What to Wear for Fall Running
Style
look-book
Despite my 17 years of running experience, I still struggle with what to wear as the temperatures drop in the fall. The first couple of chilly mornings I wear way too many clothes. I end the run with shirts tied around my waist, and hat tucked in my waistband, drenched in sweat. Here are the rules I've learned to follow over the years:
- You should be slightly cold until around mile one. Seriously, like clockwork right at mile one, you'll notice you warm up.
- Dress as if it 20 degrees warmer and you're headed outside to stand around. What I mean is if it's 48 degrees, imagine it's 68 and you're getting dressed to watch a parade. You'd wear a tee or light long sleeve tee and shorts. So wear a tee and shorts to run. Maybe add gloves. If it's raining or windy add a light top layer, maybe a vest.
- Layers! Every runner should be armed with a wicking base layer, a running vest, a light and heavy jacket, capris, and pants. Mix and match to run comfortably all winter, no matter what.
- Know your "no shorts" temperature cut off. Mine is 43 degrees. Yes, seriously. If it's 42 degrees it's a capri or pants situation. Find your temperature. But anything under 35 degrees is a no-no for 99% of people unless they're racing.
- And finally it doesn't matter how cute you look if cars can't see you. Headlamp, flashlight, blinking arm band... or have your cake and eat it too with stylish reflective detailing. Obviously Oiselle has you covered there. Because we love cake... I mean reflective detailing.
Now that you've got the basics, lets get down to it with a fall weather pop quiz.
It's 6:17am, 39 degrees, a slight wind from the north laced with drizzle. What do you wear!?
If you said a base layer with a running vest, shorts or capris and optional gloves - You're right!
2. Gilman Vest *wind, water resistant AND reflective.
This is easy to adapt to a colder day, (say 33 - 28 degrees) simply swap the Lesley Knickers for Onyx Tights and the Gilman Vest for it's full body counterpart: the Burke Jacket. Add a hat and gloves.
2. Burke Jacket
3. Onyx Tights
What are your fall and winter 'what to wear' rules?
MORE STORIES
Core Routine For Runners: The Dozen
I was introduced to the "The Dozen" in the winter of 2012 by my favorite Oregon running family. I love this set of core exercises for its efficient targeting of core muscle groups, and because no gym equipment is required! You can do this on a grass field, in your hotel room, or really anywhere you can lay on a flat surface.
Reflecting on the Year of the Underbird
This past August, we launched our Year of the Underbird program: an open application for aspiring Olympic Trials marathoners, with a promise to select 5 women for a 6 month contract encompassing a stipend, gear, storytelling, and community support. As we reach the end of our flight with our selected athletes, we invited each of them to share a few reflections on their past 6 months as teammates.
Black History Month: Celebrating Our Athletes
We are honored to support five exceptional Black women athletes challenging norms in the running industry: athletes, advocates, and powerful voices in the sport. We invited each of them to reflect on their journeys through sport: how their identity has affected their development, and how they hope to impact the rising generation of athletes. Hear from Madie Boreman, Kendra Coleman, Brenna Detra, Carmen Pelar Graves, and Ari Hendrix-Roach.