Hi °C | Lo °C Shorts on? Check. T-shirt? Check. Running trainers? Check. Weather outside? Raining. Typical.
We’re hoping for a dry day for The Belfast Telegraph’s Runher event, however living here has meant we take a ‘the rain won’t dampen our spirits’ attitude.
Exercise is an essential element for a healthy lifestyle and running is a great way to get your daily fix. If you aren’t wearing the right gear you won’t get the most out of your workout and could increase your risk of picking up an injury.
It’s not a good idea digging out your old tennis shoes you’ve had for 10 years and assuming you can run in them. You need a good pair of running trainers. The trainers should be well cushioned, fit well and match your foot type and running style.
Is it just me or is it always cold here? The winter nights are sneaking up on us, but cold weather shouldn’t be an excuse. Just because we have fewer daylight hours and falling temperatures, doesn’t mean your outdoor running routine has to go into hibernation. It simply means be sensible what you wear on those frosty nights. Wear layers that will help to wick moisture away from the skin. Like, coolmax, dryfit and polypropylene, these should be worn as a base layer, with a wind and waterproof outer layer. Stay visible when out running in the dark or even in the rain. Try to select an outer layer zip jacket that has reflective strips or high visibility. You’ll be warming up as soon as you start your run so wear a zip jacket incase you get too warm, this is easier to take off and allows you to regulate your temperature by zipping it up and down.
Hats are very important when running because we lose a large amount of body heat through are head. So it’s important to keep it covered. I know some aren’t very stylish but we aren’t doing a photo shoot for vogue, it’s not a fashion parade, it’s a must. On cold days wear gloves that wick away moisture.
For our legs we don’t need as many layers, you should wear something of synthetic material. They come in shorts, ¾ tights and full length running tights. Personally, I prefer the ¾ length tights. They are generally more flattering on the leg. Try to avoid wearing cotton. For running socks wear fabrics such as acrylic or wool.
Wearing more layers will not keep you dry in the rain; you’re going to get wet, unless you are running with an umbrella over your head? And don’t forget one of the most important items of clothing for us ladies is, a good supportive sports bra.
We’ve three weeks to go ladies. Remember walk, jog or run. You can choose from the Childine 5k walk, The Runher 5k run and The Runher 10k run! Any teams of 10 are also welcome for our champion challenge. Let’s go daughters, mums, grandmothers, sisters and aunties Girl Power!
