Sunday, October 18, 2009

Running Season

Even though most people would argue that summer time is the best time to run outside, I would have to disagree. I think that fall takes the cake in this category. The scenery is better, the temperature is ideal and the overall atmosphere is just better for trail running.
According to a running guide site, running in colder weather is actually easier on the body than running in warmer weather. This is because the body produces the heat to keep you warm, whereas running in the heat can overwhelm the body.

Sometimes running in the cold can be hard though. For instance, anyone who has ever run in the colder weather has probably experienced that tightness in the chest you get from breathing in cold air. Also it is important to dress properly and this includes wearing a hat. According to about.com, about 40% of your body heat is lost through your head. Wearing a hat will help prevent heat loss, so your circulatory system will have more heat to distribute to the rest of the body. When it's really cold, wear a face mask or a scarf over your mouth to warm the air you breathe and protect your face.
From personal experience, I've also noticed that when I run outside in the cold my muscles seem to work overtime. Although the temperature of the run is enjoyable, my leg muscles are usually struggling to keep my usual pace.
So don't let the colder weather discourage you from continuing your outside running routines. Just make sure you are dressed properly and listen to what your body tells you.

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