When the weather turns cold I tend to want to hibernate. There’s nothing like a cold wind to keep me inside. Fortunately we don’t have to deal with that anymore now that we’re living in South Florida. Unfortunately, the winter gear catalogs are coming to the mailbox each day and I find myself fighting my desire to order a new thin weight fleece or running gloves. There’s a lot of great winter gear out there these days, so no need to throw on four sweatshirts. Find winter gear that fits well to avoid chaffing and don’t skimp on good wicking materials- sweat against your body along with those layers is a recipe for a skin disaster.
The cold weather shouldn’t keep you inside. Layer up and follow a few of my favorite tips for outdoor adventure in the cold (even if your cold is in the 60s instead of the 20s!)
- Protect your head – We lose a lot of body heat through our head- by some accounts up to 40%. Wear a wicking hat to keep the sweat off your scalp and don’t be shy about using a scarf to protect you from the wind.
- Protect your skin– If it’s really that cold and blustery, cover everything! Wind chapped lips can keep you from enjoying your mountain bike just the same as wind chapped hands. Vaseline is your friend in the winter!
- Adjust your medications– Cold weather makes it more difficult for your body to exchange gases- ie its harder to breathe! Covering your mouth to warm the air a bit before it enters your lungs can help, but don’t forget to warm up and cool down- it’s not just your muscles, but also your lungs that need the warm up! I use my inhaler much more in the cold weather.
- Don’t overdress– Sure layers are important, but remember that if you’re active your body will heat up. Wear a windproof layer on the outside to cut down on the Dress appropriately, it’s hard to run with an extra fleece.
- Don’t forget your feet– Summer weight socks may not protect your toes from the cold. Think about doubling your socks or get heavier weight socks for winter activities.
- Shower immediately– Ok this may be too personal, but don’t hang around the house in your sweaty layers. Wet, moist skin is a breading ground for bacteria. Add winter’s multiple layers and you could be looking at a serious skin infection.
How do you adjust your adventure activity for winter?
. These funny looking shoes actually look like toe socks with a very thin sole of rubber to protect your feet from the inevitable jagged rock, accidental step into dog poo, and other road hazards. But, while there is a sole, I can assure you it is not thick enough to cover up the uneven pavement or sticks you come across. You feel EVERYTHING you run over in these babies.
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