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Comfort on the Trails

March 2, 2020

Clothing tips that work in winter and spring weather.

As an athlete who trains year round, the winter and early spring months in the South can be challenging times to get outdoors due to cold snaps, multi-day rain showers, and 30-degree temperature swings. Over the years, I’ve tested nearly every outerwear combination, and here are my recommendations to keep you comfortable outdoors in the upcoming months.

For all clothing, Merino (no-itch) wool or synthetic (polyester blend) are best for keeping you warm and dry. It is pretty easy to stay warm while running or hiking, but if you are cycling, your hands and feet will feel cold first – so don’t skimp in those areas. On rainy days, even though the temperature may be higher, you’ll end up moist, which pulls heat from your body, so overdressing a little is usually OK. I have yet to find a truly waterproof jacket that is breathable enough to wear while running, so I typically just wear a thicker base layer and vest, realizing I’m going to be a bit wet. For days with cold mornings but 60+ degree afternoons, being able to shed layers is key. Arm warmers, knee warmers and leg warmers are great accessories you can shed and stow in your pack as the temperatures rise.

Cold: Temperatures Below 32 Degrees

Running/Hiking
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer.
• Windproof vest (if running or hiking briskly).
• Windproof jacket (if walking casually).
• Gloves, beanie hat, buff or headband to cover ears.

Cycling
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer.
• Breathable windproof jacket, windproof gloves, cap or headband that fits under helmet, shoe covers (available at bike shops/outdoor stores).
• Optional buff to pull over face on long downhills or start of ride.

Wet: Light to Moderate Rain

Running/Hiking
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer.
• Waterproof vest or highly breathable waterproof jacket (if running or hiking briskly).
• Breathable waterproof jacket (if walking casually).
• Depending on temperature: Gloves, beanie hat, buff or headband.

Cycling
• Merino wool socks, long tights or pants, midweight to heavyweight long-sleeve base layer, waterproof vest or highly breathable waterproof jacket, gloves.
• Depending on temperature: cap or headband that fits under helmet, shoe covers.

Cold Morning/Warm Afternoon

Running/Hiking
• Merino wool socks, shorts (if running) or lightweight pants (if hiking), lightweight to midweight short-sleeve baselayer.
• Windproof vest (if running or hiking briskly).
• Windproof jacket (if walking casually).
• Gloves, optional arm warmers for morning use.

Cycling
• Merino wool socks, cycling shorts with knee or leg warmers, lightweight to midweight short-sleeve baselayer or jersey, windproof vest.
• Gloves, arm warmers for morning use.

Trail Events
Details at http://mountaingoatadventures.com

March 21: Rope Mill Spring Thaw 4 and 10 Mile Trail Run
Race No. 1 of the 2020 Mountain Goat Adventures Spring Trail Run Series.
4- and 10-mile courses available on rolling single-track trails. Beginner-friendly 4-mile course.

April 18: Battle of Blankets Creek 5 Mile and 10 Mile Trail Run
Beginner friendly 5-mile course that features the Van Michael Trail, which skirts the hillside above Lake Allatoona. SORBA Woodstock fundraiser and free kids-10-and-under race.

April 18: Blankets Creek Dirty 15/30 Mile Mountain Bike Race
15- and 30-mile courses that feature nearly all the trails at Blankets Creek Park. SORBA Woodstock fundraiser.

– Lisa Randall is a mom, small business owner and athlete from Canton. She is the chapter journalist for SORBA Woodstock.

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