Arm warmers....I certainly wish I was the one holding the patent (assuming there is such a thing).
Here we are, in the midst of Spring. Some days it still feels like Winter, while others feel like Summer has arrived in full force.
What's a runner to do when the air is chilly, but the temps are going to be rising while you're running? Not a fan of freezing it out in the first mile, I opt for some handy dandy arm warmers.
Care to hear a few reasons why?
They're a great transition accessory. How many times have you wrestled with what to wear for a race? Often times, it's quite a bit colder at the start line than at the finish. The arm warmers can easily be slid off (or at least rolled down) after the first few miles if need be. I often times tie them around my waist after I've warmed up.
They'll keep you warm without getting overheated. Don't you sometimes wish for just a little bit of ventilation? For myself, if my arms are warm, I usually "feel" warm all over. Had I been wearing a long-sleeved shirt, I wouldn't be able to cool off as easily.
They have all the benefits of a long-sleeved top without all of that annoying underarm bulk. And, should you get too warm, you can lose the "sleeves" with ease. Plus, in cold weather, you can layer them under other clothing for an extra layer of warmth.
They look oh-so-fashionable! I often say "fashion before function," but with arm sleeves I think you get the best of both worlds.
You can easily make your own. Yes, I have several pairs of "real" arm sleeves that I've gotten from race expos. I also a few pairs, though, that I have made from funky-patterned knee socks. Ever tried that hack? All you do is simply cut off the foot part of the sock.
I respect that not everyone is a fan of arm sleeves. Many runners don't mind those first couple cold miles on a chilly morning, and that's fine. Myself, I'd rather risk being too warm than being too cold. That's probably why I much prefer summer over winter. Bottom line, as with everything else, you gotta find what works for YOU and stick with it.
Anyways, that's my perspective on arm sleeves. For me, they serve a valuable purpose, and they look rather fashionable doing so. Win-win!
Your thoughts? Are you a "cold" runner or a "warm" runner? Have you ever tried arm sleeves? Favorite season for running?
I'm linking this with
Kim and
Zenaida for the
Tuesday Topics Link-Up
I've got some fingerless glove arm warmers I wear for work when I need to type fast but my hands and wrists are cold ... I haven't got any running arm warmers but I never wear vests for running (I chafe against myself under my arms, always, no bodyglide is tough enough for that) and so I am usually warm enough in a t or long-sleeve, or I wear a light jacket and take that off. But they are fun and I see a lot of people in them, so I'm probably missing a trick like when I used to eschew recovery runs!
ReplyDeleteHa ha...and I'm all about the recovery runs, too ;-)
DeleteI almost never wear arm sleeves BUT I wore them at two of my biggest marathons: Boston and London!I love that you can peel them down when it warms up.
ReplyDeleteAren't they convenient and oh-so-versatile? ;-)
DeleteI never got into wearing them for running - I get warm quickly - but I do like them on the bike!
ReplyDeleteI bet they feel great on a bike!
DeleteYou have convinced me. I'm going to try some arm warmers. I am always cold at the start of a race and I hate that. Yours are so bright and colorful! They look so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI am always cold, too. I can tolerate winter, but I will never, EVER, complain about being too hot in the summer.
DeleteI have one pair of arm sleeves but they aren't that soft, or colorful so I think I need to step up my game, lol.
ReplyDeleteWell, maybe we need to chat LOL
DeleteI have one pair that I received from the QC Marathon that I wore once. I wore them for my first marathon and was chaffed so bad I never did it again. #rookiemistake
ReplyDeleteoooh, ouch!
DeleteAgreeeed about arm warmers! They're such a great invention! I don't run all that often, but fall would be my favorite time to do it!
ReplyDeleteI actually wear mine a lot in the winter, under my winter running gear AND under my regular clothing. Versatility!!
DeleteSomehow I can just never "warm up" to arm warmers, even though I do wear them occasionally. Like you, I would rather be a little too warm than too cold -- which is why I really like things with zippers (and also spent a lot of time racing with jackets tied around my race when I first started racing).
ReplyDeleteIt looks like after today we might actually be on a warming trend that will stay, which would be most welcome. Heck, we're just a little over a month from summer, but that's life in the northeast. At least we've had some warmer days -- there are springs we just stay cold altogether.
For me, they're just the perfect little invention. I'm usually freezing cold at the start lines of most races (even in the summer), so they serve a valuable purpose.
DeleteI've never worn a pair of arm sleeves but have owned a pair (I ended up selling them). I have also seen friends make their own from a pair of knee socks.
ReplyDeleteI need to be on the lookout for some more funky socks...they're probably all wiped out from winter clearance sales by now, though.
DeleteI've worn arm warmers a few times. Most recently was in January at the Mobile Half Marathon. I didn't pack properly and knew I was going to need something. I had to purchase them at the expo and the only ones that matched my outfit were Wonder Woman-ish. Kind of funny and they made it through the whole race. I hope I get to wear them
ReplyDeleteagain!
Holly inspired me to get a pair of the Waffle House arm warmers ;-) I haven't worn them much because I like the colors of all of my other ones better...but the WH ones are fun and I always get comments on them LOL
DeleteI have a few pairs (not as cute as yours) but I never seem to find the right temps to wear them in!
ReplyDeleteWell...you have much more temperate weather than I do. It's always cold here in the morning, even in summer sometimes.
DeleteYou have such pretty arm warmers! I have a few pair, left over from when I was cycling, but I don't even think about wearing them. Well, I guess it's a little to warm for them now. :-) Though they make some with SPF protection now that are actually designed to keep your arms cool. #toofancy
ReplyDeleteI had never thought of them for cycling until Coco mentioned it (above in comments). They would be perfect for that!
Deleteoh I love my arm warmers! but I only have two pair. you on the other hand have a great collection!
ReplyDeletemy favorite season is late spring and early fall actually. when it's not raining haha!
I think the arm warmers are just a fun, yet practical, accessory. The funky colors ? just a bonus ;-)
DeleteI love those argyle ones, and am sure I've said that before :D
ReplyDeleteI never got into arm sleeves, but with this crazy weather maybe I should. Compression socks have helped there.I tend to run hot though so ditch sleeves long before I ditch tights
I seem to run cold (I'm unique in that LOL), so they work well for me.
DeleteI loooooove arm warmers! Not only are they highly functional and fashionable, they make you look like a badass elite runner! For sure. My patterned pairs are also cut up socks. Do you have any patterned ones that aren't socks? If so, what brand/where do you get them?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure of the brand(s) of mine...they're from race expos, but weren't really any "national" brands. The turquoise ones in the last pic are the only "cut-ups" pictured...so all the other ones are the real deal LOL
DeleteI love arm warmers! I have so many great pairs and they are definitely great for this fickle weather that we are having. Love the cute ones you have especially the argyle ones!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, I agree they are perfect for this weather right now!
DeleteArm sleeves saved me at MCM last year. I wore them at the start and then ended up rolling them down. At around mile 16, I started chafing under my arm, After a few applications of vaseline, I realized that if I pulled the sleeve back up, it would protect that spot. I hate to think how awful it would have been without them...
ReplyDeleteWell, there you go! Arm sleeves are miracle products ;-)
DeleteYou know, I've never used arm warmers. If it's cold enough that I need my arms covered up, I will wear a long sleeve shirt with a tank underneath and shorts. I also need gloves for my fingers.
ReplyDeleteI would rather be too cold (with gloves) than too warm. I sweat terribly and get very constricted by too many layers.