Running in the Cold!

"Brrrrrr!!!!!!!! Its freezing!" These were my first words this morning when I got out of bed. Its only Fall, but NOW is when the temps start dropping and its past the time to prepare for running in the cold! Here are some tips, hints, and tricks that will help you 'plow' through the seasons!

To start, you definitely want the right clothing and accessories. My most precious piece in cold weather has to be my gloves. Trying to run in the freezing weather without gloves can make your run miserable. It only takes a few minutes before trying zip up your jacket or tie you shoe becomes impossible due to numb fingers. The gloves I have are the Women's Thermal Running Gloves. They are fleece and have a small pocket in the palm to put a single key. I don't know if I could run with out those!

A beanie is also wonderful, especially if its below 30 degrees or windy! I also have and love my long sleeve, Under Armor turtle neck-

A fleece Under Armour un-hooded jacket with zip up pockets helps-I have learned the best thing to run in to keep warm is fleece, at least for me! And one thing on my Christmas list this year that most runners have is fitted cold gear tights! I saw them at Colorado Running Company from anywhere between $65-$115. So as I wait for Santa to bring me the tights I usually run in my 3/4 length Lulu Lemon pants.....not warm enough!!!

For anyone who has issues with the cold air hurting their lungs, which if its under 20 degrees I do, think about getting one of these! One other piece of advice I have been told especially if its snowing while you run is to wear bright colors- drivers don't consider that there are crazy people running during snow storms! =)

Now that you are prepared clothing wise (or have added a lot to your Christmas list) lets talk about the act of running! Remember to keep hydrated- I know it doesn't seem as important when its cold and snowy and you don't see the sweat being lost but IT IS! Also one thing I just learned at Runners World.com for shoes with ventilation holes-use duct tape to keep feet warm-that's actually going to be nice- I hadn't thought of that and my toes were freezing!

Try to stick to paths where you know the terrain, if you think it could be icy-avoid it or use shoe spikes- available at most running stores!

And one of the most important things is to make sure you enjoy it, if you don't enjoy it, go inside and run on the treadmill! There's nothing wrong with that! (see blog post about Running On Treadmills) I love running outside in the cold as long as its not too windy, especially because the hot chocolate at the end helps make it worth it! =)