In recent years I have noticed that the majority of male runners out in the streets and parks in freezing cold weather are wearing only T-shirts and thin running shorts. I have been running for more than 30 years and when I started I was always advised that in cold weather it is best to wear decent running trousers, two or three layers of sleeved garments, a hat and possibly gloves. This is because, firstly, letting your leg muscles get cold is the best way to incur pulled muscles; secondly, keeping your torso and arms warm means that you achieve your most efficient core temperature for running much more quickly; and finally, without a hat you are simply losing warmth and energy to the cold air. And if you do become too warm, you can always wrap one sweater or top around your waist and take off your hat. But am I wrong in wrapping up warm to run in the cold? I have suffered very few running injuries, but this half-undressed state in all seasons the new wisdom in running circles?
Carl Gardner, London EC1
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