Now that we are blessed with a few more daylight hours, it’s time to leave that treadmill in the dust and brace the outdoors for your daily cardio session. Studies have shown that exposure to the sun (Vitamin D) is linked to reducing colds and flus. Though the sun may be shining, spring running’s main obstacle is and always has been the weather; wind, rain and even the odd snowfall. But don’t let that stop you! All you need to do is make sure you’re well equipped before you hit the ground running!
That winter chill is still out there but that doesn’t mean you need to keep wearing thick coats and jackets when you’re headed outside. Wearing light layers is most appropriate while you’re outside for a run. Add on to your regular base layer and make sure you can take off whatever you need to to stay comfortable. Jackets can easily be unzipped and tied around the waist, and hats and mittens can be shoved into pockets.
Dress how you’re going to feel halfway through your run, not before it! Many runners make the mistake of packing on too many layers, making you too hot and clammy too quickly. Sweaty socks in running shoes are a recipe for blisters and chafing. Like every workout, you want to make sure you wear clothing that is breathable to help your skin cool off and help with your body’s thermoregulation by dressing about 10 degrees warmer than it actually is outside. Your body’s temperature has a huge impact on running performance — if you’re too warm, you’ll slow down!
As fast as you might be sprinting, no one can dodge raindrops. To combat any precipitation, wear a light waterproof or water resistant jacket as an outer layer. Anything that collects moisture will way you down and start to become heavy and cold during your run. A ball cap will also keep the rain out of your eyes.
We hope these tips get you outside in the sun and the melting snow! Just remember that spring won’t last forever, and soon we’ll be jogging among the daisies!