Cold-Weather Running

With the weather taking a turn for the better (or so it seems), it’s time to pick up those running shoes and get outside again. Don’t be fooled by the sunny glare outside your window – it’s still too cold to throw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and hit the road. Make sure you step outside before getting dressed for your run, so that you’ll be able to better dress yourself in preparation. Let’s be real, how often does the weather app on your phone accurately match the weather outside?

If you’re going on a cold-weather run, it is important to prepare your body first. It may seem as though wearing thick clothes such as a sweatshirt and sweatpants would be best for staying warm, but this is actually not the case. The most efficient way to dress in order to stay warm on a run is in many layers of tight clothing. The science behind this is that the fibers are more tightly bound, and can more easily trap air, which will heat up on keep your body warm as you run. Wearing bulky clothing will allow wind to blow through, without giving it the chance to heat up.

Try running tops and spandex such as Underarmour Coldgear. These articles provide a tight fit and a great base to layer on top of. On cold days, you may find that it also is slightly harder to breathe due to the cold air. Take it easy, and go for a lower, slower run. A 5-k (3.2 miles) is my favorite great cold weather run.  Remember, it doesn’t matter how fast you go, it just matters that you got out there and did it.

Wednesday’s Post-Workout Meal:

Natural peanut-butter on whole wheat bread with banana slices.

make sure the peanut butter only contains peanuts and salt and that the bread is FULLY whole grain, not a mixture!

           

Whole wheat bread is a great post-run option because it restores the carbohydrates (energy source) that were lost during your run. the peanut butter serves as a good source of fat as well as protein, and the banana adds potassium and is much better than processed, sugary jelly. 

Feel free to post your runs!!