The 2018 Spring Running Gear Guide

It’s safe to say that spring has officially arrived in the great Midwest. We’ve patiently waited out chilly temperatures, snowstorms, and rain, but the glorious spring and summer months have finally arrived. As you adjust to the new temperatures (and pollen) of the spring season, you’ll likely want to switch out your winter running gear for some fresh spring attire. We polled our Minneapolis Running Ambassadors for their favorite springtime gear to give you a comprehensive 2018 gear guide.

Related: How to Adjust to the Changing Seasons

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Below, we list our ambassadors favorite spring gear – but remember, layering is still important this time of year! Minneapolis Running Ambassador Lisa shares these tips for layering:

15-25 degrees real-feel: tank, running jacket, lined jeggings, and headband
25-35 degrees real-feel: tank, running jacket, leggings, and headband
35-40 degrees real-feel: quarter zip, leggings, and headband
40-50 degrees real-feel: quarter zip, shorts, and headband
50+ degrees real feel: t-shirt or tank top and shorts

*Use real-feel temps since actual temperatures can be misleading, ESPECIALLY in Minneapolis weather and wind chill!

The 2018 Spring Running Gear Guide

Our Minneapolis Running Ambassadors share their favorite spring running gear below!

Favorite Spring Tops

Alisa: I love the C9 Champion Women’s Tech T-Shirt! I have tops from a variety of the big “brand names” and haven’t experienced a bit of difference between them and the C9 brand. So, if you’re looking for something less expensive and reliable I’d suggest grabbing this inexpensive tech t-shirt.

Jeff: My favorite tops are the Under Armour Heat Gear running shirts. Very light and loose fitting. Especially nice during the hot and humid months. Secondly would have to be the Old Navy Active Go-Dry performance shirts. Similar fit and feel as the Under Armour apparel but you can generally get them at a lower cost for similar quality.

Lisa: Quarter-zips are must for 35-50 degree spring weather – the is my go-to quarter zip. Nothing fancy, but it’s a great base layer, is super comfortable, and has thumb holes.

Aaron: The Rabbit “Welcome to the Gun Show” singlet is by far one of the most comfortable and well-fitting singlets I’ve ever owned! Rabbit really hits it out of the park with this piece. I’ve come to love Rabbit gear because they are runners making running clothing. They get what it means to be comfortable on the run!

Favorite Spring Bottoms

Alisa: These are my favorite! I tend to wear capris or longer spandex style shorts on my runs (no thigh chafing for me!). Since I wear a running belt I don’t look for pockets. In the end, it’s all about comfortable style and fun patterns.

Jeff: I really like the Old Navy Active shorts for men. Very light and roomy for men that won’t cause chaffing. Champion also makes some very comfortable and affordable shorts. For the winter time and colder weather, I really like my Tek-Gear Base Layer compression tights. They keep me warm without restricting the movement of my stride while running.

Lisa: I love Athleta for leggings because they carry petite sizes.. which is a necessity since I’m 5’3. The Athleta Shimmer Stripe Relay Tights are super breathable and I can wear them outside on a brisk run and inside a gym without overheating – perfect during the in-between seasons. They also have side pockets for phones which is an added bonus.”
Shimmer Stripe Relay Tight 2.0 | Athleta

Aaron: I’ll admit, I’m more of a “short shorts” type of guy. The shorter the better! But the New Balance Impact Split Shorts do a great job of being short enough not to get in the way of your gait while also not showing off too much thigh! Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable!

Favorite Spring Headwear

Alisa: I absolutely love this neon, reflective Headsweats Race Hat I run at 5:00 am most days and it helps to have some additional visibility on the mile of road between my apartment and the trail. It has really good breathability on hot days and I can easily fit a winter hat over it on the cold ones.

Jeff: I really don’t like running with anything on my head or face because it becomes a distraction for me, even if I am sweating or there is glaring sun during the warmer months, but during the colder months, my go-to head-warmer is my polyester Champion beanie. Light enough on my head but keeps my head warm.

Lisa: I really hate cold ears. I can usually get away without wearing a headband if its 50+ degrees real feel, but if it’s under that threshold, I’m definitely wearing this C9 Champion Headband. I got mine for less than $10 and wear it under my ponytail (this one has a hole to put a ponytail through, but I don’t use it).

Aaron: I discovered Tifosi Optics Sunglasses when I was first getting into running. And I have no idea where I’d be without them! They easily make some of the most comfortable, stylish, high-quality and well-priced athletic sunglasses on the market. I’ve tried plenty of other brands, and keep coming back to Tifosi. My favorite model right now is the pair of white Just I have.

Favorite Spring Accessories

Alisa: The Amphipod RunLite Xtech 2 Plus Hydration Belt is my current hydration belt and has quickly become my favorite. The hydration bottles can be moved around the belt and into upright or horizontal positions depending on what balance I want. I also love the four quick access nutrition spots on the outside of the main pack. The one downfall is removing the water bottles from their holders takes some getting used to and requires me to slow my pace a bit.

Jeff: My favorite accessory is my Nathan Hydration Vest. Large enough to hold 2 liters of water and enough pockets for my keys, gels and anything else that I might need on a long run without feeling like I am running with a life preserver on.

Lisa: If I’m just going for a long run I’ll just use my wired Apple ear pods, but if I plan on hitting the gym before or after my run, I’ll use these Picun wireless headphones so I can workout without having to hold my phone. I like these earphones because they are in-ear (they sit in your ear instead of in-ear earbuds which I find uncomfortable/ make me feel like I’m underwater) and aren’t noise canceling (which is important for runner safety so you’re aware of your surroundings). I usually thread the headphone cord through my hair-tie and I can get a full workout in, burpees included, without them falling out!

Lauren: I would say my favorite spring go-to right now is Balega Enduro V-Tech No Show Socks. I’ve been running through a lot of icy puddles and these do a good job of keeping my feet pretty dry. Plus they are super comfy and I love the designs.

I also just bought EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen. My dermatologist recommended it, since I spend so much time outside running. It feels like a light moisturizer, not a heavy/sticky/oily sunscreen. The version I got has a light tint to it, so it provides some nice blemish coverage too. I’m definitely not one of those gals who can rock a full face of make-up while running (kudos to them, seriously) but this does even out the skin tone a bit.

Aaron: If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a great therapy/recovery tool for after runs or to roll muscles out on rest days. I recently purchased a WODFItters T Pin Vector Roller , and love it. Not only can you roll out every muscle in your legs, but you can use it to roll the bottom of your foot or roll out knots in your back, all the way up to your neck and shoulders.

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