How to Prepare for Fall and Winter Runs

Running in the colder months requires strategic planning and the right amount of insight to prepare your body.

Not only do we need to think about the brisk air on our skin and dress properly, but we must consider the foods we put into our bodies. Our bodies exert more energy when running in the cold, requiring more food and water.

Here are some tips to consider:

• Eat an extra fruit

• Prepare more whole grains

• Avocado is good healthy fat. It’s perfect to add to the side of any meal. Put a few slices on a sandwich, salad, etc.

• Drink more water

• Dress with the right amount of layers to stay warm, but not too much to cause excess sweat

• If there's snow on the ground, use sneakers specific to the conditions

It's also important to consider how the lungs are affected. The cold air narrows the airways of the lungs. Because cold air is dry and has small amounts of moisture in the air, the throat can also become dry.

Whether you decide to run in the cold or run indoors, it's important to prepare your body.

Source:(1) Cleveland Clinic: Everything You Need to Know About Running in Cold Weather (2) Ohio State University: Health and Discovery: Why Exercising in the Cold Weather Hurts Your Chest