Cold Weather Running

It’s rare to have Denver weather keep a body indoors, but last weeks cold snap was low enough to keep even me inside.  Now that the temperatures have reached a balmy 40º, I’m stoked to abandon the gym for the great outdoors.  I'm a part-time-recreational runner, but that doesn't mean I shelve my shoes during the winter.

Here are my top 5 “lessons learned” from running during Colorado’s colder months.

The Colorado sun shines bright - even below zero.
What it looks like, is not what it feels like.  Even stepping onto your deck may not give you a clear picture of what a run will be like.  Check the temp, and the wind chill.

It’s COLD in the shade and WARM in the sun.
I know it’s a “well duh” statement, but there’s easily a 10º difference between being in the shade and being in the sun. If you layer for shade, you’ll be way too warm for sun.  Pick a running route that’s one or the other and dress accordingly.

Watch for ice, even if the temp is above freezing.
9 times out of 10, wet pavement under a bridge means ICE.  Those pesky drips from above form invisible patches of ankle twisting doom.

Layer for your activity level.
Some days you feel like a lackadaisical jog; other days a hard sprint.  The jog is gonna be a wee bit nippy if you're dressed for a sprint.

Summer shoes have really efficient venting.
Nothing quite like feeling a biting breeze through the top of your sneakers on a winter run.  This can make for some pretty cold toes.  If you're not ready to buy a pair of winter running shoes, pick up a pair of wool running socks.