6 tips for Winter Running

Six Tips for Winter Running

 

1)Put on the Right ClothesLayers that you can shed are essential. Start with a moisture-wicking base, a mid layer for insulation, and an outer shell for blocking wind even a extra vest keeps in body heat without sacrificing mobility.
2)Protect Your ExtremitiesMost of your body heat is lost through your head and hands, so gloves and hat are a must. Make sure whatever you pick is compressible, so you can shove 'em into a pocket or your waistband if you get too hot. For your feet, choose wool running socks, that are thin, breathable, and warm, even when wet.
3)Be Route SavvyStick to a fairly short, well-lit loop. "Winter brings slick and icy conditions plus less light, which can hamper your ability to see and be seen," says Jason Glowney, M.D., an internist with the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine in Colorado. At night, wear plenty of reflective gear and always run against traffic. If possible, run into the wind on your way out and with the wind on the way home. Running into the wind when you're sweaty will subject you to much greater stress and cold exposure, warns Glowney.
4)Do a Good Warm-UpTake a few extra minutes to get your joints and body loose. Do your warm-up indoors, if possible, and focus on dynamic stretches like leg swings and walking toe touches, which warm muscles quickly.
5)Think of Your Lungs"Cold, dry conditions make the respiratory system work harder since it has to warm the air you're breathing," says Glowney, who is also the team physician for the Garmin-Transitions U23 cycling team. To protect yourself, cover your mouth with a balaclava or ski mask to hold in your body's existing warmth and humidity.
6)Stay Hydrated"Winter months tend to be drier, and athletes may be less aware of the amount of sweating that's actually occurring," says Glowney. The cold makes you feel less thirsty, but your body is still sweating so you need to diligently replace fluids, just as you would in the heat.