Running in the freezing cold is no picnic! Despite being much harder there’s a lot of risk involved. However, if you take care of yourself a bit, it’s quite good for you!

Running in the Snow

Some time ago, I was amazed to find that one of my friends actually thought your lungs freeze if you run during winter. I told him that as long as you are alive, that’s impossible! Your body is amazing at quickly warming up the air that your breath. If it’s not could enough to get frost bite by walking around outside (in which case your lungs would be among the last to freeze), then it’s warm enough for running.

• I cannot stress enough the importance of dressing well! The key is wearing layers so that the warm air is trapped near the body. Good insulation will keep you warm!
• Make sure to do it gradually! Keep running every few days as the temperatures go down. Don’t jump from running in your shorts to dragging your feet in the snow. Although your body can take such changes, I ensure you it will not be pleasant! One of my friends sticks to this rule: no fluctuation greater than 7 degrees Celsius from one run to another. I must clarify that this is not the friend who thinks lungs freeze! He’s been running almost daily for years now and I have to say his little rule worked very well for me too!
• On the run, you must make sure that your muscles are warm at all times! A quick warm up before you leave the house is great. Try to plan your run so you’ll be facing the wind initially, and have it blow from behind on your way back. If you sweat in the first half of your run, this will help you not feel as cold in the other.
  Start out slow! Find your pace, asses the ground, warm up your body. 10 minutes of slow running or quick walking will do wonders! Also, after the run make sure to keep a fast pace until you get home. You can’t relax too much or you’ll start being cold.
• When you get home get out of your wet clothes and take a hot shower. Hydrate yourself with some warm fluids. Stretch out a little and enjoy the rest of your day!

Just because it’s getting doesn’t mean you should give up!