How to Continue a Running Regimen Through the Winter

There's not much that destroys our love of outdoor activity more than cold weather. Many serious runners who train hard spring through fall still hit the treadmills or the holiday buffet to avoid that cold blast of winter. Following these steps will help keep you outside and still fit, all while guiltlessly indulging in holiday snacking and having the upper hand on spring-time runners.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proper winter running apparel
• Accurate weather forecast

1. Keep in mind that you will be in an elite minority of runners by going strong all winter. Your family and colleagues will call you crazy (the good crazy), but you’ll garner a lot of respect from fellow runners and hopefully inspire others to keep it outdoors as well.

2. Use attire to your advantage. With modern fabric technology constantly improving, we really don’t have the viable excuse that “it’s too cold to run” anymore.

3. The tighter your clothes, the better off you’ll be on your run. Treat fleece-lined spandex as a second skin.

4. Layer up. It’s easier (and makes more sense) to start warm and peel off clothing. You’ll be surprised at how quick your body heat will spike in the cold air while you’re moving quickly.

5. Embrace the cold. Before you even begin running, change your mentality from hating the cold to loving it. Since you’ll be layering, it will be even easier to control your body heat than it is in the summertime. Think of anything that will make your experience of running in the cold a positive one.

6. Reward yourself after every run with a hot tea or hot chocolate, and sidle up next to your fireplace. Make sure your muscles don’t cool too quickly, so jump into a hot shower if you need to and gradually turn the water temp down as you’re in there. This will keep your risk of injury down more than if you just stayed outside and stretched.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay hydrated. You won’t feel as though you’re sweating as much as you do in the warmer months because sweat will be quickly absorbed by all your fabric and/or evaporate quickly. Don’t let your dry skin fool you, and always replenish when you get back to your home.