Heads up on running accessories for women is all about how I keep my neck and head well covered during the different seasons.
essentials are:
- cap
- beanie
optional:
- gaiter/neck scarf
- wind breaker
- headphones
- sun glasses
This is super important because if you do not feel well prepared, then you simply do not head out of the door when it is cold. If it is hot, it is very important to protect your head as you will not be aware of your head getting sunburned.
In this space of @amilliongraces to everyday fun, fitness, and food I have found that it does not happen if you do not get prepared.
When I go outside for a run, I now know what to do to cover my head, no matter what the weather or season is like.
summer and warm weather
During summer and in the warmer months I usually cover my head with a peaked cap and a pair of sunglasses.
There are many options and price ranges out there to choose from. I bought my sunglasses at the local discount store and I thought that I’d replace them if and when I got serious about this fitness stuff. They are lasting forever and I’ve used them already in a few races and in two triathlons.
When you start out, you really do not have to spend a lot of money, you can of course because when the fitness bug bites, it’s fun to build up your running kit.
My peak cap lasted many years and it was only this year in the Wings for Life race did I actually have to part with it. I loved it because it was light and it protected me from the sun.
rainy weather
Keeping our heads up and actually getting out of the door during the rainy season can be tricky. If it is warm and raining, then I do try to keep it light as I don’t mind running in the rain.
I don’t use anything special then. I simply go for the run, enjoy the rain and jump into the shower as soon as I get home.
If it’s a bit cooler or a bit windy then I do try to cover up.
I have a super light windbreaker and it covers my head really well. Be sure to look for a jacket with a good and well-fitting hood. On the odd occasion that I have used it, I’ve enjoyed the run and I have felt protected. It comes well over my face and acts like a visor as well.
It is no good if it only covers up to half or three-quarters of your head. You will find that it keeps slipping down and is not protecting you in any way.
Layering is really important here because the windbreaker keeps the wind and rain off and it also insolates you. If it is warm then you won’t need any other layers to run in the warm-weather rain.
I usually only have a vest running top on in summer. In the colder months, I may have on one thin long-sleeved polyester layer.
cooler months – autumn/fall and spring
During these months I make use of my small collection of gaiters or neck scarves. They are made from synthetic and mostly from polyester material. They are of various thicknesses and I love them.
I’ve been known to run with a vest top on and only a neck scarf/gaiter as well!!! (Shorts too, of course;) Sometimes weather is totally unpredictable.
The key for me has to be careful not to let my neck/chest get cold as the cooler months come around. If I’m careful, then for the most part I can keep colds and flu at bay.
They mostly hang loosely around my neck but if I have to, then it is super easy to either pull it up as a band around my head if I’m getting too warm and my hair is getting in my face.
The other thing I sometimes do is to wrap it around my wrist and use it to wipe off sweat as I’m running. It’s a pretty versatile piece to have in your running kit.
heads up on the colder months
When it is cold then I have two things that always are on my head and neck and they are a beanie and a gaiter. Let me explain.
There are two reasons to cover your head as you head out of the door. One is to prevent yourself from losing too much heat, we all lose quite a bit of heat from our heads. And, two – it is pretty important to protect your ears.
If you are starting out, use what you have – my beanie has lasted me for many years and it is still keeping me warm.
When it is hovering around freezing then frostbite on your ears could be a real problem. This is obviously a thing if you are out on your long runs. The wind chill that blows sometimes is really cutting and so you have to have a beanie to cover your head and your ears.
The beanie must be made of polyester as you want a material that will wick the moisture away from your body. I can never use cotton because I sweat a ton.
My polyester beanie keeps me both warm and dry.
neck and face protection
The gaiter or neck scarf is so versatile that it is something I use throughout the whole winter. There are some days when it is bitterly cold, not many where we live but some. I then pull up the gaiter/neck scarf to both cover my chin and over the beanie.
It is a snug fit and it feels like I am well protected from the elements.
On the very rare occasion, I also pull it over my mouth and nose when it feels as if I’m breathing in the arctic weather. I do prefer the thinner gaiter/neck scarf here as it doesn’t bother my breathing.
I know there are specialist things and equipment out there to do this, but I have never found the need for this.
It’s not always pretty but if you feel prepared then do get out and your fitness routine can be maintained. I call that a win.
I have had the experience too when the washing is not done and then I simply cannot head out. This is not the place to wear a sweaty gaiter/neck scarf!
Be prepared for the cooler months and you will love the crisp, white beauty of winter. It seems so still outside and you feel alone and as if you own the world. It is stunning. I’ll catch you out there on your next run.
What do you do to stay warm when you go for a run in the colder months?
Do you go outside or do you head for the gym?
Let me know in the comments what you do to maintain your fitness routine when the weather is challenging and cold.
headphones which are optional but fun
Last but not least.
Do you listen to podcasts, music, or something else when you run?
I mostly do and that is why I love my headphones. My JBL Endurance Jump Waterproof Wireless Sports in-Ear Headphones (Red) probably need updating, but there is nothing wrong with them and I love them. So. I am keeping them.
Also, I run without anything to listen to because when I take part in a triathlon then I do not use my headphones. I do not want to become too dependent on having to have to listen to something!
Is this an issue for you? How do you deal with this? Let me know in the comments.