Which equipment is recommended for running in the winter?
July 31, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Emma Hacker
Dear sports physician,
My name is Theodor Lauer and I am a passionate runner. In the past few months, I have been training regularly and preparing for upcoming races. However, with the onset of winter, I am faced with a new challenge - running in cold temperatures and difficult weather conditions.
I have been training in mild weather conditions so far and have been satisfied with my equipment. But now I am wondering what special gear I need for winter running to protect myself from hypothermia and injuries. I am worried that I might not be able to adequately protect myself from the cold, which could affect my performance and health.
I have heard that special running shoes with good tread soles for better grip on snow and ice are recommended. But what other equipment items should I get? Do I need special clothing, such as thermal underwear, windproof and waterproof jackets, and gloves? Or are there also special accessories, like hats or headbands, that could help me protect myself from the cold?
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with specific recommendations for the optimal gear for winter running. I want to make sure that I am properly prepared and can still achieve my training goals during the cold season. Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Theodor Lauer
Dear Theodor Lauer,
I am pleased that you are interested in running in winter and are thinking about how to best prepare for the cold temperatures and challenging weather conditions. It is important to have the right equipment to protect yourself from hypothermia and injuries, so as not to compromise your performance and health.
First of all, it's good that you have already thought about getting special running shoes with a good tread sole. These shoes indeed provide better grip on snow and ice, which can reduce the risk of injury. In addition to the right shoes, there are other equipment items that are recommended for running in winter.
When it comes to clothing, it is important to dress in layers. This means starting with moisture-wicking base layers to keep your skin dry. On top of that, you should wear a warming middle layer that insulates and protects against the cold. A windproof and waterproof jacket is also important to protect yourself from rain, snow, and wind. Gloves are essential to keep your hands warm, as well as a hat or headband to protect your head from cooling down.
When it is particularly cold, face masks or scarves can also be helpful to warm up your breath and protect your airways from cold air. Additionally, make sure your clothing has reflective elements to be visible in the dark season.
In addition to clothing, it is important to pay attention to proper nutrition and hydration to maintain your energy levels and protect your body from hypothermia.
I hope these recommendations help you and that you can prepare optimally for running in winter. Stay healthy and enjoy your sport even in cold temperatures!
Best regards,
Emma Hacker
