ColumbiaCare

Running on ice is not just a Billy Joel song.

If scraping the ice off of your car this morning didn’t wear you out and you’re thinking about squeezing in a little winter fitness, be sure to take some necessary precautions.

Two-year Tryathletics employee and runner, Michael Barrows has a few ideas for the dedicated winter athletes.

What are some important things to be cautious of when exercising outdoors in the winter months?

• Expect cars not to see you.
  • Cars are more focused on the driving than what is going on around them.
• Watch out for black ice.
  • It may not look like ice, but you can get hurt pretty bad if you take a step and fall hard.

What is the most common mistake made when doing outdoor winter fitness?

• Not dressing warm enough.
  • You might go outside to check the weather really quick and think, “It’s not too bad.” But then it is actually colder than it seems and you begin your workout not prepared or dressed properly for the harsh wind.

As a runner yourself, what is some must-have gear during the winter season for outdoor athletes?

• Mittens or gloves that are windproof and waterproof.
  • For me, keeping your hands and head warm is half of the battle.
• A thermal layer.
  • A compression top and compression tights are necessary and longsleeves are pretty ideal.

Joy Davis explains three necessary clothing layers for your cold weather workouts in her eDiets.com article “Cool Tips for Cold-Weather Workouts.”

Prevention magazine online offers some layering ideas and when in what weather conditions to wear each article of clothing for those interested in winter fitness.

Check out Paige Waehner’s Exercise blog on about.com for exercise ideas, motivation and even holiday gifts for the active male or female.

Do you have any favorite winter exercise gear or tips for your fellow athletes? Post a comment and share it with us!