll be warm in minutes. Leggings make it eaiser to leave the house on a cold night I think but are not essential and after the first few wears the paranoia goes. I have a rough rule of thumb, 10degrees = gloves (1,000mile) 8 degrees or below = gloves and hat. But usually the hat comes off after a while, and if it's a training night the gloves come off for the last few intervals as the competition hots up. So have pockets in your jacket to put these in...Key message - focus on keeping dry more than warm - your body will warm you

Stark

Racing_Flat wrote:

I have a rough rule of thumb, 10degrees = gloves (1,000mile) 8 degrees or below = gloves and hat.

10 degrees? Sounds like your average summer's day in Ireland