Preparing for Winter Running

Winter running is a challenge because of many different factors. Depending on where you live, you may have to face conditions which will include snow and ice. If nothing else, you will have to face lower than usual temperatures. This is enough to cause some people to put off running again until the summer. This is not necessary as long as you are making the right preparations. It is possible to run in some comfort no matter what the weather throws at you.

The Right Sneakers

The conditions you will face during winter running will mean you will need to wear sneakers which will grip the road even when there is ice and snow. These are like snow tires for your feet. The sneakers you want to wear will have softer rubber. This is because the rubber will harden slightly in the increased cold conditions. The softer rubber will grab onto the snow and ice rather than causing you to slip. This will allow you to run in confidence rather than in fear throughout the winter season.

The Right Under-Gear

Before layering up for winter running, make sure you are wearing clothes which will be comfortable. This means wearing clothes which will provide warmth without adding too much bulk. One of the best types of clothing to wear directly against the skin is made out of bamboo fibers. This is because you will draw moisture away from your body with the wicking ability of the fabric. The natural insulating capability of the material will also allow you to stay warm without huge layers of clothing.  You can then layer on leggings, a pull over and a light jacket. You will generate your own heat as you run. You can then start stripping off unnecessary layers.

Protect Your Face

Keep in mind in winter running you may encounter harsh winds which will cause your face to become wind chapped. To avoid this you can wear something as simple as a bandana over your nose and mouth. Because this can restrict breathing, you are better off wearing a face mask which is designed for skiing. This will have openings for your mouth and nose which you can breathe through. You can wear a hat and sunglasses to keep your entire face safe from a painful lashing from the harsh winter winds.

Running on a Treadmill

If all else fails for running outside, you may want to hop on the treadmill. While you are sure to want to run on the ground instead, winter running is simply not always possible. You are much better off running on a treadmill rather than taking the day off. For many people taking one day off will simply lead to giving themselves permission to take more days off until you stop running altogether. Other people are training for a marathon and cannot lose the day of running. The treadmill is a life saver in these occasions. You may also want to find an indoor track you can run.

Photo Credits: Claudia Castro

Originally posted 2010-03-27 03:49:38. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • tritimeGear Up for your First Triathlon When it comes to packing in preparation for your triathlon race, it is best for you to break all of your necessities down into four different categories. This way, you can focus on each of the categories one at a time. One example of breaking your categories down is to......
  • matoontri8-08002Getting Ready for the Triathlon Season Seeing snow everywhere and feeling temperatures that would make a bear run inside, most people would not think to engage in swimming, running or biking. However, the Decatur Multisport Club, or the Tri-Gators as it is lovingly known as, are starting the year by preparing for the new Triathlon season......
  • bikingFirst Triathlon Fashion for Women Dressing for your first triathlon can be a challenge. It's easy enough to dress to go running, but you'll be cycling and swimming, too, so do you choose one outfit for all three races, or change each time? The time you take between events counts toward your overall time so......
  • wetsuitTriathlon Wetsuit Selection One of the most vitally important pieces of equipment that you are going to need to choose when it comes to triathlon preparedness is a wetsuit. One of the first things that you're going to need to consider when it comes to buying a wetsuit is the type of races......
  • swimmeetTaking Swimming for Fitness to the Next Level Swimming is one of the few sports in which the entire body gets worked out. This is why so many people are swimming for fitness. They like the idea that 30 minutes in the pool is like an hour on the track. The problem some people find in the swimming......
Online Stores

The Right Biking Gear Makes All the Difference

Many people when riding a bike believe the right biking gear means nothing more than having a good bike and a water bottle. What many people find is that when they upgrade to gear which is actually designed to increase performance that they will actually be able to ride longer and with better performance than they ever imagined possible. This is because they will have more comfort and will get everything they need as they complete their daily exercise or training regimen.

It All Starts With the Bike

You will be surprised how many people are riding a bike which is the wrong size for them. Since the most important piece of biking gear is the bike itself, this is a huge oversight to make. It is easily avoided simply by going in to a good bike shop and having them measure you for the right size bike. You will be able to then choose the frame which is best suited to your body type. You will be able to find comfort for your legs and for your back by riding on the frame which was designed specifically for you.

Get the Right Shoes

Your shoes are very important pieces of biking gear. This has to do with where you will be clicking in to your pedals at. The right placement of the secure will allow you to easily find the pedal every time. It will also help you not to have a dangerous overhang which can cause your foot to run into the front wheel at lower speeds. The right shoe will also help to make sure your feet are not in extreme pain at the end of a long ride with extreme climbs.

Under Where?

It is important you have the right kind of clothes right next to your body. This is a piece of biking gear which is not often thought about. The good news is there are more jerseys which are made out of more than just spandex. There are many jerseys which are made out of bamboo fibers. This is important because of the wicking properties you will find in bamboo fabrics. Bamboo has the ability absorb more than three times the amount of water cotton can. This allows your skin to stay cool and the water can evaporate from the fabric which will act like an air conditioner.

Staying Fueled up

While the water bottle is important biking gear, it is also important what you put into the water bottle. Many people will fill the water bottle with nothing but Gatorade or something similar. This is a mistake as your body needs water more than anything else. You should have at least two water bottles on your bike if you are going for a decent length ride. One should contain water while the other can have some kind of energy replacement beverage. The danger in drinking only energy replacement beverages is the high sugar content they contain.

