Tips to Stay Safe During Winter Runs

With the ice, snow, frigid temperatures and a short supply of daylight, it's easy to let your running routine—and your fitness—slide during winter months. But with the right gear, a few precautions and a mindful approach to winter running, you can run through the holidays and keep your training on track.

During the short winter days, you're more likely to be running in the dark, so you need to run with visibility in mind. Wear reflective running clothes and gear (including a reflective vest), use a headlamp or carry a flashlight so that you can see where you are going, and oncoming cars, trucks and cyclists can see you. 

Add blinking lights to your back so you're visible from behind, too. For extra visibility, add light or reflective pieces to your ankles and wrists. This helps cars see you even better because our eyes are trained to easily spot movement.

Watch the Weather

Before you head out, take note of the wind chill. The wind chill is how cold it actually feels when wind hits your skin. The National Weather Service says a 32-degree day with 15 mph winds will make it feel like 21 degrees outside.

In short, wind makes the cold feel even colder, and it can make running outside dangerous even if the thermometer isn't scaring you off.

And make sure you watch where you're going. Winter in cold-weather states is littered with snow and ice storms that can send you slipping down a sidewalk like a bowling ball down a lane, so it's important to check your footing.

Be careful right after a snow storm. Fresh powder can cover up slick spots on pavement, and melting snow can refreeze overnight, making you slide across the ground like your last gutterball.

For days when the temperature is too cold and the footing too icy to safely run outside—even if you have the right gear—it may be time to run on the "dreadmill."