In ancient Greece, in the 700s BC. running became not only a fast way of man's movement, but also a sport, and the only one at the first Olympic Games.
Properly organized running workouts bring great benefits to humans: they strengthen the cardiovascular system, strengthen many muscle groups, help cleanse the body of toxins, saturate cells with oxygen, improve brain performance and overall good mood.
If there are no special questions with the summer uniform for running, then the athletes are less clear about the uniform in colder seasons. I do not want to interrupt training, but the risk of catching a cold disease confuses others.
For running trainings at air temperatures from +5 to -5 degrees there is an excellent solution: a windbreaker for running with a hood. This amazing invention of humankind solves all the problems associated with running in cool weather.
How to choose a windbreaker and what to look for when choosing
With the current abundance of brands and models of jackets, it is difficult for an inexperienced athlete to immediately make the right decision and buy something that will help, not interfere. After all, when running, the task of correct clothing is not so much to warm up, but to prevent the runner from getting hypothermia from clothes soaked with sweat.
Pay attention to:
- ventilation and moisture removal zones of the windbreaker. The fact is that the human body sweats unevenly. Most of all, moisture is released in the frontal, cervical, axillary zones, as well as in the solar plexus, chest and lower back in the sacrum. Greater heat transfer (with less moisture release) occurs from the hands, feet, elbow folds, popliteal folds, groin. Therefore, look at the selected model: whether the ventilated areas correspond to the areas with the greatest heat and moisture yield on the body;
- thickness and number of layers. It is clear that a puffy down jacket will warm you even in severe frost, but it will not allow you to run: you will get wet in five minutes, and if you take a step, the moisture will freeze, and so will you. In good models of windbreakers, there are several layers (usually three - for the autumn-spring period): the first (inner) is moisture-wicking, the second is heat-insulating and heat-dissipating, the third (outer) is moisture-proof, but breathable. It is the ability of the upper layer to "breathe" that allows the two inner layers to effectively remove excess heat and moisture from the body. Also pay attention to the softness and elasticity of the fabric. Fabric that is too stiff will prevent the runner from moving freely. Sweep away ski jackets right away - they will not work;
- the presence of a hood. It effectively protects the neck and head from the wind. In addition, light rain or snow will not allow the hat to get wet. You should definitely check how the hood sits. Walk briskly around the gym in your windbreaker. The hood can have two significant drawbacks: it can be blown away by the headwind (check how tight it can be tightened) and hanging over the eyes (check if it can be tucked in). If the hood gets in the way, take another model;
- sleeves and cuffs. It is also an important factor that greatly affects the comfort of jogging. There should be no heavy and bulky fasteners or excessively tight elastic bands on the sleeves. It is ideal to take a jacket that contains an elastic fabric with a cutout for the thumb on the cuff;
- pockets... They must be present. Put some water with you, house keys, telephone, plaster, a handful of dried fruits or an energy bar;
- the bottom of the jacket. Be sure to fit your windbreaker so that the bottom edge is above the starting point of your legs. It can be below the waist (for warmth), but not overlap the legs in any way, otherwise it will hinder movement. Ideally, if the bottom of the windbreaker has the ability to tighten, tightly fitting the body.
The best brands of running jackets
Adidas
The jackets have a dense but very elastic top layer. The high collar will protect the throat, a large assortment of men's and women's models in different colors and styles, there are options with a hood, different temperature ranges. At an average price of 3 to 6 thousand rubles.
Craft
The company specializes mostly in jogging clothing, but has a few good models for running as well. Male and female options, styles and colors are restrained and strict, high neck. Negative: no hooded models found (only one ski jacket has a hood). At an average price of 2-4 thousand rubles.
Asics
High neck, enough models with hoods, convenient location of pockets, interesting colors, discreet styles, reflectors are available. The average price is 4-3 thousand rubles.
Nike
Perhaps the most comfortable jackets according to athletes' reviews. There is an abundance of interesting styles, a rainbow of beautiful colors, and even models of hoods with a comfortable visor, and fully reflective material, and all the amenities listed in the "what to look for" section. The price, however, corresponds to the quality: an average of 4-7 thousand rubles. But it's worth it.
