fFall is my favorite time of year. I love the colored leaves on the trees and the cooler weather on my runs. But I always struggle when the temps first start getting cold. You know, that temp where you think “oh, I need a long sleeve shirt” and then less than a mile into the run, you are regretting your clothing choice. Yeah, that weather. For me, that temp range is the 50s. Below that, I can wear a long sleeve half zip and be comfortable with just unzipping. Above that, I just wear a tank top with my skirts.
But I’ve found an new answer to the problem. (The answers used to be 1) arm sleeves, 2) freeze when I first start out, or 3) overheat by the end of the run.
Anyways, the new answer is the Skirt Sports Bolero. (affiliate link). I wasn’t sure I wanted one, but it has so many cool features that I couldn’t resist:
- Super lightweight yet warm
- Hi visibility reflective fabric with Flyaway Print
- Wind and water resistant
- Easy stash before and after workout (you can roll it up and stick it in a skirt pocket!)
- UV 50+
I took it out on a run yesterday. It was about 60 degrees, but really windy. I knew a tank top was appropriate for the run, but I was chilly and having a hard time getting out there. The bolero was perfect! I only wore it for the first mile and then tied it loosely around my waist. It did not move at all, it was super lightweight, and there was not a lot of extra material flopping around my body whil I ran. Total win! I have a feeling this will get used a LOT this fall. If you want to try one (or any of the other gorgeous fall options, use code FALL20WIN for 20% off!
My other new favorite is totally not something I would have bought myself. I was given the Nathan Zephyr Fire 100 Torch (affiliate link) as a gift and first used it at this year’s Ragnar DC.
I loved it! I always run with water, so it was nice to have something for just one hand. I found it super comfortable to hold and it was plenty bright, especially combined with my headlamp. I love that in addition to the front light, it has a rear blinking back light as well as a rather loud alarm you can set off if needed.
I will say that if you run with this, you need to make sure your arms move back and forth, rather than across your body. Otherwise you are not shining the light in front of you. I’m going to call this a bonus as it helps you work on your form.
I haven’t bought a lot of new running recently, so I’m thrilled that these two have been such a win for me. I’m totally set for cooler, darker weather!
Of course, this is Virginia, so you know I’ll be dealing with at least one more temp spike this year. Looks like it’s going to be for MCM, sigh. 6 days and counting.
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Disclaimer: I am a Skirt Sports Ambassador, so I get a discount on their items. They did not request that I write this post.
A handheld flashlight! Sounds very cool.
LOVE the bolero. And the Wonder Wool tees, too.
Ooh I’m glad you like the Bolero!! I’ve been thinking about getting that – but honestly wasn’t sure of how to wear it.
I have seen those Boleros and I thought why wear that opposed to arm sleeves but I guess this does cover your shoulders so it would be a nice bonus.
The bolero makes sense to me–instead of arm sleeves, it’s a fun cute jacket!
Not sure the flashlight would work for me since I carry a handheld. But I like the idea of it.
I debated the bolero too, but am so glad I got one! Love it!
I’ve been wondering about the bolero-not sure when I would wear it
This is my first time seeing the Nathan Zephyr Fire 100 Torch – it looks pretty cool!!While I love running in the fall and winter, i hate that it gets dark so early in the evenings now!
I like arm sleeves, but if it’s chilly, what do I do about my shoulders? It’s always though to decide what to wear… and we are getting temp spikes this week, with a front this weekend. My pile of running gear is getting larger since I don’t want to put anything away for the season yet.
I used to have a bolero I wore back in my tennis days and loved it! It kept the shoulders and arms warm until they warmed up but also provided ease of movement. I’ll have to check this one out!
I’ve always wanted a running bolero but they’re few and far between. It was 51 and windy when I headed out today in long sleeves. Aaand about 2 miles in I wished I’d worn short sleeves. Runner’s amnesia at its best!
I saw boleros at the Grandma’s Marathon (2015) expo, but kind of brushed them off. They certainly have merit and look ever-so-practical! I’m a die-hard arm sleeve gal, but I might have to try a bolero…;-)
Running gear I’m not familiar with? Awesome! Both of those are new to me. I should look into a bolero, but I do love my running sleeves… 😉
The bolero looks cute on you! Not sure how I feel about it. Sadly, fall here is like five days so I don’t need much new cozy gear.
I love boleros!! and I love that this one is reflective, I’m going to check it out.
That bolero looks cool, I’ve always been hesitant to buy arm sleeves since I could see myself loosing one… this would solve that problem.
I’ve never heard of a running bolero – very cool concept! I have more short sleeved shirts than anything, not too many tanks, but usually when it’s chilly I just bear with it because I warm up so easily! I am looking forward to long sleeved shirt season though!
That skirt sports bolero sounds really practical, but looks super cool too! I would definitely get one too for all those features.