Winter Running
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The tough winter days are still ahead; trust me.   Deciding to run indoors or out this year has been an easy choice.   But let's look at some reasons for doing both.

Running outside even on the coldest and blustery of days is doable if you adapt properly.   Choosing the right clothing is the first step.    Start with an under layer of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, Coolmax or Thermax in long sleeve T's plus heavier tights. Add a lightweight Gore tex or windbreaker jacket if necessary.   In freezing cold weather (10-15 degrees) try three layers. There are a number of new materials in hats and gloves to use in these temperatures. The best are those that will wick away moisture. Try an inner glove topped with a mitten to protect your hands. A balaclava and additional neck covering can be invaluable.  

Prepare for cold weather running on snow covered or slushy pavement by using something other than cotton socks to wick away moisture. Try double layering socks but only after you have purchased a pair of shoes that have room for them.

Frostbite can be one of the biggest concerns (not the mythical frozen lung) in sub zero temperatures. Sun block, moisturizers and Vaseline are excellent products to protect your skin. Paper toweling in the right places may be a cheap trick worth trying.

Sunglasses on bright sunny days reduce squinting and maybe those laugh wrinkles.   You can take the sting out of the wind by getting someone to drop you off at a point where you can run home with it. If this isn't doable, I suggest starting out against the wind first so you can diminish body chill.

Some of the most beautiful running days of the year happen during or after a fresh snowfall, especially when you can find plowed roads.   Deep snow and ice are not conducive to good workouts unless you're using snowshoes.   Even with good weather conditions it would be to your advantage to run indoors once a week or more so you can improve the speed quality of your runs.

There are only a few local indoor tracks with eight laps to the mile. Anything less than that and I would be careful about pushing the pace or risk injury. If you have the mind set that can handle more than five miles on a home treadmill then you have an advantage over most of us. It's a great convenience and best use of your time.  

Recently, I signed up to use the Ford Fitness Center. What I like about using the facility is the ability to combine running on their short track and using their treadmills.   My suggestion is to run one or two warm-up miles on the track then hop on the treadmill.   You will be less inclined to crank up your treadmill's pace too quickly.   Afterward, use the track for a short warm down.   This way, you'll get your miles in and break up the workout into a mentally manageable way.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226