Coach’s Corner - Sweater Weather Rules

It’s nearly that time.  In Florida, there are several days that aren’t at all like the others. During these eight days everyone loses their mind over wardrobe choices to accommodate temps in the 60s, 50s and possibly 40s. WBRRC runners don’t have to worry since they know the Rules (below).

Generally:

• Always layer

• Warm up (maybe even preheat a little by wearing a jacket indoors beforehand)

• Synthetics/ Tech only* – no cotton anywhere, in any weather!

• * An exception is specially processed wool.  It’s phenomenal, but hard to find and a bit of a flex to have a $75 t-shirt

• Do not forget wind speed.  Wind chill can create a much lower temperature than advertised

Specifically:

Running creates about 10-15 degrees of heat.  So dress as though you were standing around in weather that much hotter.  Here are my typical go-tos:

• 60 degrees+: typical Florida shorts/ shirt combo.

• 50s: Still okay to dress typical, but consider warm clothes indoors or beforehand (like in a race).  You’ll be uncomfortable for a mile or so; whatever.

• 40s: Shorts are okay, tights are better, consider a knit hat, but you’ll probably take it off.  For me, gloves are needed here since it kills me to have cold hands.

• 30s: long sleeves, shorts or tights, gloves, and a knit, ear-covering hat

• Less than 30:  You’re on your own; these are Florida Rules.

Pro-tip:

Watch the pros in cold weather marathons. Nearly all wear shorts, tank top, gloves and knit hats.  Through the race they shed the hat first and the gloves later.  Beforehand, they wear parkas, snow suits, heated blankets, etc.  Consider copying Kipchoge.