Too Cold For Running? Check Out Our Top Tips To Help You

If you are a regular runner who loves nothing more than pounding the pavements, then you probably won’t want to let the cold weather affect you this winter. Just as the hot weather can affect your running routine due to the risk of dehydration, the cold weather can also have a negative impact on your ability to run.Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic in Dublin 4 we have come up with some running tips to help you battle the winter weather during your workouts: 

Warm Up Before You Run

By doing a warm up for running before going outside you will loosen out any stiff muscles and when you begin to run it won’t be a shock to your body. Do some jumping jacks, walk up and down the stairs a couple of times, or simply jog on the spot for a couple of minutes before going out. Anything you can do to get your blood flowing is going to have a positive impact on your ability to maintain stamina throughout your run and will mean a less likely chance of an injury occurring.

Wrap Up Well

When out for a run, it is important to wear the right clothes such as polyproplene clothes that will help you stay dry and warm. Investing in good waterproof fabrics is essential, especially if you are eager to keep up your running routine during the winter months. Wearing a hat and gloves will also help to protect you from the cold wind. It is also important to wear reflective, flourescent clothing when running in the evenings so that you are visible to motorists.

Wear The Right Footwear

Wearing the correct running shoes is important regardless of the weather, so this is very important when running in cold weather. Wearing the correct running shoes could lower your risk of developing an injury, such as runner’s knee. It is best to run in shoes with little or no mesh as this means that you can keep warmth in and rain out. Wearing the right socks when running is also important. During the winter months a thin wool sock is best, whereas a thin wicking type of sock is ideal during the warmer months of the year.

Change Quickly After Your Run

Don’t stay in those sweaty, damp running clothes! It is absolutely essential to change out of your running clothes as soon as possible. If you are not going home straight away after your run, make sure that you have a change of clothes with you because your body temperature drops as soon as you stop running. It is important to change out of those clothes in order to prevent a chill. Putting a dry hat on and having a hot drink post-run is also a good idea.If you would like to know more about running in the cold weather, please feel free to contact us.