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Running in the Cold

308 bytes added, 11:27, 18 November 2011
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I've tested this is advice for running in cold temperatures down to around 8f/-13c and others have contributed tips from running in much colder conditions.
[[File:Running in the cold.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Running in the cold by Alfred Hermida.]]
* '''Hypothermia'''. Hypothermia can occur when the temperatures are in the 50s if you are cold or exhausted. See [[Hypothermia]] for details on this dangerous condition.
* '''The 20 degree rule.''' A good approximation is to dress for temperatures that are 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the actual temperature. So if it's 20 degrees out, dress for walking in 40 degrees. [[Perceived Temperature For Runners]] will give you a more accurate estimate.
* '''Dress in layers.''' Layers will keep you warmer than a single layer, and allow for flexibility of removing some of your insulation.
* '''Shed after warm-up.''' If practical, you can overdress for the first mile or so, until you warm up. This requires you having somewhere to discard the extra clothes, or a way of carrying them.
* '''Sunglasses.''' Keeping your eyes protected can help you keep a little warmer, and reduce how runny your nose gets. I use Oakley sunglasses with interchangeable lenses, so I can use clear glass when it's dark.
* '''Chemical Warmers'''. Using chemical warmers can help keep your hands from getting too cold. I find these seem to not only keep my hands warm, but also provide some extra warmth to the rest of my body and a little phycological boost. You can warm the packs with a hairdryer to get them extra warm (Thanks to Megan H)
** You can also save the hand warmers for another run by putting them in a sealed bag with the air squeezed out. (Thanks Charles/Kristine)
* '''Neck Warmer.''' A fleece neck warmer can protect your face and neck from the cold. I use a Turtle Fur neck warmer ([http://www.rei.com/product/663041 http://www.rei.com/product/663041]).
* '''Warm Up Inside'''. Often the first mile or so is the worst, as your body has not started to produce sufficient heat to offset the cold. Warming up for 10 minutes inside, by running up and down stairs, doing a jump rope, or using a treadmill. (Thanks to Melanie M for this tip)