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!
I read somewhere recently (maybe Runner's World? I can't remember) that you should dress for weather about 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature outside when you are going for a run. I think that sounds about right. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteYep, that's an excellent rule of thumb and one I try to use.
ReplyDeleteYou should be Cold when you first start your run - not comfortable