Back once again for everything you wanted to know about running but were afraid to ask.

Rules of the Road:

This is inspired by eric_twinge’s fine work in r/fitness.

Upvote either good or stupid questions. Sort questions by new so that they get some love.

To the more experienced runnitors, if something is a good question or answer, add it to the FAQ.

Post your question – stupid or otherwise – here to get an answer – stupid or otherwise. Anyone can post a question and the community as a whole is invited and encouraged to provide an answer. Many questions get submitted late each week that don’t get a lot of action, so if your question didn’t get answered, feel free to post it again.

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Be sure to check back often as questions get posted throughout the day. Sort comments by “new” to be sure the newer questions get some love as well.

[Posting on behalf of /u/Percinho who I presume is busy trying to not burn himself making soup]

  • suchbrightlights@alien.topB
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    11 months ago

    So I’m theoretically a full grown adult. Why is it so hard to dress myself for a run in late fall/early winter temperatures so that I won’t be too hot or too cold?

    • 30000LBS_Of_Bananas@alien.topOPB
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      11 months ago

      Theory and practice aren’t always the same, I am also theoretically a full grown adult, I also struggle with dressing myself to not overheat or be cold.

    • runner7575@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      Right! I will try on multiple options before I commit.

      Though the 20 degree warmer theory does usually work for me, except sometimes i don’t factor in the wind.

    • runner3264@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      I do not know, but I share your confusion. I, too, struggle with this, despite ostensibly being an actual grown-up. I’m convinced that the key to proper dressing for runs is just a secret humans were not meant to know.

    • Cer-rific_43@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      The struggle is real. For now, I choose to stay in my neighborhood so when I get too warm I can circle back and drop layers & hat in my driveway and keep going. It’s not ideal, and I haven’t figured out to add a chest light for the dark, because THAT is just too much to manage! Glad I’m not alone in this.

    • KJBNH@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      It really comes with experience. I tend to overdress slightly so I can remove my beanie or gloves if I get too hot or unzip my jacket. I’d definitely rather be too hot and start removing stuff to carry than be too cold the entire time.

    • MontanaDemocrat1@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      I, too, am chiming in as an allegedly fully grown adult. How am I to dress to run in the winter with a cast on my wrist?

    • Triabolical_@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      I aim a little on the cold side, because running a little bit cold is only uncomfortable and not generally hazardous and getting sweaty on cold days can be problematic as you can end up cold cold.

      I try to have a zip up top so I can moderate the amount of wind cooling I get, and I will also take off my hat (and perhaps my gloves) if I start to get too hot.

      I come from the cycling world, where the problem is a lot worse; I’ll be climbing hard up a 700’ hill at a slow speed and then riding descents at 35 mph. And the solution is to unzip on the way up the hill and just deal with the fact that you are going to be cold at times.

    • bethskw@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      Because you don’t know what you want to wear until you’re 2+ miles into the run. And at that point it’s too late to get dressed.

    • Pigbear420@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      I left my house yesterday to run. Forecast is 51 degrees. I get to the running spot (Anza Borrego Dessert, San Diego) ITS 23 DEGREES!!!

      • suchbrightlights@alien.topB
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        11 months ago

        Oh… that’s very different.

        I always keep extra layers in my car (I live in an area with some pronounced microclimates depending on where you are in the valley) but I don’t know that I am equipped for 23 vs. 51.

    • Breimann@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      A t shirt, running shorts, light gloves, and a beanie is the GOAT cold weather outfit. Hands/Ears will get cold before anything else (nose, but good luck covering that comfortably)

    • FWSRunner@alien.topB
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      11 months ago

      I ran a race the other day that was about 40 degrees F, and debated bringing a long-sleeved tee because I suspected I was just gonna have to tie it around my waist after a mile or two. I settled on a tank and shorts, was chilly before the race and for about a half mile, and then super comfy the rest of the way.

      99% of the field was in tights and long sleeves, and about 25% in jackets. I wish I could stay that cool while running. 😂