If you enjoy running, whether professionally or as an amateur you will probably be running all year round. Running in winter can be especially rewarding as you can more easily regulate your body temperature than in summer. When running you will generate heat and lose it through sweating, it is also easier to put extra layers on and remove them when necessary than the other way round. In fact, it can be perilous to run in the summer heat as you run the risk of overheating.
In the depths of winter, however, when there is snow and ice on the ground it can be dangerous to run in your usual trainers. You may slip and fall over. Worse, you might break something.
A useful piece of footwear to have available to you in the colder months is the spiked running shoe. Although originally developed to give increased traction for the short distance runner they can be extremely useful when running on snow or ice. The spikes on the underside dig in to the ice without the risk of slipping or sliding, they will usually penetrate through the ground underneath giving you the increased traction required in the bad weather.
Men’s spiked running shoes are available in all the usual brands you can expect from regular running shoes. As with regular running shoes you should go with something that is going to comfortable and help with your performance, a respectable brand will mean they are going to last you for some time.
If running in winter there are additional points that you should take in to consideration. Firstly, it is important to remain warm when the weather is cold. This may sound obvious but you can put additional layers on to keep yourself insulated and remove them as required when you are running. Ensure you wear enough base layers that are going to retain your body heat and keep it close to your skin.
Even if it’s cold outside you should still ensure you take some fluids with you to drink, exercise uses the body’s reserves of fluid. You can carry this in your hand or clip it to your belt. You will still need to replace fluids as you lose them to prevent dehydration, do not think that as it is cold you will not develop a thirst. If this happens and you do not have a drink at hand you may begin to feel ill or feint.
Finally, make sure you can be seen. Use reflective layers and bright clothing. From sports shops you can purchase reflective strips that you can place over your shoulder. If running in inclement weather or when the light is failing you should also invest in some lights. Lights for runners are widely available and can clip to your clothing and will flash if you want them to in order to increase your visibility.
