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.