The transitional season is just around the corner. The options are vast, and you might have already signed up for the season's first race. You might wonder which transitional clothes to wear when the season shifts from winter to spring. In this article, you'll get a complete overview of what clothes to choose to keep your runs comfortable during the transition season.
First and foremost, a good rule of thumb is to dress in layers. You'll warm up along the way, which is why layering is optimal, allowing you to take off your jacket or vest – depending on what you choose to wear and how your training session is structured.
The intensity of your run
It's important to consider the intensity you've planned for your workout when dressing. I'd suggest that the higher the intensity, the less clothing you need – simply because the body generates more heat when running fast. Conversely, the lower the intensity, the more clothing you should wear. A good idea is to think of the weather as being 10 degrees warmer than it actually is when you're planning to run fast, as your heart rate increases and your body generates more heat.
Base Layer
Base Layer is, in my opinion, the most important go-to clothing. Both wool and polyester work well here, as they insulate and wick away sweat. The most important thing about your base layer is that it fits snugly. Primarily because you often have another layer over it. The reason the base layer is my go-to clothing is that I can use it year-round. It works under my shirt, jacket, vest, or as a layer on its own on a spring day when the sun is out.
Mid Layer
Mid Layer is the insulating layer. Its purpose is often to keep the body warm and dry. Many use the mid layer as the outer layer, especially during the transition season. The mid layer is often designed with a ½ zipper and in material with great freedom of movement, which is also airy and breathable, so you can have the base layer underneath.
Vest
Along with the base layer, the vest is my clear favorite. Vest is an optimal choice for those who find a running jacket too warm. The vest keeps your body warm while allowing heat to escape from your arms. Overall, there are two types of vests: padded and shell vests. Padded vests often have front panels for extra warmth, are windproof, and have a thinner back material to release excess heat. Shell vests are designed with a thinner material on both the front and back but are still windproof. It's very individual whether you prefer one vest over the other. I find the vest very useful for the transition season, and I also love the look it gives.
Running Jacket
The advantage of running jackets is that they are often windproof and water-repellent, which is a bonus for the transitional season when the weather can be quite changeable. Additionally, many running jackets are designed with extremely lightweight quality, breathability, and comfort, which many prefer on their runs. Most running jackets have zippered pockets with good storage space for gels, personal belongings, hat, headband, and gloves if it gets too warm on your runs.
Winter Tights vs. Regular Tights
Just like the base layer for the upper body, a pair of tights are essential for the transition season, so you can continue your runs and stay warm. But what should you choose – winter tights or regular tights? The primary difference between winter tights and regular tights is often the material they are made from. Some brands make winter tights from slightly thicker material, and they might be lined. With winter tights, you might lose some mobility, but they keep you warmer, whereas regular tights offer more mobility due to their thinner fabric.
Headgear – Gloves
Most have experienced frozen fingers and cooler ears during their run, which is uncomfortable. It can almost ruin your run as it becomes an irritation. Here, gloves, headband, and/or hat are essential, but again, it's very individual from runner to runner if they find it comfortable. It's about experimenting to see what feels good.
Socks
We've now come to socks. Personally, they should be light, absorb sweat from the knee and calf, and fit snugly to avoid blisters or irritation. But again, it's very individual what works – so my best advice is to try and see which socks work best for you.
Sports Bra
Running without a sports bra can be uncomfortable, and in the long run, it can actually weigh down your breasts. A good sports bra naturally provides good support and is designed with functional material with qualities like breathability and effective sweat-wicking.
Support and adjustability are the two things I pay most attention to when choosing a sports bra. These features mean you can adjust the sports bra to fit your bust. For women with a larger bust, the support the sports bra provides is crucial, as are the adjustment options. Strap adjustments are useful when doing high-intensity training, as you can tighten them a notch more. For me, closure adjustments work best, so I can tighten/loosen the sports bra as needed on any given day.
