When it comes to choosing apparel, you have to appreciate that your body has specific needs, and that you have to wear different apparel in different conditions. I train in all kinds of weather, so for me it’s all about versatility. For the longest time I would head out into more extreme weather with layers and layers of apparel on, then strip down as my body got warmer. Now I go for products where the versatility is built in.
With Nike Pro I’m amazed at how the apparel can keep me warm without overheating, how it breathes while keeping me shielded from the cold. Personally I like my apparel to be a medium thickness because it gives me that versatility in either direction, warm or cold. And of course I like it to be as light as possible. In terms of fit, I want my apparel to be fairly tight so as not to let air in, but not so much that it restricts movement. And I have to say my favorite feature is the soft brushed fabric Nike Pro now has on the inside of the apparel. It’s seriously comfortable and unlike anything I’ve ever worn before. No harsh seams, no chafing, and no irritation – that means zero distractions when I’m out there competing.

The coldest race I ever ran was back in college at the Cross Country Nationals in Waterloo, Iowa. I remember it was about nine degrees out there as I was warming up, and I made sure every square inch of my body was shielded from the cold. The only part of me that was exposed was my face, and even then I recall it being frozen, wind-burned, and practically numb. When race time came around and I had to strip down to my uniform, it was a little shocking how cold the air felt against my skin. Back then we used to try some pretty creative tactics for staying warm in conditions like that. Like covering our bodies in petroleum jelly to help keep the warmth in, and then realizing that olive oil actually helps your skin breathe better, so we covered our bodies in that.
Yep, there I was on the starting line at the Cross Country Nationals, lathered head to toe in olive oil. I know runners are supposed to be hungry for victory but that was taking it to whole new level. Needless to say, I’m glad apparel technology has advanced to the point where we don’t have to rely on cooking ingredients to stay warm. The Nike Pro apparel I wear during warm-ups now really keeps my muscles warm, responsive and ready to go. It’s an important part of my pre-race routine because it prepares my body to perform at its highest level. That’s the physical advantage it gives me, and just knowing that my body is ready to compete gives me a mental edge as well. What I’ve learned is that if you prepare your body for a race the right way, using the right apparel for different conditions, you can go into it being 100% focused on the race. That gives you confidence, and you can save the olive oil for dinner.

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