What to wear...5K at 40 degrees?

Amy_B

I am running my first 5K of the season tomorrow. I have run outside lately when it's been 40 degrees, but I can't ever decide if I am warm enough or not (particularly my head and hands). What would you wear in 40 degree weather for a 5K? I think it's supposed to be sunny. Thanks!

okeefel

Hi Amy!
I would highly suggest purchasing some dri fit tops and sports bras. They help to keep you warm and dry when it's cold outside and cool and dry when it's hot outside. Check out the selection at Target. A lot of times you can find these products in the clearance racks. I invested in some in the fall when I trained for my first half marathon. I can't imagine running with anything else now. Another suggestion would be to layer. Most runners layer in weather like this. In the half-marathon I ran we even had a "throw away" point where you could donate your extra layers to charity. I hope this helps. Good luck!

MissingMinnesota

Are you doing the bridge run in Charleston? If so you should get long sleeves and tights as I am sure it will be windy.

Amy_B

Are you doing the bridge run in Charleston? If so you should get long sleeves and tights as you I am sure it will be windy.

Nope...it's in IN.

I was debating on wearing my jacket or not. I might wear it but tie it around my waist if I get too hot. I think I might bring the gloves and put them in my pockets also if I get too hot. I was hoping for 50s or 60s tomorrow, but no such luck. Definitely wearing wicking layers (except I can't find my socks!).

MissingMinnesota

When I did a 5k in december I wore a paid of the cheap streach gloves so I could just throw them out at a water station if I needed too. Layers are good with the coat that can unzip easily.

HoopFire5602

It was always recommended to me to wear warm clothing that you can remove later. Take a light jacket, one that you don't really care to lose, and while you are running if you get too warm you can always remove it and toss it to the side. In the races I've run I've seen plenty of people do it and have done it myself. If you have a cheering section you could also throw it at them.

For pants, i love running in shorts when it is cold. I love what the cold does to my legs...lol i can't feel the pain from running so I tend to push harder. So I have no advice there...I'm kind of a weirdo I guess.

schotas

I agree with the suggestions above. I've run in shorts, but I've worn a dri-fit shirt under a light jacket. Since it is a shorter distance, you could easily tie it around your waist and finish the run without it being a burden to carry. I highly recommend gloves--I usually just have a cheap, knit pair from Target that way I can toss them to the side if I need to. I also like to wear a baseball cap to keep my head warm, but some of my friends wear the little headband that covers the ears. And as wacky as it sounds, some people will often poke a hole in the bottom of a large trash bag and pull it all the way over their head. They wear the bag at the starting line to keep warm until time for the race to start. Believe it or not, it really does help keep you warm.

Good luck to you!!!