Staying cool when summer running

How much you sweat is entirely up to you, because contrary to popular belief, it makes a big difference what you wear. The ‘technology’ that goes into the design of your running gear, can keep you cooler and more comfortable.

Usually in the summer months, one of two things that are likely to happen when you run, especially for men are:

• Firstly, you will run in your favourite old cotton t-shirt which will absorb the body’s moisture like a sponge, become heavy and cause chaffing . . . in some cases bleeding.

• Secondly, if this is happening, many men tend to opt for the macho look, suck in their bellies and run without any top on at all. While this is all well and good for your tan, we all know by now the dangers associated with UV radiation and the damaging long term effects it has on your skin.

So, make sure you have sun cream and ditch the cheap t-shirt for a running-specific shirt that can aid in protecting yourself from the suns damaging UV rays!

The big clothing companies such as Odlo, Ron Hill and Adidas, produce running apparel made with CoolMax polyester, high-content Lycra, micro fibre or ‘functional fibre effect’ material that has wicking technology built into the fabric. Wicking is the fancy name for the ability to draw perspiration away from the body to the outside atmosphere where evaporation can occur.

Similar to the Adidas climacool micro mesh system, the adidas Odlo singlet UMA has a new double surface weave that creates the odlo ‘100% functional effect’. This creates the wicking properties needed to provide moisture transport and a quick dry. The mesh inserts also provide extra ventilation to assist cooling. It lies almost unnoticeable against the skin and is exceptionally lightweight. It also comes with UV protection due to its reflective properties.

Running shorts
With regards to shorts, choose a pair made of Supplex nylon or lightweight micro-polyester. These will hang comfortably and by possessing similar properties to the running tops, they can draw moisture away from the skin thus making sure they don’t stick to your legs.

Some runners, especially those that have larger legs, occasionally feel uncomfortable because the shorts are so short they don’t protect the legs from chaffing. In this case, a similar short can be found that resembles the typical ‘cycling short’. Comprising of 80% Polyamide, 20% Elastane. It has fully faltlocked seams, an elasticated waist and internal drawcord therefore provides a perfect fit that is both comfortable and functional as well as giving a bit more protection for the legs of the larger runners.

The elite running shorts produced by Ron Hill are constructed from featherweight microfibres and new “nano dry” technology that transfers moisture away from the body. A mesh inner provides support and comfort while its cut and shape provides great freedom of movement.

Running apparel does not need to be expensive or complicated. While we could swamp you with information on what each piece of running equipment does, they all in fact tend to use the same technology. As long as they are an established running company that specialises in running gear, they will all produce similar technology.

Names to look out for are Climacool, Nano-dry, Hydro Wick, Powerlite and Aqua Duct.

If you keep these facts in mind, stay away from anything cotton and run in clothes that have wicking capabilities, you will be able to run comfortably for the whole summer . . . however long that happens to be!