Running Clothes & Gear – Spring 2016 Edition
Spring tends to be a very short season in Washington, D.C. As a morning runner, it seems like we go go from 40-50 degree lows to 60 degrees in about a month! For the handful of swing weeks between winter and summer, I tend to wear the same clothes and gear that I did in the fall. In my Running Clothes & Gear – Fall 2015 Edition post, I wrote about key light-weight pieces that provide a little warmth. However, I left one one key essential – the light-weight rain slicker! That item is included below along with a few spring-appropriate items I’ve purchased since last fall.
Site Administrative Note: I’m making changes to the site to make information on specific clothing and gear items easier to find from the main menu.
Outerwear
Brooks LSD Running Jacket ($47-$98). I have an older version of this jacket that I purchased at the Army Ten Miler. Unlike the current version that packs up entirely into a zippered pocket in the back, my edition just has a hidden hood in the collar. The current version appears to have two front pockets, mine only has one.
This jacket provides little warmth but I think it’s perfect on warm, rainy days when I want to run outside but don’t want to get completely soaked. It’s so light that I barely notice I’m wearing it.
Brooks Essential Run Jacket. It’s not currently in stock but this also a nice, no-frills jacket from Brooks for rainy days. The version I own was the finishers jacket for the 2015 RnR DC Marathon.
The jacket has a little weight to it so it’s good for spring and fall weather when temperatures are in the 40s or low 50s but it’s rainy out. I’d want something heavier for winter but warmer-blooded runners might find it perfect with a long-sleeve layer underneath.
Adidas Supernova Storm Jacket (Discontinued). The women’s version of this item appears to have been discontinued but there are websites that are still advertising it. It’s similar to the Boston Marathon Celebration jacket but it’s much lighter. It’s great for relatively good weather but with a chill in the air or rain showers. Hopefully, it’ll come back in the market for fall.
Light Long Sleeve Shirts
Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve ($68). I bought this shirt in early 2015 for 2015 Ragnar Cape Cod. I wore it all the time in the fall and as a base layer in the winter, so I decided to buy two more. It’s very fitted but the fabric breathes well. Some runners might find it a little long in the arms and long in the waist.
Saucony Swift Long Sleeve ($58). I bought this shirt in blue last fall and ended up buying another one in black. This is a nice shirt for the colder spring or fall days. The fabric is a little on the heavy side so it provides a little warmth. But, it’s still cozy. I think the fit is perfect on my 5’7″ frame – it hits right at the wrists in the arms and hip bones on the waist.
Arm Warmers
Lululemon Swiftly Arm Warmers ($32). I had high hopes for these arm warmers. They’re lighter than any of the other ones I have. It’s as if they just cut the sleeves off the Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve Crew and added some reflective dots on them. And, that’s the biggest problem I have with them – they’re so light that they’re almost unnecessary. I might as well just wear the long sleeve shirt. But, that’s also why they’re good for a transitional season like spring. Lastly, I’m a little on the lanky side and don’t particularly like thumb holes, so for me, they were a bit long.
Gym Bag
Nike Victory Gym Club Bag ($110). My gym bag was stolen from my car this winter. I’m still in denial about it. I replaced it with a duffle that was just as stylish. The straps are a good length. There are two small pockets on the side for storing small items like keys and a lock. The zippered pockets on the ends can be used for shoes and wet clothes. It’s a nice bag. I’m not leaving this one in my car!
