She’s a runner, too, so she understands the temptation of the open road.
But as our winter finally remembers to get started in 2016, and the temperatures drop, exercise physiologist Sara Fuller recommends staying inside.
“It’s one thing to buy running tights. It’s another thing to buy thermal insulated running tights,” said Fuller with a clear nod to the expense.
Unless you are accustomed to the cold, find a treadmill, an indoor track or adjust your workout, recommended the St. Elizabeth Healthcare professional.
If you are going outside, “make sure your lungs are prepared and you are up to it,” she said.
If you’ve been training in the cold and know your limitations, run on.
“It definitely just depends,” she added.
Fuller advises:
- Pick the sunniest time of the day (it really does help).
- Be very aware of traffic (slipping and sliding by).
- Layer, layer, layer.
- Stay dry – it is as important as staying warm.
RunnersWorld.com also has plenty of detailed advice including:
- Keep your feet dry with the right socks and shoes.
- Dress in “layers of technical fabrics.”
- Wrap a scarf around your mouth (just like Mom used to do).
- Warm up while you are inside to get the blood flowing before the run.
- Afterward, change your clothes immediately and enjoy a hot drink.
If an indoor workout seems like a better choice, investigate running tracks, stationary bikes or treadmills.
Newer treadmills have much more spring than older ones, so save your legs and knees the direct pounding and choose a “springy” one, Fuller said.
