I don’t know whether to blame my recent trip or the cold weather, but since getting home my runs have felt just a little bit more difficult.
Actually, I know what part of the problem is: my running tights. With temperatures hovering in the low 40s F, I’ve resorted to showing a little less skin during runs, and that includes wearing a pair of Under Armour running tights I got for Christmas two years ago. The problem? Even though they are extra large, I feel like the elasticity of the tights interferes with my running motion. It’s like I’m always running uphill, or running with rubber bands around my legs. It’s better when I pull the legs up some, but still not perfect.
While I suppose that means a workout with the tights is equivalent to an even longer workout without them, I still find it a bit of a pain. I looked into getting new tights, possible the ELITE Series Infinity Tight from Pearl Izumi, but they didn’t seem to solve the problem. Obviously pants won’t have the same issue, but they also never feel as warm, and I hate the way sweat builds up inside them.
I did, however, buy a pair of arm warmers at the insistence of my wife. In past winters I’ve experienced a strange phenomenon: a buildup of sweat on the tips of my elbows. Due to its salt content, it has a lower freezing point than water, making for cold elbows. Hopefully these arm warmers will help with that. I also expect them to come in handy during upcoming marathons when I’m not sure about long or short sleeves, or one or two layers; in either case I can start with the arm warmers on and pull them off should they do their job too well and my arms get too warm.
That's bizarre... I've never heard of tights impeding motion like you describe. I've had dozens of pairs over the years and never felt any sensation like that. Generally speaking I don't even notice I'm wearing them unless I think about it. Don't overthink it... Just get another pair.
I probably will, once I find a pair that fits. But you might be on to something when you say "don't overthink it" -- it could all be in my head :)
If you are long legged and thin, you might be running with too small of size. I have this problem, some mediums fit well in the waist , but don't have a long enough "crotch", so I get resistance when I run. I end up going with the larger size and cinch'n the waist. Check out yesterday's bike post...it was a tribute to your distance.
I saw, thanks for that!
As for the long legged and thin problem, I suspect that may be it. The current tights are a bit larger than I would normally get, but I may need to go even further...
I've used arm warmers during longer races for about a year now. I feel overly "trendy" wearing them rather than just a long sleeve, but they're quite functional. Easy to pull on and off depending on the current temperature, and light enough to tuck in the shorts without being noticeable.
Just got some arm warmers myself...Let us know how they work for you. I haven't tried them as it hasn't gotten that cold yet in my area.
did you ever think that perhaps that are too large? There's no way you need an XL tight. Maybe there's too much extra fabric in the way was opposed to some that are your size and fit you body perfectly. Have you been to a running store and tried on various brands/sizes?
Matthew: I was trying a few on the other day, and came to the conclusion I need at least a large -- the mediums won't fit over my calves. But I hadn't considered extra fabric as a potential problem, I'll keep that in mind as I continue to shop. Thanks!