As the weather starts to warm up (and I use warm in a strictly relative way), more and more runners are taking to the snow filled streets. If you are one of these people or want to be, I have a couple of tips for you:
1. Be aware of your surroundings:
Although many sidewalks are cleared, there are still massive snowbanks on street corners that could block you from seeing other people and most importantly, oncoming traffic. Even when you’re in the middle of a jam and in the running zone, don’t forget to check the street and be cautious when coming around the edge of snowbanks.
2. Puddles, Puddles, Everywhere:
Obviously when snow melts it makes water, and this means that there are puddles lurking in the cracks and divots in the pavement. If you’re like the majority of the population, running with wet shoes isn’t your idea of a good time.
3. Smaller sidewalks:
Although the sidewalks may be cleared, the snow from the street makes them much narrower, especially in residential areas. This can be insanely frustrating when you’re trying to consistently run and all of a sudden you get stuck behind a family. Try to take a deep breath and jog in place; they are trying to enjoy the warm(ish?) weather too.
4. Dress Appropriately:
Only after a cold month like this past February does 30 degrees feel like a nice warm 50, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t dress warmly. I suggest wearing warm leggings, Under Armour or a long sleeve under a sweatshirt, with the option of gloves and a hat. Yes, you will warm up while running, but depending on your route (mine along the Charles can be awfully frigid with the breeze off the water) an icy chill could come at any time. It’s better to overdress and take off layers than to be under-prepared.
Hopefully some of you are braving the weather and soaking up some Vitamin D. I know I missed the fresh air while exercising this past month. Don’t let the snow be your excuse any longer.