How to Dress for Any Running Weather: The Ultimate Temperature Guide

Today marks the first day 1939 of my diary as a Runpreneur. Over the last 1,939 days, I’ve run through more than 16 or 17 different countries. Along the way, I’ve averaged close to 7.5km every single day, with runs ranging from a minimum of 5km all the way up to a 70km ultra-marathon in a single session.

If there is one thing that nearly 2,000 days of consecutive running teaches you, it’s that the weather is rarely "perfect." You are going to come across a massive variability in climate, terrain, and temperature. To stay consistent, you have to know exactly what to wear to stay comfortable and avoid the kind of friction-related issues that can sideline even the most determined runner.

The Gold Standard: The "Feels Like" Temperature

The most important lesson I can share is this: never base your attire on the actual temperature. When you check your weather app, look specifically for the "feels like" temperature. This metric factors in humidity, wind speed, and the chill factor. I’ve seen 10-degree swings between the forecast and the reality on the ground.

Remember, when you are exercising, your body generates its own heat. You can generally assume you will feel 5 to 10 degrees hotter than a person standing still.

My Gear Framework by Temperature

• Above 20°C: Vest and shorts are the standard. I always stick with ankle socks and terrain-appropriate footwear.

• 15°C to 17°C: This is my "toss-up" zone between a t-shirt and a vest. If it’s closer to 15, I’ll usually opt for the t-shirt.

• 10°C to 12°C: I’ll stick with shorts and a t-shirt, but I often add a thin "skin" (base layer) underneath to take the initial chill off.

• 7°C to 10°C: This is where I start using my head snood to cover my ears and a second snood around my neck. I’ll still wear shorts down to about 7°C.

• Below 7°C: The shorts go away and the running tights come out. At this point, I also add thin running gloves.

• Below 5°C: I swap the t-shirt for a waterproof running jacket. These materials don’t just keep you dry; they insulate and protect you from the wind, which is essential for maintaining core heat.

The Mission Behind the Miles

While I love talking gear, it’s important to remember why I’m out here every single day, rain or shine. This vlog and my daily streak are part of a lifelong mission to save the lives of children. I am attempting the ultimate ultra-marathon: running the equivalent of a lap of the world (40,075km) on consecutive days, barefoot-style.

The more people we get this mission in front of, the more money we raise and the more children's lives we can save. Whether it's -5°C or a 30°C heatwave, the mission remains the same.

Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you tomorrow for Day 1940.