Cold Weather Running Advice
Cold weather running has more hazards associated with it than running in warmer weather. Cold weather running is advisable but only if you follow a few precautions. If you do not take special care to dress properly you could encounter frostbite and/or bronchial problems.
You can put a scarf or handkerchief around your neck and cover your nose and mouth with it. This will help when breathing in the cold air. The colder it gets the thicker the material needs to be. Even though it is cold outside and you will not sweat as much, you still need to keep well hydrated. Always take a bottle of water with you when you run. If you are experiencing bronchial problems it is probably best to stay inside and delay cold weather running until you get better.
In certain weather conditions traction may become an issue. If you live in an area which gets ice and snow it might be best not to run but, if you do you will need shoes that provide you with good traction. Trail shoes are a great investment and can also be used in the summer when you run on rough terrain. You will also need to slow down your pace and only run in areas you are familiar with.
Dressing For Cold Weather Running
Often in cold weather the visibility is not as good as it is in the summer. The days are often dark and drab and you will usually have more fog in the air. All of these things can make you less visible to the automobiles on the road. Always dress in bright colors and, if you run at dusk or at dawn, you should always wear something that is reflective.
Always layer your clothing when running in cold weather. You will need thick socks, running gloves, a hat or toboggan, and good running shoes. When choosing running shoes for cold weather running you should try to find a shoe that is waterproof.
A good pair of tights works great underneath jogging pants and a tee shirt goes well under a sweatshirt. You want to try and hold in the body heat as much as possible. Since much of the body heat escapes from the head you should keep your head covered at all times.
If you are going to be running in heavy fog or light rain you need to consider wearing clothing that is either waterproof or water resistant. Getting wet while running in cold weather can rapidly turn to frostbite or cause major bronchial problems.
The whole key to cold weather running is to dress warmer and take precautions to prevent getting wet. With just a few additional items of clothing you should be able to keep up your fitness routine throughout the entire year.
