Winter Running Mistakes Revealed

Running on a winter season can be as fun as running on fall or spring seasons. The only difference is that you need to get dressed as warm as possible and prepare for cold weather outside. However, some people do it the wrong way and they end up getting sick on bed. Yet, below are some of the winter-running mistakes that many people fail to notice:

Mistake Number 1- Not listening or watching to weather forecasts before running

Most people forget to check the weather forecast of the day before running outside. In the end, they face worse weather conditions rather than having a good one. It is an important rule to check to weather forecast before running, especially when you are doing it on winter. There may be possibilities of blizzards and other natural calamities that may occur. But, most importantly, check the temperature outside, as well as the wind chill. Temperature less than zero degrees and wind chill of below 20 degrees can be very dangerous for running. Thus, better stay at your house running on the treadmill.

Mistake Number 2- Wearing of thick coats instead of dressing up in layers

Some people actually believe that thick coats can insulate them well against cold weather. However, strong wind can simply pass right through your clothes and remove the warm air covering your body. When you wear clothes in layers, the air will be trapped in between. Aside from that, it would be easy to remove and add layers of clothes once the temperature increases or decreases, respectively.

Mistake Number 3- Choosing cotton clothes

The best clothing material for running is called polypropylene or Lycra because it can wick away moisture rather than absorbing it, which are often observed in cotton materials. Cotton will keep your body moist, which makes you feel cooler that can eventually lead to chills. Usually, running clothes made from Lycra is used as the first layer of clothing over several other layers of clothes when running on winter season.

Mistake Number 4- Forgetting to wear hats or mittens, as well as foot covers

Covering your head, feet and hands is as important as covering your body. Large amount of heat loss is made through these body parts. Thus, runners who are up for winter running should also protect their head, feet and hands from extreme cold. The head may be covered with wool hat, while the hands can be covered with mittens. The feet should be worn with warm wool sacks and a wicking sock liner.

Mistake Number 5- Not keeping their body well-hydrated

Even though winter does not dry up the skin as fast as the summer season, runners should still keep their body well-hydrated. Putting moisturizer and sun screen protector is important since this will help you avoid frost bite and redness on the skin. Aside from that, getting enough glasses of water a day can keep you away from colds or flu.