Ask The Expert: Cold weather running

Salt Lake City — Topic: Running and Training in Colder Weather - Free Running Class at TOSH on Nov. 5

Expert: Rebecca Winn, TOSH Running Program

Background:

It's that time of year, everyone. The leaves are falling and the breeze is chilly. People are trading in their tank tops and shorts for blue jeans and long-sleeve tees.

It's a great time to be a runner, but it can be a frustrating time if you've just started running and have never had to brave the elements.

The number one question heading into the chilly months is, "As a new runner, what can I expect with cold-weather running?"

Just as hot summer days may have a detrimental effect on your running, cold weather has an impact on your running performance, as well. Unfortunately less attention is given to cold weather performance than hot weather so many runners do not train with this knowledge. The effects of hot weather on your running are quite clear - you will need to slow your pace, put very focused attention on hydration, and watch for warning signs of heat exhaustion.

In short, your performance in hot weather is not the same as it would be on an optimal 50F day. You'll run slower and maybe not able to run as far as you planned.

But what about cold temperatures? How much is your performance impacted? Is it safe? Can your lungs freeze? Humans are actually warm weather mammals and we only thrive in colder climates with clothing and ability to shelter ourselves from prolonged exposure to the cold.

The TOSH Running Program will be holding a FREE running class at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 5th, at TOSH - The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, 5848 South 300 East, in Murray.

Experts from the TOSH Running Program will cover:

- Cold-season training components and cold-weather running

- Off-season nutrition and cold weather hydration and fueling

- Strength training for runners.

TOSH FREE Runner's Class - Cold-weather running and training

Thursday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m.

TOSH - The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital - 5848 S. 300 East, Murray

Class is free, but call today to reserve your seat - 801-314-4037.