TIPS ON WINTER RUNNING

What’s the hardest part of winter running? Why that’s easy. Getting out the door to go! I find that I procrastinate from time to time during the winter months due to the fact I always think it’s going to warm up. And the longer you put off that walk or run the chances are you won’t get around to doing it. I am not a morning exercise person but sometimes that may be the only chance I get throughout the entire day to get it in. It now gets dark a 5:00pm or so and running in the dark is just not a good idea. This is the old do as I say not as I do syndrome! Here are some helpful hints on enjoying the more frigid temperatures.

           Many people make the statement that you will freeze your lungs. You may freeze plenty of other parts of your body but studies show you will not freeze the lungs. Always pay attention to the weather. Not just the temperature but the wind velocity also. A 15  mph wind accompanied by a temperature of 25 degrees will leave a wind chill factor of  2   degrees. I suggest once the temperatures dip below twenty, take considerable caution on keeping certain areas warm. All extremities. fingers, ears and neck area. Sometimes any exposed skin can freeze in a matter of seconds so use common sense when it gets really cold. I have found out that I am not comfortable running under fifteen degrees.

           Snow. Running or walking after a newly fallen snow can be the most rewarding and peaceful experience you can ever have. Hearing the snow crunch under your feet and a subtle silence all play a big part in enjoying a winter run. When running in snow try and stay on the “packed” part or in the track of past tire marks. Always look for the best footing. Naturally you won’t be able to run as fast so slow down and enjoy the scenery.

           Ice. Ice storms sometimes make it absolutely impossible to run outside. But if you do get out on a day that has patches of ice try and avoid those areas. I’ve taken some pretty good tumbles around turns at times on ice. Here is a tip I picked up a few years ago. I screwed hex screws into the posterior side edges of an old pair of shoes. the screws must be short and not protrude into the shoe where your foot will be. This gives you excellent traction in snow and some icy spots. Running outside in the winter can be very enjoyable if you just use common sense. It also doesn’t hurt to use a little vaseline or bodyglide to cover the exposed areas of your face. Winter can be a fun time to relax and just get in some social workouts.