For Year Round Runners

[Mic]

A question for those runners who do this year round, I mean even when it gets cold and the snow starts falling. How do readjust, do you use layering and how do find it affects your muscles differently from running in the spring and summer? Do you take any special precautions? I live where it will be getting cold and snowing soon but I would like to continue running outside for as long as possible, any suggestions?

 

[ldy_solana]

i would like to know this as well.

kassia

When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey

 

[librarygirl]

Mic,

I am sure some of the more seasoned runners will offer more help with this, but I run outside year-round and find it can be very enjoyable with a few precautions. The cold is not really a problem - the last two mornings here have been 34 with a wind-chill around 26. I wore a pair of Nike pants, a long-sleeve dri-fit shirt and gloves - any more and I would have gotten too warm. Here is a link to a previous discussion about dressing like it is 10 degrees warmer. http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?..._id=212771&mesg_id=212771&listing_type=search

When it gets colder I also do a little warm-up in the house before leaving - nothing too much - a little jogging in place and a few jumping jacks before putting on those gloves (and any other outerwear necessary for the conditions). I find this helps me be more comfortable at the start of my run.

I must confess though that once it gets icy out, I usually only run outside on the weekends when it is light enough out for me to see and avoid the icy patches. During the week when it is dark before and after work, I will run on the treadmill.

Hope this helps.

 

[Mckmain]

Janice...Lori Ann has some great cold weather tips. I am lucky as I live in Calif and it doesn't snow much, so wear running leggings when it is cold and a jacket for the rain. www.unerarmour.com has some great clothes for cold winter running.....Carole

 

[benvonwojo]

HI, I live in Chicago and I run outside in all weather. Kinda like the postman...? This is for those days where it is below freezing. Anyway, I warmup inside with a little jogging in place. I also wear a scarf over my mouth while running (I find this helps keep my throat from getting soar from the cold air, and mittens on my hands (only because I have Reynaud's Syndrome) but you may not need these. I always wear long pants and a sweater over a shirt.
SUzanne

 

[EricaH]

I'm a year round outdoor runner also - unless the roads are too icy.

Here's a kind of gross tip: I always wear fleece gloves when it's really cold because my nose runs and I use them to wipe my nose as well as keep my hands warm. But I wash them right away!

Erica

 

[Mic]

Thanks guys these all sound like really good tips. I'm starting off with a good consistent pace and I hate to stop now, I could invest in getting a treadmill or a gym membership but the outside is just so much more interesting than either of those options. I'd like to try to stay out for as long as I can. Thanks again.

 

[ldy_solana]

i don't care much for treadmills myself either but i really want to keep up the running. we have such nice scenery here its a shame to let the beauty pass by b/c of a little chilly weather. i have one of the headbands that covers your ears in the winter all i need is some more pants comfortable enough to run in
kassia
When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey

 

[ldy_solana]

i don't care much for treadmills myself either but i really want to keep up the running. we have such nice scenery here its a shame to let the beauty pass by b/c of a little chilly weather. i have one of the headbands that covers your ears in the winter all i need is some more pants comfortable enough to run in
kassia
When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be
disappointed to discover they are not it -- Bernard Bailey