If you live in a cold climate, chances are, you'll be dealing with training and snow at least a few times this winter. Snowy conditions can be tricky, however, if you dress appropriately, have a good attitude and take the necessary precautions, you can still get your training in when it's snowing or there's snow on the ground.
Here are our tips for running in the snow:
1) Keep your hands and feet warm. Wear gloves that wick away moisture. Mittens are a good choice on really cold days because your fingers will share their body heat. We recommend using hand warmers in your gloves or mittens. Wear a thin sock liner to keep your feet nice an toasty. If your feet and hands are cold, the rest of you will be cold!
2) Protect your head. About 40% of you body heat is lost through your head! Wear a hat to stay warm. If it's snowing, wear a hat with a brim to keep the snow out of your face. We recommend that you wear a beanie underneath for comfort and to keep your head extra warm.
3) Wear trail sneakers. They have more traction and are usually more waterproof than regular sneakers. These are a good investment if you have to run on snow a lot (plus, you have an excuse to get off the pavement and onto the dirt come spring time!)
4) Check temperature and wind chill. If the wind is strong, it will penetrate your clothes and cut through the insulating layer of warm air around you. If the temperature is below zero or the wind chill is below negative 20, opt for the treadmill.
5) Dress appropriately. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if it's 10 degrees warmer than it really is outside. You will warm up within 10 minutes of running. If you warm when you start, you will begin to sweat early in your run.
