How to Stay Protected from the Harsh Elements When Running

Running is an easy way to get meaningful benefits from exercise. Running helps improve your cardiovascular health. It burns calories, builds strength, improves your mood, and can be a very effective antidepressant! But, if you are a runner, you need to take appropriate steps to protect yourself from harsh elements when you are out for a run. Here are a few tips for doing so.

1) Invest in an all-weather hat that offers UV protection.

You should buy an all-weather hat that offers UV protection. Such running hats keep you cool in the summers and offer protection from the rain. They are ultra-lightweight, are made of hydrophobic material that helps repel water, and keeps you protected from harmful UV rays. By wearing one of these hats, you are sure to be able to clock mile after mile without being affected by the elements.

2) Wear layers in chilly weather

If you plan to go running in the winter, you should wear layers. Wearing compression shorts underneath your shorts or track bottoms is a great way to help prevent chafing. In especially chilly or rainy weather, your outermost layer should be waterproof, such as nylon. Wearing such an outer layer helps hold in body heat and keeps your core temperature from falling suddenly. By doing so, the chances of you contracting hypothermia go down. Winter running can lead to better health, but it’s crucial to ensure that you aren’t wearing too much or too little.

3) Check your shoes

Regardless of the weather, you should always check your running shoes thoroughly before setting out. If the soles are worn out, you may slip if you are running in the rain.  To run correctly in the rain, the soles on your shoes should have grooves that are more than a millimetre in depth. Such channels help shoes grip the road better and allow water to flow through them, reducing your chances of slipping. In addition, if you are looking to keep your feet warm and dry, you should consider buying shoes that have waterproof fabric, such as Gore-Tex.

4) Don’t forget about hydration

If you are running in chilly or rainy weather, you may forget to drink water regularly as you may not feel the sweat running down your face and body. But, you must keep yourself hydrated regardless of the weather. Keeping yourself hydrated during your regular run is vital to replenish the fluids you lose by sweating.

5) Try something different during rainy weather

Rain can add up to two minutes to your usual time in running a mile. Also, running on a wet road can be an injury risk, and it’s better to be prudent with your outdoor runs. Take shorter, quicker strides on a wet road, which reduces the time you will spend on the slippery surface. If it is raining too hard, hit the treadmill instead of the outdoors.

6) Protect your skin in both summer and winter

If you are running in summer, it’s a great idea to wear sunscreen having an SPF of at least 30 or more. It is a must-have even in winters, especially if you are running in reflective snow since the sun’s rays may be as intense as they are in summers. In addition, vaseline helps protect your face or other areas of your skin from wind and cold.

7) Use your common sense

Sometimes it may be too rainy, windy, or too cold to run outside. For example, if you want to stay away from frostbite, you should avoid your runs when the windchill factor is high. Similarly, if it is too hot outside, you should consider taking a day off, especially if you suffer from any health issues.