The Winter Runner

It’s that time again.

Ice, rain, snow, slush. That special kind of feeling you get when the wind chill is in the single digits. 

Wet feet and frozen snot. 

Yeah maybe its not pretty, maybe its a little painful, but runners don’t just stop running cause it got a little cold, am I right?

If you are planning on running out in the elements this winter, here is a list of tips and tricks to make it a little less miserable. 

Check the weather forecast 

  • If ice is suspected, be hyper aware of your foot placement. 

  • Look for slick spots, what may appear to be a puddle could be solid ice. Go around it.

  • If at all possible run indoors on icey days. 

Warm up appropriately

  • Cold stiff muscles are more susceptible to injury. 

  • Do 5-10 minutes of dynamic movements to increase blood flow.

  • Getting a little warm before starting off in cold temps could also keep you from over dressing. 

Dress appropriately 

  • It may surprise you but be careful not to overdress when its cold. If you get overheated you will sweat more, and when a chill sets in its hard to shake it.

  • Dress as if its 10-20 degrees warmer than it is. 

  • Wear a moisture wicking layer under the heavier layers to keep from collecting sweat. 

  • Wear gloves and a hat that covers your ears.

Hydrate

  • If you are going out for a long run in the cold you may not feel as thirsty as you normally do. 

  • You won’t be sweating as much as you would if it were warm out. 

  • Be sure to bring water and to take a drink from it regularly during the workout. 

 Wait it out

  • If it has been snowing all night, wait for the snowplow. 

  • Even if you prefer to run early, you need to consider waiting for a clear path to minimize the risk of injury.

  • While some may enjoy running on freshly fallen snow, you never know what kind of slippery situations lay underneath it!

“when there is snow, there is slush and ice. It is slippery. It is wet. It is cold. The rest of us are huddled over in general agony, our knee-high boots turning white with salt, the pockets of our puffy coats stuffed with tissues. We’re zipped up and shivering on our ways to work, to pick up the kids, to go on a date with Netflix, and here you come, running. Outside. In the snow.

Show offs.” 

-Jessica Contrera (The Washington Post)

Be safe out there this winter!

-See you on the road!

Kenzie Bruns