PUBLISHED 12/29/2005
One of the simple joys of running is the connection it gives us to the outdoors. Breathing in fresh air, witnessing a sunrise, and experiencing the changing seasons keep us coming back for more. Well, most of the time. It's tough to be as enthusiastic about running outdoors when the mercury drops below zero, 30-mile-per-hour winds hurl ice pellets into your face, or a sudden thaw forces you to play hopscotch around ankle-deep puddles. So we consulted the experts on the smartest strategies for staying warm during the cold season.
Out or In?
Many serious runners say it's never too cold to run outside. Experts agree that you can ward off hypothermia and frostbite by covering skin with apparel that wicks moisture and repels rain and snow, and by maintaining a steady pace throughout a run.
In normal conditions, keeping your body temperature up isn't an issue. But windy weather and slick surfaces can slow you down, lowering your metabolic heat production and increasing your risk of hypothermia or frostbite, says Ronnie Carda, coordinator of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's physical education activity program and a marathon coach.
"When conditions are ugly, run shorter and stay closer to home," Carda says. Run loops in your neighborhood--if you get tired, slip on ice, or get wet, you can quickly escape the elements.
