Armed & Ready

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'm also linking this with Debbie and Marc  for the Running Coaches' Corner

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