Running in cold weather doesn’t have to be miserable. As long as you’re dressed for it, you can have an enjoyable workout. Here are some tips for running in the winter months.
Layers! Layers! Layers!
- At 7 a.m., it may be cloudy and windy. By 7:45 a.m. the sun could have peeked
out and the wind subsided making us entirely too hot in our huge heavy jacket
that we put on to go run in. Layering is key in the winter time! That way if we get
hot, we can easily strip down to fewer clothes. - Base layers are a must. Light-weight long-sleeved shirts are the best thing you can
wear underneath all of your heavy body-heat-trapping gear. - Wearing clothing with pockets is also helpful in the winter as many of us end up
shedding our gloves and hats by the end of a long run. Pockets make it so we can
store these small items on our person instead of throwing them on the side of the
road and hoping they are there upon our return.
Hydration!
Even when it is 30 degrees and snowing, our bodies are still losing water.
Staying hydrated in all weather is so important. It will be just as painful to dehydrate in
30 degree temps as it is in 90 degree temps.
Good cold-weather accessories!
- Typically those tiny cotton gloves and hats that we buy from the grocery store for
50 cents don’t do the trick when we’re dealing with freezing temps. Those types
of accessories might be great for running in and out of the mall, but not so good
for running 6 miles outdoors. - Running Excels carries several brands of gloves, hats, arm warmers, socks,
etc . . . that are made to keep runners warm!
Snow covered sidewalks!
- Every runner hates it when you spend all the time shoveling your driveway and
sidewalks so people can utilize them without sinking into ankle deep snow, but
your neighbors don’t care to do the same. Snow covered sidewalks force many
runners to take to the roads in the winter, but just remember to be smart. - Run against traffic so cars can see you.
- Wear reflective gear (nothing white during the day, nothing super dark at night)
- Watch for ice. Running Excels has Clamp-Ons for your shoes so that you don’t have to
worrying about slipping when the roads are icy.
