Mittens versus gloves

John 'The Penguin' Bingham described them in one of his books: runners who appear at a race wearing nothing but those scary I'm a Real Runner shorts, a tank top, and gloves! I've always felt this to be an odd combination. Why wear gloves when you're dressed as if it's hot. But I suppose they know what they're doing. After all, they really are fast!

Personally I prefer mittons like these. Because then your fingers can feed on each other's warmth. Especially when I'm riding my bike, I prefer mittens over gloves.

Unfortunately as a runner I have to carry my smart phone, and that's a bit hard to do when I'm wearing mittens. Also, I fear I might look like a big desperate, white Polar bear who's trying to phone home, with mittens on.