Kit for the Unpredictable British Weather

Trail running in the heat

Running in the heat is my least favourite of conditions. It’s impossible not to get too hot and the worry of dehydration sets in. Over the years I have found the following to be very useful.

• Breathable layers – wearing thin, breathable layers is so important to allow the skin to breathe but also you can delayer or layer back up depending on the indecisive sunshine.
• Buff – I always run with a buff around my head. In the sun this is great as you can pour water over it. The buff soaks up the water and stays damp, keeping your head cool.
• Shorts or thin leggings – I never really run in shorts. Even in the hottest races, I wear leggings, which have mesh sections behind the knees to let the air in and my skin breathe.

I do try as hard as I can to avoid running in heat altogether, it makes it far less enjoyable for me!

Footwear for all weathers

A lot of runners will have a favourite kind of running shoe and stick with it. I am no different! I have a favourite pair for road running and a favourite pair for trail running. Fortunately, both are pretty good for any weather.

For trail running in particular I recently purchased some waterproof trail shoes for my adventure along Hadrian’s Wall. They proved to be the most valuable item I had with me! They were light on my feet, breathable, but when tested in the bogs around one of the roman forts, they held strong and I had completely dry feet! Made a nice change from cross country days in boggy trainers. These were worth the expense and I cannot recommend them enough: Salomon Speedcross 5W.