How to Prepare for Cold Weather Runs During Winter

Have you been on a good run in the past few months? Making time for running, succeeding in all of your distance and long-term fitness goals? If so, you may be worried about winter blowing in and ruining all of this good progress. After all, running in winter can be much more difficult and many people likely stop running altogether during this period. 

But, do you have to? Not with the right preparation. 

So, with that in mind, here are some of the best ways that you can prepare for cold weather runs during this winter period. 

Safety First 

Not only is it colder during winter, but it is also much darker. As a result, you now face the added danger of running in the dark; which can be especially dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Wear reflective armbands, headwear and footwear. This way, you ensure that your whole body is offering cars and other road vehicles the chance to spot you. No matter how dark it may be. 

Wear Weatherproof Clothing

This may seem like a simple and silly thing to forget, but you would be surprised. Many runners forget to update or adapt their wardrobe to suit the harsher conditions. Which means that you are colder, more exposed to the elements and can overall suffer worse during winter runs. Therefore, it is important to buy clothing for both the top and bottom half of your body which suits the harsher conditions–ideally waterproof and warm. 

Change Routines 

If running long distances seems like an impossible task, either because it is too cold or the light puts your safety at risk, then don’t be afraid to change. Stopping running altogether in winter is a mistake, but you can actively reduce the miles you run or change the routes you take to accommodate the worsening conditions. In some cases, it is perhaps safer to do this even in the heat of summer. 

Positively, changing conditions and running parameters also works to prevent your body from becoming complacent. Don’t let it become comfortable in a certain routine; change it up instead! 

Use Supplements 

When it comes to the winter period, no doubt you will be considering supplementing your regular diet with supplements already. This is typically done to boost or bolster vitamin loss experienced during this period of the year. For example, the lack of natural light often leads people to suffer from a vitamin D loss at this time of year in particular. But, you can also use supplements such as EPA fish oil and digestive health supplements, offering support to all areas of your body at this time of year. 

Stay Hydrated 

It may be colder, but that doesn’t make hydration any less important. You are still losing fluids and need to keep topping up your body with what it is losing. And, importantly, you may cause yourself an injury if you fail to take the proper precautions in relation to your hydration at this point. So, don’t spoil your Spring and Summer progress with a Winter injury; keep hydrated year round. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, running is a big commitment and it’s important to ensure you are dedicated to it; come rain or shine. Therefore it is important to prepare during the winter to ensure you keep your progress high and your dedication unwavering at this point in your running career.