British weather is famous worldwide for being unpredictable. You can set out on a run in bright, blissful sunshine, and within five minutes find yourself battling your way through a ferocious hailstorm, then end the run in warm sunshine again. This can be a big problem for runners – not just because it’s miserable to run in bad weather, but because it makes it very difficult to find the right clothing and gear that will keep you comfortable whatever the weather. Luckily, there are ways and means to keep the weather out and stay comfortable no matter what the great British climate throws at you. Here are some tips:
Go for the ‘Goldilocks fit’
To stay comfortable and perform well through changing temperatures and conditions, your clothing fit should hit a midground between tight and loose. You don’t want it sticking to your skin, nor do you want it flapping around as you run. Remember that loose clothing will get heavy and drag at you if it gets wet, and that skintight clothing will get sticky and chafe if it gets too hot. So, you want something that’s structured and moves with your body rather than flapping against it, but you also want a reasonable amount of airflow to keep things cool and prevent chafing. For example, if you’re shopping for running shorts for men, don’t go for baggy basketball shorts or skintight Lycra cycling shorts. Opt for a fit that doesn’t hug your body too closely, but also doesn’t sag or bag.
Get lightweight layers
Layers are key to beating unpredictable weather. Layers can help to insulate your body in cold weather, will protect you from the rain if weatherproof, and you can remove them if you get too hot. The problem, of course, is that you have to carry layers around with you when you’re not wearing them, which can be awkward if you’re trying to run light.
So, opt for lightweight layers, like a light weatherproof running jacket or a hoodie that you can easily slip off if the sun comes out. Pick options that you can easily fold up and pop inside a running belt or bag pocket for ease of carrying. This usually means going for thinner fabrics, which may not be ideal on colder days – but, on the other hand, on colder days you probably won’t need to remove your outer layers as much.
Invest in proper footwear
Every fitness influencer and personal trainer will tell you that what you wear on your feet is hugely important to your fitness journey. It’s well worth investing in good running shoes that will work with your gait, support your feet, and cushion the impact on your soles. However, it’s also important to take terrain and weather conditions into account when picking out your running shoes. If you’re running on pavements, then you’ll need shoes that can withstand repeated impacts on a hard surface, but you may not have to worry quite as much about mud and ankle support as a trail runner would. However, if you’re running in fields, parks, and on trails, you should look for a more versatile shoe that can handle a wide range of terrains and weather conditions – remember that mud is extremely likely in wet weather, and if mud gets into your shoes, the grit can cause a lot of blister-making friction. So, look for shoes that rise a little higher on your ankle, that are waterproof, and that are tight enough to keep mud and dirt away from your feet.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
We all know that running is thirsty work in hot weather, but it’s important to stay hydrated in cold weather, too. You may not notice thirst as much in the cold, but cold air can lead to a lot of respiratory water loss. So, don’t assume that you don’t need to carry water with you just because it’s chilly out. For best performance, and to stay properly hydrated, carry water with you whatever the weather.
Don’t let the weather hold you back
All in all, the weather doesn’t have to be an obstacle to your running routine. With proper preparation, equipment, hydration, and adjustments, you can comfortably run in any weather condition. Always remember that the core goal is to enjoy the run, and the rest will follow.
