How to Train for a Marathon During the Winter

If you're considering training for a spring marathon, you'll be training during cold winter months. These freezing temperatures can make some aspects of your marathon training even more challenging. However, with some planning, you can prepare for a marathon during the winter just as effectively as you can in any other season.

Instructions

1. Dress in warm layers. You can always shed a layer if you get too hot. Buy wicking material such as polypropylene and Coolmax. Wear a bottom layer, a middle layer and an outer shell. Buy long tights and wind pants for outdoor winter running.

2. Wear full length crew socks so you don't have a gap between the sock and running tights. You don't want to have any exposed skin on cold days.

3. Wear a hat and gloves. If it's really cold, wear a ski mask or scarf over your mouth.

4. Consider wearing trail running shoes. They provide more traction than regular running shoes and might keep your feet warmer.

5. Consider buying screws and inserting in the bottom of your running shoes so you'll have good traction for running on ice and snow.

6. Join a gym. If temperatures are too cold, you can train for your marathon inside on a treadmill.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't wear cotton. It holds in moisture, which can make you cold.

• Don't overdress. You'll sweat too much and become wet and dehydrated.