Running is wonderful for our health, fitness and wellbeing but as we hit the colder weather, you need to consider if your kit is up to scratch.
Running can cause injuries if you don’t look after your body properly, especially in the colder weather. So, what do you need to know?
“During the winter months, our extremities, such as our feet, tend to suffer the most from the cold. It’s really important to keep your feet well insulated during this time. Unfortunately, woolly socks may keep our feet warm, but they tend to make our feet sweat more,” explained Carnation Footcare Podiatrist, Michael Ratcliffe, who recommended Silversocks, made with pure silver threads, which act as a natural heat thermostat.
Be sure to layer up too.
“Loose layers trap body heat and help to warm up your joints. Be careful not to overdress though, as once you warm up, if you have too many layers on, you can become overheated,” suggested Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com, adding: “In the winter months, make sure to take a longer warm-up than you normally do during the warmer months. This will help your muscles ease into your run and help to prevent injuries, such as tears and pulls.”
Boost your energy too, with Nutritionist, Cassandra Barns, suggesting: “This includes fresh vegetables and fruit, fresh or tinned fish, free-range eggs, unprocessed meats, unroasted nuts and seeds, whole grains such as oats and brown rice, beans and pulses and, for most people, natural dairy products. It means limiting intake of high-sugar foods, refined foods and most things that come in a packet with a long list of ingredients.”
