In December, winter is fast approaching.
Cycling is all about dressing for the temperature and weather conditions.

For events, you should also be prepared for both ‘waiting’ and ‘running’. In this case, you can run comfortably by using layering.

An example of layering is given below for your reference. Of course, if the temperature drops below 5°C, you will need more protection against the cold. Be sure to check the weather forecast on the day of the event.

The average temperature in the Tokyo area on 2 December is usually 9°C, with a maximum of 13°C / 6° (from the Japan Meteorological Agency).
As of 27 November, the weather forecast for the day of 2 December near the venue is sunny and slightly cloudy, with a high of 14°C and a low of 2°C.

Even in December, if the weather is good during the day, you may be able to run in this kind of wear during the event run. But make sure you are well dressed for the time you are waiting and don’t lose body heat.

This is the basic code for wearing in the morning and evening when the temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius and when on standby. If it is cloudy or the temperature drops to 5°C, your neck and ears should also be protected from the cold.

Expect cooler mornings and evenings, although sometimes it can feel warmer in the sunshine until around midday.
Layering should include at least long-sleeved innerwear, a raised outer layer and a windbreaker. When waiting, a windbreaker is useful to keep body heat in. You can keep it on until just before you run, and it is compact and not bulky.

If it’s December, use a loose-fitting long-sleeved jersey as the base layer, and match it with a jersey. On the right, an all-season mesh jersey; on the left, a warm long-sleeved base layer.

When the sun is shining and you are sweating, a combination of raised bib shorts and leg covers is recommended. Leg covers are easy to put on and take off. If you are cold, you can use tights.

Leg covers are easy to put on and take off and can be easily adjusted to suit different climates and conditions.

The good thing about layering is that if you are cold you can respond by wearing more layers, so try to create an ‘air pocket’ in your clothing, for example by using two inner layers to keep your body heat in. If you get too hot, you can take one layer off and adjust it so that you are always comfortable.

Layering also means that garments from the same manufacturer have the same cut lines, so they are less likely to interfere with your movement. This is sometimes the key to comfortable running.

The ends of the body are most sensitive to cold, and the tips of the fingers and toes are particularly susceptible. Accessories such as gloves and toe covers can be very helpful.

Thin gloves are useful for events where precise control of the handlebars is required.

Toe covers keep the wind out of the toes of your shoes, helping to keep your fingers warm.

The neck, ears and the tips of the hands and feet are also vulnerable to heat loss, so covering them up will help to keep them warm.
A scarf or neckerchief, which can be adjusted to suit your needs, can provide a bit of extra protection against the cold.

If you are unsure, take an extra jacket with you. If you get too hot, just take it off and adjust it.

Photo: Kenta Onoguchi.