As the temperature drops the air gets more dense so more oxygen actually reaches your lungs. If you are slowing you may be over dressing so you get too hot and the extra weight of the clothing may also slow you down. On the other hand, if your legs are cold, the muscles won't function effectively and that can also slow you down. I don't normally notice any change until the temps dip into the single digits.

If you are properly dressed, you should be cold for the first mile or so and comfortable after that.

Tom

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Thanks guys, I live in Philadelphia, dressing appropiatly is a challenge for me. the past week we had temps in the high 50's in the morning, and by 8pm it was in the low 30's. i think I have been over dressing, being comfortable when I start and then pealing or un zipping as I get hot. That was the first clear advice I have gotten.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by figbash:
<HR>

What's that saying about "never say never" or "never say always".

Weather can be quite variable over a couple hours and or few miles - at least where I live. I won't leave home without a shell in winter, and I'll usually start wearing it, rather than tieing it around waist, then peel it when I'm adequately warm, if I reach that stage.

Layers with zippers are great to zip/unzip or peel / put back on as conditions change or as I warm up (or cool down if things go wrong).

Something to consider that nobody's mentioned is asthma. Many people will get asthma symptoms exercising in the cold even though they're not otherwise asthmatic. It can range from a full-blown asthma attack to a bronchial constriction that's barely noticeable but will definitely slow you down. You might ask your doctor about it.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by figbash:
As the temperature drops the air gets more dense so more oxygen actually reaches your lungs. If you are slowing you may be over dressing so you get too hot and the extra weight of the clothing may also slow you down. On the other hand, if your legs are cold, the muscles won't function effectively and that can also slow you down. I don't normally notice any change until the temps dip into the single digits.

If you are properly dressed, you should be cold for the first mile or so and comfortable after that.

Tom

<HR>

Its good advice, but the relationship between air temperature and performance is hardly linear. When your body temperature drops below 98.6°F, it requires 15 to 20 percent more oxygen to maintain the same pace. What's really going to help in this situation is training in cold weather.



http://This message has been edited by SeeFritzRun (edited Nov-29-2007).

A rule of thumb for guaging how to dress for the weather.

Whatever the actual temperature is, add 20 degrees to it and dress as if you will be outside on a picnic.
example:
actual temp is 25 degrees F. add 20 degrees brings the temp to 45 degrees F. Personally, I would wear medium weight long tights, a sleeveless wicking tank liner, long sleeve medium/heavy weight shirt on top, head band, and breathable gloves.

Other guidelines:
40 degrees and warmer: shorts and sleveless/short sleeve top
30-40: light weight tights, long sleeve top
20-30: medium weight tights, sleeveless tank liner (1st layer), medium/heavy weight long sleeve second layer, head band, and gloves
10-20: Heavy tights, sleeveless tank liner, light weight long sleeve second layer, breatheable jacket, hat and gloves.
<10: I'll opt for the elliptical
Karen