Winter is Here! Essentials for Cold Weather
By Shana Adams (@bbgtonline)
Whether the weather be hot, whether the weather be cold, we will run whatever the weather, whatever the weather may hold! For runners and those who just enjoy working out in the elements, you need to be sure you dress for the occasion. Winter weather can be a beast and depending on where you live, you may not be able to run outside. But for those of us who have moderate winters, here are running essentials you must have to keep yourself warm and functioning.
- Coat/Jacket – Got to wear a good jacket when you’re going outside to exercise. I prefer something that’s impervious to the wind. Something soft and cottony or furry on the inside is usually my first choice.
- Hat or Head Covering – My head sweats horribly, so if I’m outside, that cold air hits it. This is No Bueno. After that happens, I’m usually somewhere taking Zyrtec wondering what happened. Always wear a hair cap, then a toboggan over that.
- Gloves – Your hands are important. Protect them. You don’t want your extremities to get too cold. That could be painful later when you return to warmth. I like gloves that you can use with your smart phone, that provide that warmth and comfort you need.
- Compression Shirt – Under my jacket, I have on a compression shirt. You have to think in layers in the winter time. I live in the South so two layers is just fine most mornings.
- Compression Leggings/Long Johns – Again, same thing here. Your legs need that first layer of protection so when the wind does break, you have something to guard against hitting your legs.
- Jogging Pants – My second layer for my legs are usually jogging pants. This guards the compression tights, which guards the leg. There are levels to this thing man.
When running in winter, you have to protect yourself against any opportunity to get sick. That’s why thinking in layers is essential. Protecting yourself ultimately prevents catching a cold while getting a great workout.
Shana is a 25 year old communications professional who took her health into her own hands and started her weight loss journey mid-2010, but really took charge when she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2012. She is the creator of the health and fitness blog Big Boned Getz Toned!
