Good Morning people..
Here I am... a tad late, as a surprise visit yesterday, put paid to many plans!
The cushions are out, the corner is warm and you are all most welcome. Fresh coffee, some super winter smoothies and a really yumster batch of healthy, yes, healthy, choc chip muffins!
Well... the weather here these last few weeks has been quite something... and the last week , even more so...heavy , thick snow last weekend and a slow thaw with ice, slow to move. Now followed by bitter cold, wind and heavy rain!
That has meant that I have not run for over ten days!
The weather can sometimes be ignored, if we have the gear, the determination and we are sure that it is safe to run, but at other times, the intense cold, ( for us in the UK), and snow/ice on the ground may mean, real problems.
So... can we run... and how do we make it enjoyable whilst staying safe!
Here are a few, what I hope may be useful tips for us all.
First off. If it looks very bad out there, with howling gales or black ice... then maybe, think again!
But if you feel that you are good to go;
Start out Warm.
Do I like I do, if you are able...warm your kit (especially your base layer) on the radiator before you put it on, and do some warm-up exercises in the house before you set off
Layers.
Layering kit is the key to maintaining and regulating body temperature.
Layers however need to be breathable and wicking ,( if possible), so they trap heat, not sweat (man-made fabrics like nylon and polypropylene are your best bet, though some natural ones, such as merino wool, (ethically sourced), work too).
Warm socks and the right shoes... cold feet, are really not wanted. Shop around for the right warm socks! Always bargains to be had!
Do NOT over do it... otherwise you may very well find yourself, overly warm and feeling like you need to strip off!
Warming up the bits that don't overwork, is important, your extremities do suffer... so things like gloves and a hat are pretty essential when it is really cold.
Eating well, drinking plenty.
Fuel needs to be put in to get the performance... eat well for the weather and don't forget to drink your water...easy to forget when the weather is colder.
Plan your route.
Make sure you let someone know where you are going and expected time out there. Stuck out in the cold with a twisted ankle could be very, very serious.
Make sure you are visible...and that you can see where you are going.
If you are running in darkness, at night or early morning, then reflective clothing and lights that will ensure you get seen by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Better safe than sorry.
The surfaces you run on likely to be icy in the early morning and evening, so if at all possible, head for trail or grass. In adverse weather, consider running loops closer to home rather than tackling a long 'out and back' run. Just common sense really?
Running on the snow?
This is , I feel a really useful read...
runandbecome.com/running-tr...
Be flexible.
You may be so worried about missing a run, in the C25K programme, that you throe caution the wind... literally. Be prepared to wait. Check the forecasts and if it means running a day or more late, so be it. The runs really DO wait. You need to take care of you.
Okay...hopefully, that may give you pause for thought and maybe you can check around for more information too.
I love winter running... fresh dry snow on the fields and the crisp, clear mornings with frost sparkling on every tree, I never run when it is icy. That is my choice. Having fallen once, ( not on a run) , I never want that to be repeated... on an run years ago I I did accidentally run on an iced over puddle... Yikes... ! I did manage to stay upright but it was touch and go!
I really did embrace my inner Bambi!
Your turn now ! Settle back with your snack and your chosen drink and share. Any tips you have for preparing for the unexpected weather, for ice or snow? Would you head out, have you headed out when yon knew really, it was not a great idea?
Looking forward to welcoming you …
Oldfloss x
Thank you for popping in!
It's cold outside
