No Such Thing as Bad Weather... My All-Year Round Running Kit

Because I crucially forgot to pack some my running kit whilst heading for the French Alps on holiday, I thought I would list the stuff that I really find essential for running all year round, being on snow, in hot weather, on trails etc. This is by no means an exhaustive list nor the only specific models I recommend, just what really works for me.

1. Somewhere Warm

1. Light clothing. For somewhere warm, I will try and avoid long leggings or even my beloved capris and go for something that will cover as little of the skin as possible (whilst still being clothed!!). I personally favour lycra shorts. I have two pairs, from Under Armour and Adidas and they are so durable that after about 10 years of use they are showing no sign of retiring. I would love to wear simple loose running shorts but I inevitably suffer from chaffing inside my thighs when wearing those so a big no no for me especially on long runs. To cover my upper body I like my Crewroom vest because it's really light and moisture-wicking. I wore it during my ultra and it was like running in my running bra, which was welcome with the temperature. I could have run in my running bra only you would say, but it was not practical with my Camelbak as it would have likely caused significant chaffing from the straps.

2. Running cap. When it's warm you may want to ditch your visor and go for a cap. Not only will it protect your head but you can also keep it wet by drenching it with water at each water station so it keeps you cool.

2 . Somewhere Cold

I am not talking about a small dip in temperature, more like a place covered with snow and/or ice. Just to say, with care, it is possible to run outdoor. I have trained outdoor in temperatures down to -12 deg C (that's 10 deg F) and managed to find it enjoyable because I was equipped accordingly. My go to equipment in this type of weather includes:

1. Studded Icebug MRL Bugrip. I have had them quite a few years given that we don't get much snow over here in the UK. But look up the latest models.
2. Thermal long sleeved top (I have some from Underarmour, Decathlon's brand Kalengi and Tribe), possibly topped with a light fleece or running jacket if needed.
3. Warm leggings. In typical UK winter I favour my Crewroom leggings, if it is an exceptional cold winter I may move to my thermal Asics pair.
4. Beanie (preferably a moisture-wicking one - I like my Asics one)
5. Gloves - although I am one of these warm blooded people who will have to take them off about 1 mile in (yes, even in -12 deg C temperatures)

3. Somewhere Sunny

I don't like running with the sun in my eyes, especially on trails where I need to be able to see where my put my feet. But I also don't like having to worry about wobbly sunglasses. I have found a pair I love, which is by VeloChampion. They don't move at all during my runs, and I can easily put them up on my head if I go from an exposed section to a shaded section, and they stay put. A winner for me.

I also usually use a visor or cap, although it probably makes me look like the runner with 'all the gear and no idea' but I don't care what I look like as long as I'm comfortable when running!

4. Somewhere Rainy

I currently live in the UK. So rain is a relatively common occurrence! If I don't train in the rain then I wouldn't be able to train for a marathon throughout the winter here, so I had to find the gear that allowed me to do this. My essential rainy-day equipment includes:

1. A good rain jacket, designed for running (moisture-wicking, so that you don't start overheating as soon as you start running like you would with a conventional rain jacket). Mine is the Asics Accelerate and I absolutely love it because I can forget I am wearing it when I run, which is a serious criterion for choosing my running kit.
2. A hat or visor that will keep run off your face (just so you can see where you are going!)

5. Somewhere Dark

Training for a spring marathon likely means you will have to train in darkness during the winter months. In the dark, there are two main rules: you need to see and be seen.

1. To see, you will need a good headtorch. Mine if a Petzl and it doesn't shift during a run and you can adjust the angle (i.e. how far ahead you can see) so you can focus on the run, knowing it will light your way. I haven't yet done a night trail run with it but this is on my to-do list for this winter, as I know I have the kit for it!

2. To be seen, you will need a reflective vest. Mine is the bells-and-whistles type that is not only bright yellow and reflective but is equipped with flashing red lights. It makes me look like a moving Christmas tree, but then nobody can pretend they didn't see me. Better be over the top and safe than sorry!

6. Somewhere Off Road

If you run anywhere off road, you will likely encounter some pretty uneven terrain covered with stones, roots, potholes and other types of obstacles. This may explain why most ultra trail runners appear to favour maximal shoes (the opposite of the barefoot trend), which provide extra cushioning. Hoka One One shoes are at the forefront of the maximal trend. The reason I adopted them originally was on the recommendation of my podiatrist when struggling with Moreton's Neuroma, which is a pretty painful foot condition if you have been lucky enough to avoid it. The advantage of the extra cushioning for Moreton is that you hardly feel the ground you are running on, and it nicely dampens any uneven surface, which is definitely what you may want if running a 100k race (just think of the number of stones you could potentially have run on by the time you cross the finish line - ouch). My Hokas are the Challenger ATR 4 model and are suitable for road also, which is perfect for me as I train on a mix of road and trail when back home in South West London.

7. Somewhere commutable

Have you thought of doing a full or partial run commute to work? But you need to carry a change of clothes and laptop? Often I see people doing their commute with a backpack bouncing in all directions. Not only must it be uncomfortable but it is likely to cause injury in the long term. If a run commute is something you think may become a regular occurrence then my advice is to invest in a suitable running backpack. Mine is the 15L OMM backpack and is roomy enough to contain a full set of clothes with shoes and my Surface Pro laptop. Once it's packed with those it's pretty full, but this means it doesn't bounce at all, so really doesn't bother me whilst running. I also, incidentally run the Mad'Trail 19k with it, and whilst it was bouncier as not so full, it helped me carry my water and fuel alongside some additional equipment like survival blanket etc (Camelbak would have done a nicer job but needs must).

8. Somewhere Hilly

I have done some mildly hilly races in the past but it's only recently that I have discovered what real climbs are. My Mad'Trail race was particularly revealing and straight from the start I did wonder whether having no poles would put me at a disadvantage. I later invested in trail poles and found that they were actually quite helpful (saying that, elite trail runners do not tend to use them in races although they may use them in training). Quite simply, trail poles allow you to distribute your effort and use some power from your arms instead of relying solely on your legs. My Frendo trail poles may not be the greatest there is in terms of comfort and performance, but they have done the job nicely so far, and all that without breaking the bank. Just beware you will need to know how to use them properly to get the full benefit (blog post on this coming soon).

9. Somewhere Far

If you are planning anything like an ultra, chances are the refuelling and water stations will be few and far between. While some less experienced runners may choose to go and run whilst carrying water bottles, I find hydration vests or Camelbak-type hydration packs to be much more convenient. I have a 2L Camelbak, which I frankly hardly notice whilst running (unless I'm thirsty and I am out of water!!!), so I definitely think that carrying water on your back whilst running is the way to go! I also found my Camelbak, although compact, was roomy enough to contain first aid kit, blister kit and all my gels and other ultra food for a 50k race.

Fuel and hydration is essential but next you may want to look after your feet. Blisters are a reality of ultras so you may want to do your best to delay them (avoid would be best but I am trying to be realistic here!). Good socks are a must. I have tried and tested quite a few pairs over the years and have narrowed it down to two of my favourite pairs: Balega and Innov-8 are my go to socks if it is far and/or hot.

Obviously you may be kamikaze and decide to go for the trail hilly race in hot weather, in which case you will need a combination of the above. I will leave it to you to work out what you need but remember Rule #1: try any piece of kit in training and not on race day.

I also want to add that at time of writing this post I have not been sponsored by any sport goods company to promote their products (that explains why my attire may look a bit tired on the pictures). So this is a kit 100% tried, tested and approved by me!

Happy all-weather running!