Winter Running Safety
You are about to practice your running skills. Everything is set. You are on your running attire and you’re good to go. Only you remember, it’s winter! What do you do now?
Runners, especially those who haven’t tried running during winter season may think that it’s perfectly safe as long as you have the right gear and equipment. Of course, there are still precautions that one must consider before trying to run during the winter season. Here are some safety reminders:
- Wear reflective apparel as it can be darker during winter compared to normal days. Reflective apparel can help vehicles identify you when you are running.
- Your apparel should likewise be made of technical, synthetic material and that they can wick moisture away, keeping you warm and dry. This kind of material dries quickly so that when you stop running, you’ll have a lesser chance of getting cold for a long period of time.
- The key to your Running Apparel is to layer it with clothes. You can start out with a base layer and a jacket. As the temperature drops, add more base layers to your wardrobe. The weather can change quickly during winter and you’re body temperature likewise changes so be sure to choose fabrics that wick moisture away.
- The same goes for your bottoms. Wear moisture wicking pants/tights and undergarments as well. Wind pants are a good addition to your apparel if you plan to run in heavy snow or rain.
- You also need to protect your head, ears and hands as 20% of your body heat escapes especially through your head. You may try an ear band or fleece headband if your ears get cold fast and a pair of ski gloves/knit cotton gloves for your hands.
- Wear the right shoes. You may use water resistant running shoes, trail running shoes if there is snow, winter running shoes or just your regular training shoes if the condition is cold but otherwise dry. Do not wear cotton socks but instead wear one that is a little thicker compared to the running socks you wear during summer.
- Even though the weather is cold, you still need water to keep your body hydrated. There are packs that you can strap on to your waist so that you don’t need to hold the water bottle with your hands while you are running.
- Protect your skin by using sunscreen. The sun’s ultraviolet rays reflect off the snow so it is important to protect and moisten your skin as it also prevents you from getting wind and sunburn. Use sunglasses for your eyes to protect you from the sun’s rays, blowing or drifting snow, sleet or rain!
It is much darker during winter compared to normal days so make sure you run on well-lit routes or carry a safety light with you so you can see your way ahead. Wearing reflective apparel is also important to help vehicles or motorists see you.
Be careful in slippery Running Surfaces as these may cause you to fall. The best way to run past some smooth spots is to slide across them purposely. This way, you will not lose your footing causing you to stumble. Another option that you might want to consider is to put accessories at the bottom of your shoes that help provide traction or screw shoes for running on hard packed snow or ice.
Lastly, wear the right clothing suitable for the weather and make sure you stay well-hydrated.
Although Running during winter entails a lot of risks, it shouldn’t stop you from trying it. Just keep in mind the essentials you need to bring and the safety precautions you need to consider. Running during winter does not require you to run as fast as you would normally do during summer. Instead, take this as an opportunity to practice your skills which will be then very useful for you come summer time!
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