Tips for Running in Winter
Running in winter is kind of like running in the rain or running with a jogging stroller. Not many people want to do it, so if you do make it out, you feel like a really hard core super woman! And when you cross paths with those other hard core runners, you nod to each other and acknowledge each others' super status in life's adventures. Most people are sitting in their cozy houses with their warm cups of coffee or still in their warm snugly beds, but you? You can't be stopped by bitter cold winds and ice. Nope you just take this as another challenge to embrace and overcome. So here are some winter running tips to help your bad self look even badder. Wrap your feet in saran wrap. My friend Marny who lives and runs in the mountains of Colorado, I'm talking she can run 20 miles in the mountains for my 10 in moderate hills, has some advice for the hard core runner. Wrap your feet in saran wrap if you intend to run in the snow. Just be careful to wrap your feet after you have put your socks or tights on, and make sure the saran wrap does not touch your skin in any place or as she put it, "Ouch!" The first mile is the hardest. This tip comes from my friend Anne who recently completed a half marathon which she trained for in 20 degree weather.
When deciding how to dress for running in winter, Anne says of her choice of tights, wool socks, dry-fit shirt, wind breaker, hat and gloves, "I found that I was cold for the first mile or so (actually FREEZING) but I'd warm up quickly and be comfortable once I got my sweat on." Surviving running the first mile in clothes that would make anyone standing still in the same temperature freeze seems like a decent pay-off to wearing lots and lots of layers that you will end up having to peel off and wrap around your waist once you warm up. Warm extremities will help keep the rest of you warm. This is an old trick my mother used to tell me. Instead of wearing layers and layers upon layers and still feeling like you're freezing your toes off, make sure to take good care of the extremities. A good pair of wool socks, a warm hat and gloves will go way further in keeping you warm than an extra jacket. Don't warm up too fast when you get home. Most of us have probably outgrown this, but every winter I am reminded all over again of when I was a child and put my hands over the heater to help them warm up after I'd been playing outside, only to start crying, "mommy my hands feel like they've been bitten by fire ants!" My mom quickly taught me to first run cold water over my hands, then slowly turn the water to become warmer and warmer so that I slowly warmed up instead of shocking my body by going from freezing to hot. And this trick will help prevent winter colds as well. Winter Running Gear
Alternative to Running in Winter If all this reading about winter running is making you want to stay in your cozy home, no worries, the world needs sane people! Bellow are some workout options you can do from the comfort of your home and still stay in shape this winter so you are ready to great the spring with your awesome self!
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