Tip #2
Charles Woodruff—owner Fleet Feet
© 2008 by Structural Management®

Hi All: As we finally begin to head into spring, (I am glad however that mother nature remembered how to do winter) running or walking outdoors almost always feels better. It smells better, sounds better and provides a great feeling of well-being. So I invite you to be bold on those days where you might be tempted to pass on your outdoor workout because the weather is not quite up to par. March as we all know is truly a "if you don't like the weather just wait ten minutes" month, it provides us with an opportunity to experience snow, rain, wind, warmth, almost all the conditions we face by living in the great northeast.  Embrace this variety, don't let it limit you.  I think you will find some of your best days will be those you found hardest to get out the door!

Good technical gear will help you enjoy these healthy forays outdoors. Cotton, while a wonderful fabric for daily wear, is not necessarily friendly to running and walking. Cotton holds moisture, does not manage it, is an abrasive fabric, especially after many washings.  And when it is wet, it gets heavy, (think of a cotton tee shirt in a rainstorm), and does not regulate temperature. The more technical fabrics address all of the above concerns; they are comfortable, dry very quickly, create much less friction, hence less hot spots, blistering, and have an overall feel that is very inviting to outdoor activity.

Your socks, sports bras, shorts, tops, any piece of apparel you use for your outdoor activity can potentially enhance your enjoyment of the experience.  Consider learning more about the value of a solid group of technical apparel. Having said all that the very first thing I do at night when I arrive home after work is to put on and old, washed thousands of times cotton tee shirt, circa 1985 road race circuit, it feels great! Thanks for taking the time to read this, call anytime with questions and I'll see you outside!

Best Regards,

Charles Woodruff
Proudly owning
Fleet Feet Sports

Albany