Cold Weather Running Tips
Winter has arrived across much of North America. November recorded record snowfalls in a number of locations, leading to a number of ski resorts opening early for the season. For many people, their minds are turning towards carving the slopes, sipping hot chocolate, and cozy evenings spent indoors.
But for us, the training doesn’t end just because the sun goes down a few hours earlier. It’s no secret that running through the winter takes extra grit, perseverance, not to mention some extra gear. But it’s worth it. Miles earned during the dark winter months pay dividends come spring.
Here are a few tips for staying on top of your training during the winter.
1. Time it right
Motivating yourself to get out of bed long before the sun rises, or forcing yourself to brave the elements again after you’ve made it home from work at the end of the day can be a genuine test of will power. Instead, if your schedule allows, consider scheduling your run around mid day. The sun will be out, it will likely be warmer outside, and you will have the added benefit of breaking up your work day with some exercise.
2. When it comes to layering, less is more
The body is a resilient machine. You would be surprised just how quickly it warms up once it gets moving. Unless it’s well below freezing, chances are some full-length tights, a thermal top, light gloves and a beanie should be enough to keep you warm during your run. Just make sure you don’t let yourself cool down too much before you get inside after your workout wraps up - you’ll still sweat, and that will turn cold in a hurry.
3. Pack fuel and hydration close to your body
There’s nothing worse than reaching for a drink and your soft flask has frozen shut, or your gels have turned to stone in the cold mid-workout. Instead, use your body temperature to keep your hydration and fuel warm and close at hand. Our Original and SL Bands can be worn against your skin and under a layer, which helps insulate them from the cold and windchill that you create when you move with speed. Don’t worry about having to cut a workout short again this winter.
4. Keep a light on you, and keep your devices charged
Cold weather saps batteries. Don’t get caught out with a dead phone or flat headlamp when the sun sneaks away earlier than anticipated. Ensure your devices have ample charge before you leave the house, or keep them warm against your body by carrying them in a band.
5. Ensure you’re wearing adequate footwear
Don’t let a rolled ankle (or worse) jeopardize your training block. Wearing good trail running shoes with deep lugs can help your feet feel planted and secure over uneven terrain inherent to the season. Better yet, consider investing in a pair of Yak Trax or microspikes. These lightweight and low profile traction enhancers bite into ice and snow, providing an additional layer of traction and mitigating the risk of slips and falls.
Looking for more winter running tips and gear? Stop into your local running shop, or shop our full range of bands and vests online now.
But for us, the training doesn’t end just because the sun goes down a few hours earlier. It’s no secret that running through the winter takes extra grit, perseverance, not to mention some extra gear. But it’s worth it. Miles earned during the dark winter months pay dividends come spring.
Here are a few tips for staying on top of your training during the winter.
1. Time it right
Motivating yourself to get out of bed long before the sun rises, or forcing yourself to brave the elements again after you’ve made it home from work at the end of the day can be a genuine test of will power. Instead, if your schedule allows, consider scheduling your run around mid day. The sun will be out, it will likely be warmer outside, and you will have the added benefit of breaking up your work day with some exercise.
2. When it comes to layering, less is more
The body is a resilient machine. You would be surprised just how quickly it warms up once it gets moving. Unless it’s well below freezing, chances are some full-length tights, a thermal top, light gloves and a beanie should be enough to keep you warm during your run. Just make sure you don’t let yourself cool down too much before you get inside after your workout wraps up - you’ll still sweat, and that will turn cold in a hurry.
3. Pack fuel and hydration close to your body
There’s nothing worse than reaching for a drink and your soft flask has frozen shut, or your gels have turned to stone in the cold mid-workout. Instead, use your body temperature to keep your hydration and fuel warm and close at hand. Our Original and SL Bands can be worn against your skin and under a layer, which helps insulate them from the cold and windchill that you create when you move with speed. Don’t worry about having to cut a workout short again this winter.
4. Keep a light on you, and keep your devices charged
Cold weather saps batteries. Don’t get caught out with a dead phone or flat headlamp when the sun sneaks away earlier than anticipated. Ensure your devices have ample charge before you leave the house, or keep them warm against your body by carrying them in a band.
5. Ensure you’re wearing adequate footwear
Don’t let a rolled ankle (or worse) jeopardize your training block. Wearing good trail running shoes with deep lugs can help your feet feel planted and secure over uneven terrain inherent to the season. Better yet, consider investing in a pair of Yak Trax or microspikes. These lightweight and low profile traction enhancers bite into ice and snow, providing an additional layer of traction and mitigating the risk of slips and falls.
Looking for more winter running tips and gear? Stop into your local running shop, or shop our full range of bands and vests online now.