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WINTER RUNNING and how to dress properly, running balance, running slowerWinter running can provide some of the most enjoyable training you will ever do if you are properly prepared.
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Winter running can be exhilarating, relaxing, and physically just as beneficial as running when it's sunny and warm. However there are certain precautions one must take when heading out the door into that Winter Wonderland. DRESS PROPERLY Layers are the rule of the day when it comes to dressing for running in the winter. I'm a big fan of thermal underwear for those frosty morning training runs and that is always my first layer. Normally I follow that with one of my (dozens)of cotton finisher shirts from my road-racing days. My third layer was always a turtle-neck and this is to keep cold air, wind, snow and sleet out. My fourth and last layer was always a jacket that zipped right up to my chin and cut the wind. Next came a toque--and sometimes ear muffs under the toque--when it was colder than minus twenty, and a scarf that covered my face except for my eyes.
It's always best to wear mitts as opposed to gloves as your fingers tend to stay warmer then they are touching each other. Keep in mind that in below zero temperatures all exposed skin is an invitation to frost bite. I never had a problem preparing for winter running. I suppose it's because I loved it to much. KEEP IN CONTACT By this I mean be sure you have a cell phone with you if you plan on running far from home on cold wintry days. If you should have to stop due to an injury for example, you will get cold very quickly and after working up a sweat this is a dangerous combination when you are winter running. Hypothermia becomes a very real threat if you are incapacitated and in an unpopulated area by yourself. Often when I ran I would find myself miles from any kind of help and basically the solitude is one of the things I loved best about running. The downside is that you are far from help if you need it.
ADJUST YOUR BODY BALANCE Running on snow and ice requires different body positioning as opposed to running on dry surfaces. If the winter running footing was not great I would shorten my stride and tend to lean forward a bit more than normal. This changed my "center of gravity" and seemed to put more weight on each footfall and that in turn gave me more control and seemed to lessen the risk of slipping and falling. ADJUST YOUR SPEED Winter running is not the best time to be doing your interval training. I love running in the winter and there is nothing quite like getting up early, early on a Sunday morning to a fresh snowfall as you head out the door for a two hour run. I run along a river pathway that goes for miles and it's amazingly beautiful and peaceful. Winter is the perfect time to work on your long, slow distance training. Running in the Winter is therapeutic, healthy, invigorating and if you are properly prepared, most likely will be some of the most enjoyable triathlon or run training you will ever do. Sometimes I feel so lucky when I am out running in the winter and it's gorgeous and I feel great and just so glad to be alive. Over and over I remind myself to never take this gift for granted because in the blink of an eye it can be taken away. When you are out running in the winter or any other time for that matter, always keep in mind how fortunate you are to be fit and healthy and have the freedom to do something so special.
Winter Running Back To Run Training Page
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