Where to buy a windbreaker for running
Since clothes are a very individual purchase, it is recommended, if possible, to still buy such things in offline stores: full fitting, fitting, experienced sales assistants will help you choose a jacket so that in the future you can only enjoy your workouts and not fight the inconveniences ... It is especially important to shop in offline stores if you have a non-standard figure. For example, girls may have a thin waist and large breasts. Men have a bulging belly with thin arms.
Offline these are large networks of sports stores: "Sportmaster", "Decathlon", small single sports stores, tourist and military stores: "Splav", "Equipment" (watch to buy what you need in these stores. Because windbreakers are military and tourist, but they are not suitable for jogging).
Online these are large online stores like Wildberries or LaModa, small and private dealers, which are usually limited to creating a Vkontakte group. Pay attention to reputation and site reviews.
Try not to get involved with small resellers, unless you know them personally or have been recommended to you by good acquaintances from their experience.
Real reviews from owners of windbreakers for running
Adidas STR R.Run JKT for women.
“Overall a good jacket, but one thing I didn't like. Pros: good hood, nice design, lightness, quality of seams. Cons: there is no moisture protection on the back and in the area of the wrists, does not heat well, is very moody in washing - all this at a rather high price "
Author: dzheny1988, Russia
Сraft Active Wind for men.
“A great solution for those who do not like tight sportswear. The jacket has an excellent ventilation system. The mesh lining allows the jacket to be used in both cool summer and late cold autumn. Relatively low price. Disadvantage (rather a feature): if you choose through an online store, the dimension of the jackets is half the size of the actual size. Consider this "
Author: Skirunner aka Yuri Masny, Russia
Asics black size XS.
“Thin, simple, single layer. Long sleeves for 168cm height, no side pockets "
Author: Elena Russia
Nike Vapor Jacket.
“Holes are there where needed. I tried it in summer, autumn (even in the rain) and spring. I have been using it for the second year. Strong lock, reflectors hold on, no shedding. Perfectly fits the figure, nothing gets in the way, the hood is conveniently pulled. Personal addition to care: sometimes I use impregnation to maintain moisture-proof properties. In the end, just a great solution for running. "
Author: Svetlana, Russia
Forward red size 5XL.
“The size and color are the same as ordered. The jacket is neatly sewn. Mesh lining inside. True, the material of the jacket is too thin - just like a rag. I bought it at a discount, I'll see it in action "
Author: Yuri, Belarus
Puma PE Running Wind Jkt.
“I still did not understand the reason for the existence of this model. It is unrealistically thin, like the material for umbrellas. And there is no lining at all, although it was indicated in the product annotation. Looks outwardly not very. I bought it for my father-in-law and father. Sewing is strange, they go in folds in the shoulder area. It's a pity - I had to return "
Author: Olga, Belarus
Nike Palm Impossibly Light Jkt.
“The jacket, oddly enough, turned out to be unsuitable for running. There are no ventilation valves and a grid at all, after 5-10 minutes of operation, even when walking, you feel like in a sauna. Quality is horror. I would give a maximum of 600-800 rubles for this with the declared price of 6400 rubles "
Author: Gleb, Russia
When used properly, a running jacket will serve you for years to come, so choose it carefully and seriously.
Major mistakes to avoid:
- strive to buy at a lower price or save significantly. Better save up money, but get a decent and high-quality item right away. All used jackets bought or "a friend gives away as unnecessary" are also here. Such a jacket may not suit you in some way. Savings should be reasonable. You can buy a windbreaker for a promotion in a particular store - it will be reasonable. But buying such a serious new thing in Second Hand stores is unreasonable;
- buy a jacket in an online store if you have a non-standard figure (for example, any size is pronounced). If there is no other way out besides the Internet, be sure to consult with the seller of this store and specify your personal dimensions exactly;
- buy a windbreaker for other purposes. Hiking jackets or waterproof windproof jackets are not designed for running training and can do more harm than good.
Your training comfort depends on how carefully you choose your jogging outerwear. Health to you!
