It Works For me

It Works For Me.

Living in the cold climate of the Midwest calls for an extra ounce of motivation to be able to perform the daily morning runs. It doesn’t take much in the spring, summer or fall to don your shorts and flats and head on out to enjoy a nice morning run before the rest of humanity realizes that another beautiful day has arrived. You know you are out there a bit early when the birds in the trees and bushes are startled by your passing presence.

When the wind is howling and The Weather Channel speaks of unspeakable wind chills, it is quite a different story. Throughout my running years I have been able to master cold, windy weather running but not before having suffered from its brutal destructive force.

I remember times when I have gone out on my run only to come back after a mile or so, unable to even turn the key to the door lock due to frozen fingers. There was a time when, in my rush to return home I didn’t see the ice on the pavement and I was bewildered as to why the sidewalk was rushing up to my face at such a rapid rate. Seven stitches were required to sew up the nasty cut above my right eye. Countless times I have gone out ill prepared and each time I put my foot down I was not sure if I still had my shoes on because of the severe cold.

I have learned my lessons well. I still run in severely cold weather in Chicago but I have my techniques to keep all of me warm, including my family jewels, though I have been told the that the weather has nothing to do with cold jewels. The following is short list of dos and don’ts of cold weather running.

1. Layers – underwear, followed by a moisture wicking turtleneck, and moisture-wicking running tights. On top of the tights wear a running short to shield the above mentioned jewels from the wind. Cover it all with a running warm-up pant. For the upper body begin with a tight fitting long sleeve running top. Cover that with a short sleeve, loose fitting running shirt. Cover it all with a loose fitting running jacket.
   
2. Cover your noggin – begin with a big do-rag making sure that it is snug but not tight over your ears. Bring it down as close as you can to your eyes. Over that wear a running beanie hat and over that wear a loose fitting balaclava (You don’t know what that is? Google it, bro.). Loose fitting because with every breath you take you will be helping to warm up your face and entire head. In a word, it works.
3. Keep feet warm – If the temperatures are 25 or above running in your usual flats and socks will suffice. However, if it’s colder or if there is an extreme amount of snow on the ground you’ll need to take precautions. Buy walking or basketball shoes that are at least ½ sizes larger than normal. You will be able to accommodate an extra pair of socks and your toes and toenails will thank you later.
4. Keep hands warm – The key here is mittens. Mittens worn with or without thin running gloves underneath will keep your fingers 90 to 100 percent warmer. In layman’s terms, without them you may lose one or more fingers due to frostbite.