Cold Weather Running - A few tipsJanuary 22nd, 2011
Environment Canada has issued a wind chill warning for Sunday night. An overnight temperature of -24C combined with winds of 20 km/h will produce a wind chill of -36. Sounds pretty cold. But how dangerous is -36C? To find out, here's a link to a wind chill chart published by Environment Canada. This chart is useful because it gives you an idea of the risk of frostbite for all combinations of air temperature and wind speed.
http://www.ohcow.on.ca/clinics/windsor/docs/workplaceconcernsseminars/windchillchart.pdf
According to the chart, a wind chill of -36 creates "an increasing risk of frostbite fir most people within 30 minutes of exposure." Can you run in that type of weather? Yes, but you need to take a few precautions. Here are a few recommendations on how to protect your extremities:
1. Wear a balaclava. I like my Helly Hansen balaclava. It's snug fitting and fits nicely under a toque. I wear both in cold weather. If it gets too warm, you can pull down the balaclava and use it as a neck warmer.
2. Wear mitts. Leave those stylish gloves at home. You can use old fashioned mitts with a leather outer and wool liner or invest in a good pair technical mitts. Radical Edge has a great selection. I recently bought a pair of Louie Garneau "lobster claw" mitts at their bike store. They work well for nordic skiing and biking too. Ask the folks at the store for advice.
3. Boys need wind briefs. These are available at sports stores. If you are a do it yourself type of guy, dig your athletic supporter/cup out of your hockey bag, remove the cup and insert a windproof layer of your choice. Works great.
4. Most important: keep an eye on your running buddies. If you see a white spot appear on someones face or nose, make sure they adjust their balaclava to cover the area before it gets any worse.
Run safely and stay warm!
Jim K.
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