Second Wind

Second Wind
"Run With Purpose!"

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tis the season for... what?

It's cold in many places -- though not here.... we had a few days weeks past where we hit high 20's, but this week and last we're in the 60's, even 70 a day or 2 -- anyway, I digress...  For those of you who actually Are experiencing winter, what are your thoughts on winter running?  Do you?  Don't you?  Love it?  Hate it?  How?

Few things to remember:

When you walk out out the door into the cold, you should Feel Cold!  If you walk outside in the cold and think "ah, I feel nice and comfortable" then you will be Roasting hot, sweating (and THEN freezing) in a mile or 2.  You're body will warm up as your muscles warm up and you want your clothing to allow you room to do so comfortably.

Keep in mind that a good part of your body heat is lost through your head.  For me, I find it better to lose the sweats and jacket and just wear gloves and a beanie.

On the gloves and beanie:  refer to number 1.  Only wear them if the temperature warrants it, and then try to (most of the time) wear thin!

Your body can (and will) always heat up - but once you're going, you can't really cool your body temp back down comfortably.  You will begin to sweat, which will then cover your body in moisture.  Wearing a coat of water in the cold then becomes a whole new problem!