It’s the middle of December which can only mean we have made it to the winter months. For anyone who enjoys exercising outdoors, colder temperatures are a sign it’s time to move indoors. Most types of exercise can be done indoors, including running. But running on a treadmill all winter isn’t the most exciting way to keep yourself active.
Fortunately, with the right winter clothing and accessories, runners can brave almost any cold temperature. Just about all Canadian cities offer the option for year-round running, based on average winter temperatures. As long as you take the correct precautions, winter running can be enjoyable and feed your hunger for outdoor training.
Wear Proper Winter Attire
The biggest issue with running during the winter is sweating. The best way to combat excessive sweating during extremely cold weather is by wearing a base layer of moisture-wicking clothing. This type of clothing will help to keep your body temperature controlled with a breathable layer as to not make you too warm and start to sweat on your run. Sweating can cause frostbite and hypothermia, so it is essential to invest in moisture wicking base layers and shoes. Keeping all of your extremities covered is another way to prepare yourself for the cold temperatures as they will be the first part of your body to get frostbite if not appropriately covered.
Don’t Restrict When Layering
Wearing the correct types of cold weather layers is very important in order to keep yourself warm and dry. When just starting on your run, you should still be a little chilly in order to give your body that time it needs to warm up without getting too warm and sweaty. When you add your warm layers, only layer enough to make sure your body is warm enough, and it doesn’t restrict your running. If you are uncomfortable and unable to run the correct way, you are wearing too many layers.
Although running in most extreme cold temperatures is entirely feasible, it’s essential to know when to stay inside and stick to the treadmill. Heavy snow and icy conditions can lesson traction and cause you to have a bad fall and possible injury. During those points in the winter, it’s best to use good judgment and keep yourself safe and warm during training.