Photo Credits: Mr. T in DC

Originally posted 2010-03-13 10:20:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • citybiketourBiking Tours Are Fun for the Whole Family Biking is a sport which is often shared with the whole family. This is because it is a low impact sport which is fun. The only problem is that not every family member wants to go for a ride around the park every morning. This is why it is a......
  • trainingTriathlon Tips Which Really Work Competing in a triathlon is one of the most challenging experiences you can hope for. This is why so many people look for good triathlon tips. This is because while many will be happy just to finish, others would like to move up in the rankings as they compete in......
  • blog traffic exchangeTriathlon Terms part 2 Here is a brief glossary of terms used in triathlon training and triathlon racing. Bonk - This describes a situation where you suddenly begin to lose energy and a level of fatigue sets in. This is typically caused by depleted glycogen stores within the liver and the muscles, and it......
  • roadbikeGuide to Buying a Good Beginner Road Bike People every year discover a joy never realized before in riding a bicycle. What most people face is a huge dilemma when they go to buy a beginner road bike. Even talking to friends about what they recommend is enough to blow your mind. You end up with a lot......
  • racerCycling Glossary Continued Handicap - Handicap races are quite popular in Australia, in them, the racers start at different points on the track based on their performance. “Scratch Men” are the fastest of the riders, and start at the traditional starting line and “out markers” are the rest of the riders and depending......
Online Stores

The New Generation of Biking Clothing

Many people into biking can tell you about the days when all biking clothing was made out of spandex or some other kind of material which does not breath. They will also tell you horror stories about not wearing the right clothing while biking. The good news is there are so many different kinds of clothes which are designed just for the cyclist. You will be able to find clothes which will help to protect you will they keep you safe and comfortable at the same time.

The Best Socks for Biking

One piece of biking clothing which does not get a lot of recognition is the sock. There are biking socks which are made of bamboo which elevate the comfort level for the biker to a whole new level. This is because of the unique properties bamboo brings to the table. The fibers in bamboo naturally have the ability to absorb three times the amount of moisture as cotton. This will help your feet to stay cool and dry. The other good news about bamboo socks is their natural antibacterial qualities. This will allow your feet to actually stay free from odor while you sweat.

The Comfort of Biking Pants

The pants which are designed for biking clothing have been designed to help you stay comfortable while you are in the saddle. The pad which is in the seat of the pants have been designed to provide you with a soft seat. They have also been designed to absorb moisture which will prevent you from having a moist groin area. Staying dry in the groin will not only help you to stay more comfortable, it will help you to avoid such problems as jock itch. This will make it possible for you to stay comfortable even while you are not on the bike.

Why Jerseys Are Superior to Shirts

There are a few different reasons why you should opt for biking clothing over street clothing. For one thing the biking jersey has quite a few advantages over the regular shirt. For one thing, you can unzip the biking jersey should you get hot. This will allow you to still have protection from the sun while allowing more air to get in to your torso. Jerseys also have pockets on the back which you can store things like food and extra water bottles. This will help you to stay hydrated and fueled without having to install a basket on your bike.

Good Glasses Make a Difference

Another piece of biking clothing you should not be without is not technically clothing. This is the glasses you wear. It is a good idea to wear glasses which have protection from UV rays. This will help to protect your vision while you are riding and after you are off the bike. The added benefit you get from the right glasses is the ability to protect your eyes from having bugs and other objects fly into them.

Photo Credits: tonylanciabeta

Originally posted 2010-03-12 10:13:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Blog Traffic Exchange Related Posts
  • bikingFirst Triathlon Fashion for Women Dressing for your first triathlon can be a challenge. It's easy enough to dress to go running, but you'll be cycling and swimming, too, so do you choose one outfit for all three races, or change each time? The time you take between events counts toward your overall time so......
  • roadbikingChoosing the Best Road Bike for You One thing which cyclists can agree on is the idea that no two people agree on the best road bike. This worries many people who are in the market to buy a new bike. They want to choose a bike which is best suited to their needs. The only problem......
  • bikemaintenanceBicycle Maintenance Any vehicle you own is going to need maintenance to keep performing reliably. If you would like your bicycle to not leave you stranded out on the trail, then you need to keep it in good working condition. If you love your bike, then your bike will love you back.......
  • marathonThe Secret to Running Marathons Like a Pro Marathons are run in every city. There are some more popular than others. Each offers its own challenges for the participants. No matter what skill level the marathon you are looking to enter, you are sure to want to perform well. This means doing much more than just crossing the......
  • blog traffic exchangeReview of the Garmin Forerunner 310 XT Having a GPS enabled training device is a good thing. Having a training device offering GPS that isn't afraid to get a little wet is even better. The rugged Garmin Forerunner 310 XT is an indispensable training tool for any triathlete because it is a swim proof, GPS enabled trainer......
Online Stores
amount of time athlete bicycle bikes cadence capabilities competitions cyclists distances endurance exercise finish line fitness flexibility goggles good time handlebars legs money muscles pace pool runners running shoes sessions shape sprint stamina stroke swimmer swimmers torso training regimen transition triathlete triathletes triathlon triathlon bike triathlon events triathlon race triathlons Triathlon Training water bottle wet suit workout