Clothing & Cool Stuff
Trail Running
Essentials for clothing
I have some definite no-goes when it comes to trail running gear:
DO NOT run in anything 100% cotton. It gets wet, stays wet and can lead to uncomfortable chafing.
NO loose baggy sweatpants, sweatshirts or hoodies. These are fine for the pre and post run ‘hero stories’ but are NOT for the trails and I won’t be persuaded otherwise.
Whatever you choose to run in; singlet, short sleeved or long sleeved t-shirt, shorts, leggings/tights or ‘skort’ ensure it is made from stretchy, moisture wicking, breathable material that fits well. Constantly re-adjusting and pulling up or down your clothing as you run gets frustrating over time. Also make sure it’s free from annoying labels which will only get more annoying the longer you run.
A `Skilt`: could that be a goer?
But let`s just go back to the skort for a moment. This is the short/skirt combination some ladies love and I think look cool.
So why can’t the guys wear these? It could be a short/kilt combination and called it a ‘skilt’.
I think I am on to something here.....
Don`t forget your undies!
And don’t just concentrate on the clothing that’s on show. Your underwear is equally important.
Don’t spoil all your good work getting your trail running gear right to then wear cotton undies. If your running bottoms don’t contain built in liners consider something in a seamless, moisture wicking, breathable material.
And a good quality well fitting supportive sports bra for the ladies.
No jiggling as you run
Some well placed pockets can be a bonus for storing easy to access necessities such as your car key, chewing gum and tissues. But make sure they don’t jiggle around as you run and have a zip so your stuff doesn’t fall out. You will not want to lose that key on the trails.
Oh and remember to take the tissue and chewing gum out before putting your gear in the wash. Believe me you do not want to deal with the aftermath of that! The laundry fairy is very forgiving but tissues in the washing machine is a bridge too far!
Layering Up: additional trail running gear
For those colder days, the unpredictability of the elements and running at altitude, layering is a must.
The addition of long sleeve moisture wicking, breathable base layers, a light beanie or hat and wind resistant gloves are essential and can be life saving. If you’re running locally and like your short sleeved top consider full arm sleeves. They can provide more protection when it’s needed and be rolled down or removed as you warm up. And I always add a close fitting compression vest underneath.
Buy Once Cry Once: a potential lifesaving investment
A lightweight water resistant running jacket may protect you from a little rain or cold but many are not waterproof or breathable. If you are thinking of running for an extended time, at elevation, in isolated areas or more extreme conditions you will need something more suited to the environment.
If you will be entering running events with mandatory gear requirements either now or in the future, they have very strict jacket specifications. I would recommend taking these specifications into consideration before making any purchase.
Good running jackets are certainly not cheap but as they could be a life saver the investment is certainly worth it.
‘Buy once, cry once’ is a good philosophy to adopt here. You don’t want to be stuck out in the elements wishing you got that better jacket!
Whatever jacket you buy ensure it is designed for running. You will not be comfortable running in a big bulky jacket with no ventilation. Ideally you would need it to be lightweight, breathable, waterproof -check out the waterproof rating system. With fully seam sealed protection, a snug fit that allows you to move and a hood that is adjustable. Before you buy try it on, move around and see how it packs down fro carrying.
I love my Salomon Bonatti WP jacket and my Pearl Izumi Fly Softshell Run Jacket. Both meet the mandatory gear requirements for most trail runs within Australia at the time of writing. Remember to always check current requirements for your run.
Other Stuff
I will have all the gear I will ever need said no trail runner EVER
THIRs: the multifunctional necessity
The THIR is a trail running gear necessity. I don’t run anywhere without one. They are multifunctional and can be used as a headband, hat, scarf. As a wrist sweatband. Wetted for cooling down on a hot day. And in case of emergency as a bandage or tissue if your desperate!! And their awesome designs bring a touch of personality to the trails. My collection would make even Imelda Marcos proud.
Peak and Sunnies Combo: my essential trail running gear
I am rarely seen without a visor or cap. They keep the sun and rain off my face and my sunnies.
But where they are at their BEST is when running through the trees constantly switching from sunshine to shade and back again. This can cause havoc on your eyes and the peak casts a constant shadow over the face leaving you with near perfect vision and allows you to smash along those technical trails, leaving others in awe of your outstanding trail running awesomeness.
My other go to’s are my Ryders with their photochromic lenses so I can continue to use them as the light fades.
Avoid the Chafe
Any great run can turn bad with chafing.
Chafing is caused by friction and good quality running gear can certainly help reduce this. Avoid anything made with cotton and select instead stretchy, sweat wicking, breathable fabrics that fit well. And that includes your socks and underwear to avoid chafing in sensitive areas.
A little tape in a few strategic places can also help. As can the use of glides.
I have definitely felt the pain of the chafe and my go to products are RockTape, Bodyglide with the addition of Footglide for longer runs.
If you chafe and you don’t feel it on the run you will certainly know about it when you jump in the shower…
