Cold Weather Running Myths Debunked

Well, Mother Nature must've been reading the deleted e-mails out of East Anglie because this week she's sure put global warming on HOLD!  BRRRRR!

When the weather gets cold, some folks resort to the "dreadmill" to get their miles in but, there's really no need, especially with the technology behind today's modern running apparel.

None the less, when it get cold out, we here at Fleet Feet Mahwah get many questions about cold weather running--we also hear quite a few "whoopers" about outdoor running in the winter.

Let's examine the most popular to separate "Myth" from "Truth!"
Myth:  Your lungs will freeze from the cold air when you run outdoors!
Truth: When you run, or do ANYTHING outdoors for example, your body has adapted through evolution to warm the cold air you breathe into your lungs SPECIFICALLY so that your lungs or airways do NOT freeze. Extreme cold can, and may feel uncomfortable as you take your initial breaths but, your lungs aren't going to freeze. The cold air is dryer than warmer air and that will cause a narrowing of the airways and may cause slight exercise induced asthma in some people. If you're one of them, the remedy for that is to cover your mouth with a scarf or gaiter. The moisture from your breath when you exhale will be trapped and should help that problem.

Myth: If you do run outdoors in winter, you don't have to worry about hydration!
Truth: Your body will perspire to cool itself in the winter just as it does in the summer. Just because you don't feel it like you do when it's hot, doesn't mean you can neglect your bodies need to replenish fluids lost through exercise. That means you need to hydrate on your runs in winter the same as you did during the warm weather months. That means replacing electrolytes too! So, be sure to carry your fluids all year round!


Myth: "Today's tech fabrics are light and thin, therefore I'll freeze if I run in them!"
Truth: Yes, today's technical fabrics are lightweight and thin. That does NOT mean that you'll freeze! At Fleet Feet Mahwah, our biggest challenge when working with folks new to winter running apparel is getting them to break the mental link between thickness and performance! Technical running apparel is NOT what you want to wear to a Giants or Jets game in late December. These items are designed to perform when the body is in motion. They are light and comfortable when you run, and their characteristics allow you to add layers when called for, without "bulking" up. You should feel the sting of the cold when you first hit the outdoors but, after as little as 5 minutes or less, you'll be toasty and COMFY! Take note that, you WILL freeze if you wear multiple heavy layers of cotton sweats or other natural fibers. They won't wick your perspiration away from your body to the outermost layer. Instead they'll blot and absorb your perspiration and your body heat will escape.

Don't forget hats, gloves or mittens, sunscreen and sunglasses. On super cold days with wind, our secret is we apply some "Bag Balm" (available at pharmacies) to any exposed skin for extra protection and moisture!

Winter running can be done outdoors and WILL be fun if you take those precautions and ignore the myths! Take heart, and think positively, springs only 3 months away!

Do you run outdoors in winter? What tips can you share that you find make it fun! If you don't what's holding you back? Let us know and we'll try to help you out! Better yet, stop in and we'll set you up with all you need to run all winter long!