Safety in Cold

A key for running in any temperature is to do all you can to keep your body temperature regulated, and to keep hydrated.   

General Tips for Running in Cold

• A key to running in cold is to wear several layers of clothing, preferably ones that can remove the sweat from your body (wicking).  Then you can remove the layers if needed as you warm up. 
• If wearing several layers at the beginning of a run, ensure that you have a way to remove the layers of clothing (and retain them if you want to use them again) as the temperatures get warmer. 
• When in doubt, err toward dressing warmer than you expect to need.  Long runs in cold weather areas can become unpredictable, with sudden changes in wind, sleet, etc. changing your body temperature.  And becoming wet from sweat or rain while running, then stopping, can lead to very cold body temperature very quickly.
• Vital gear to wear for cold weather running are very warm gloves (I prefer wind resistant mittens.  Mittens capture hand body warmth, and keep your hands warmer than gloves), and warm hats.  Most of your body heat is lost through your hands and head, so its important to keep them warm. 
• For very severe cold weather, it may be important to add even more layers, and to cover face and eyes with glasses or goggles, and to place WarmSkin or a buff on your face to prevent windburn or frostbite. 
• Also, placing single-use hand warmers or toe warmers in gloves and shoes work great for staying warm on very cold runs. 
• If cold weather runs include running on icy or snowy surfaces, it is important to wear shoes that prevent or reduce risk of falling.  Options include YakTrax, Stabilicers, or trail shoes with extra treads.