Some good tips for winter running from my Cleveland Clinic neighbors….
It’s the dead of winter and you’re thinking about going out for a run. But you’re also wondering whether training in the cold is a bad idea. Should you head out and brave the cold, or sit this one out? Anahad O’Connor, Well reporter, spoke to some experts to find out how to prevent issues from running in the cold.
Most experts say that any temperature, whether hot or cold, can present unique challenges. Running in the heat means you have to be extra cautious about dehydration, muscle cramping and the prospect of losing too much sodium in your sweat. Running in the cold means you have to worry about frostbite and other issues.
The key to running in any extreme temperature is to be prepared, says Dr. Laura Goldberg, a sports medicine doctor at the Cleveland Clinic and an avid marathoner. Dr. Goldberg is also a particularly big fan of cold runs. “I love running in the winter,” she said. “It’s beautiful and crisp and it’s great.” So what should you do to prepare?
Dr. Goldberg said that one of the biggest problems runners face in cold temperatures is the fact that cold muscles are prone to injury. “So the key is to warm up gradually,” she said. “And keep in mind that a lot of times you can’t quite run as fast in the cold.” Another problem with the cold is what it can do to your skin and your lungs. Breathing in cold air while you’re running could irritate your airway. It could provoke asthma or cause difficulty breathing, so it’s best to wear something that covers your mouth so that you’re not breathing in too much cold air. It’s also important to make sure that your skin is properly covered, by any means necessary. “If it’s very cold then I recommend covering your face,” Dr. Goldberg said, “even if it means using Vaseline.”
Run Well!
Jen A. Miller
Author, “Running: A Love Story”
Source: drnicksrunningblog.com