Cool/Cold Weather Running

This is a repeat for many of you, but new information to some of our new members.  Never hurts to hear it again.  The weather is going to turn cool this weekend (finally).  The low of Saturday is 42F, and the high is only 66F.  This means two things: 1) it is easier to run in the afternoon, and 2) if you run in the morning you need to be prepared for the temperature change.

Here are some tips:

• Wear Layers - You can always take extra clothing off as you warm up. If you however start with just your base layer and a heavy jacket, you have no "middle ground". You are likely too hot or too cold. If you have layers, you can peal them off little by little.
• Be Technical - Be sure to keep technical clothing as your bottom layer. It is fine to throw an old cotton t-shirt on as a middle or top layer, or a sweatshirt. Just keep some wicking clothing on as a base layer. This will pull the sweat away from your body.
• Head and Hands - Do not forget to keep your head and hands warm. If you don't have one, go buy a cheap stocking hat. An ear warmer is fine too, but with temps in the 20s and 30s you will want to hold in the heat. As for gloves, go cheap. My recommendation is going to the kids department in Target. You can buy a two pack of kids gloves for $1.49. They are super stretchy, and you can put on both pair at once. If your hands get hot, peal off a single pair. These gloves fit my hands in case you are wondering how stretchy they are.
• Band aides and Body Glide - Don't forget this! Guys, protect your chest. Cold weather can make you chafe badly (things get perky). You do not want to finish your run with a bloody shirt. Also when you are not sweating, your clothing does not have a layer of moisture to glide against. This can mean chafed thighs, legs, etc.
• Get Warm - When you finish your run get warm! Have something in your car to put on. Once you stop running, your body will very quickly get a chill. Don't take a chance at getting sick. You may even need to take of wet clothes and replace with something dry.

Most of these tips really apply to much colder temperatures, but you can start planning now for what is ahead.