5 Tips for Smart and Safe Winter Running

November marks the season of change – changing weather, changing light conditions and ever changing training schedules. As a runner, it's as important as ever to make sure that you are safe and visible out on the pavement and trail. So in honor of November being Run Safety Month, here's a list of five essential winter run tips (and a few gear suggestions) that will help keep you running smart and safe all season. 

Be Bright and Visible: It’s winter. That means less light and a lot more dark. Scarcity of sunlight doesn’t have to stop you from running, but it does mean that you need to take certain precautions to stay safe. Being seen is the first step to running in the dark safely. Running with high-visibility apparel and accessories can make all the difference. The High-Visibility Line from New Balance is a perfect starting point. From the High-Visibility Beacon Jacket featuring three levels of visibility details, to the Impact Tights, this apparel line-up ensures that you’ll be bright and visible from head to toe.  

Be Smart, Alert and Aware: Admittedly, your gumption and willingness to continue tackling mileage despite the elements that stand before you is admirable. However, as you do so, run in a group or with a partner whenever possible. There is safety in numbers, and cars will more easily see a group of reflective runners. Not a group running person? Make sure that you that you practice these important tips so you can safely enjoy your solitary strolls. 

Running with Identification: Always wear an ID, and bring a cell phone in case of emergency. Running with an identification bracelet like RoadID offers a smart way to communicate emergency contacts and information about severe allergies or other chronic conditions. Leave a note at home with the route you are taking or consider using a free phone application such as Glypmse which allows your family and friends to track where you are on the run. 

Get a Grip: For those who refuse to spend their winter indoors on the dreadmill, it’s important that Mother Nature remains a small inconvenience, not a month long injury from taking a dive on the pavement. Products like Goat Head Sole Spikes™ or a lightweight crampon such as the FreeSteps6 from Hillsound easily enhance your favorite training shoe by adding traction to tackle snow packed trails or icy city pavements without sacrificing the comfort and stability of your favorite training shoe. 

By utilizing high-quality stainless steel chains and spikes,the redesigned FreeSteps6 offers durable, ultra-light traction performance to those needing a simple anti-slip aid during the cold winter days. For those seeking a more customized approach that reflects both running style and local terrain, the carefully designed Sole Spikes™ screw directly into the soles of your shoe to provide the traction you need. If you decide to remove the spikes later, the small gauge of the tip means that the impact to the sole isn’t much more than if you stepped on a goat head thorn. 

Stay Hydrated: With no visible evidence that you are sweating, it’s easy to forget about hydration when you’re running on colder days. Cold air also has a drying effect, which can increase the risk of dehydration. So be sure to carry hydration with you on runs that go longer than an hour. Take time to drink fluids before, during, and after your run. 

Bottom Line… 
 Running in cold weather can help shake those winter blues, boost your energy level, and keep you fit and healthy. Run safe and run smart this winter and don’t forget to be flexible about your training. Old Man Winter can be fickle and unpredictable. Don’t push it. Sometimes waiting a day to get in your workout can be the difference between a season of consistent and healthy training and a slew of injuries that lasts until spring.