Cold Weather Running: Tips & Tricks
This winter has gripped the entire country with cold temperatures and frequent storms. Thankfully, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But as always, make sure you have enough layers. Bring enough water or fluids. Even if it is 4 degrees, you are still sweating and need to replace as you go along. Make sure your fluids are warm at the beginning as they can freeze fast. I fill my water/electrolytes the night before and leave it near the heat until I go out. Four days ago I was left holding a block of electrolyte ice the last 4 miles so obviously it wasn’t warm enough. Friends and a cell phone are a must as you don’t want to be stranded in this cold. Just 10 minutes with soaked sweaty clothes in frigid temperatures without moving can get you in trouble just as fast. Finally, when you are done, get into the shower asap, or at least some dry clothes until you can get to a warm place. Persevere – that is why we run in the first place – the warmer weather will come.
Coach Nick has been running for over 35 years, having done practically every possible racing event or distance from the 100 meters through the marathon. He competed in varsity high school cross country and track at Saddle Brook High School in the mid-1980's, varsity cross country and track at Division II Pace University and finished well over 200 road races since then, including 20 marathons with a lifetime best of 3:14:50. He was the president of the Hoffmann LaRoche corporate running team for 7 years, growing the team from 25 to over 90 during his tenure. He coached many of these runners to achieve their goals, whether they were beginners or advanced. In 2011, he was an assistant coach for the Fair Lawn Recreation track team, helping the 10 to 14 year old group. He is currently coaching dozens of runners, from beginner levels to advanced levels and getting them to be prepared to meet their goals.