- Don’t put your outdoor running routine on hold while Old Man Winter’s in town! If you’re a competitive runner, winter running can give
you an advantage over those who refuse to train in cold weather. Run just for fun? Avoid the spring break-in period when you have to
work twice as hard to get your running legs back with a few of these winter running considerations.
- When winter sets in, start your runs out more slowly. Cold muscles in with a cold environment take longer to warm up. Pushing yourself
too early can lead to injuries. Muscles react differently in cold weather, so try to run on flat surfaces with a steady pace and shortened
strides, and avoid quick changes of direction in case of slick ice patches. Taper off the end of your run gently so you don’t cool down
too quickly and catch a chill.
- Take advantage of the unique opportunities winter provides! Activities such as snowshoe running and cross-country skiing are exhilarating
ways to keep your running muscles engaged all season long, especially when running on streets and sidewalks becomes too dangerous.
- If the thought of venturing out into the frigid temps is less than appealing, give your workout a head-start indoors by running stairs,
jumping rope or running in place. Grabbing a friend or two is also great safety net for winter workouts, not to mention great motivation!
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