Running in the winter? ‘Be bold, start cold’ says Windsor athlete

Wintry weather hasn’t stopped fitness enthusiasts from exercising outdoors. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco reports.

Running outdoors can be a challenge now that the cold weather and snow have arrived.

“Being active has many positive mental and physical health benefits, so we want to continue to be active even in the colder months,” said Windsor Essex County Health Unit in a statement to CTV News Windsor.

Running in the winter is nothing new for University of Windsor distance runners.

“They have to be outside running,” said head coach Colin Inglis. “Running around inside on an indoor track every day is not going to be conducive to good health for them. They’re going to get injured by doing so.”

Fourth-year runner Isabella Goveia is used to it, “Whenever it’s long runs or anything over 60 minutes we usually end up going outdoors, but when we all go together it’s not as bad.”

John Popham is running outdoors to stick to his New Year’s resolution, “There’s business of life, work, kids, and family, so it’s just good to get out, stretch the legs, work the lungs.”

Snow, wind, and cold all help with conditioning.

“The winter is kind of a good time to put your base mileage in for spring races so whether you do treadmill or outside, you have to endure,” said Corey Bellemore.

Last year’s winner of the half marathon at the Detroit Free Press Marathon, Bellemore said Monday’s high winds and cold temperature is not going to stop him from heading out.

“If you’re doing an easy run, as long as you have some flat, smooth, non-icy ground, it’s okay to go outside,” Bellemore said.

That’s not to say all of his training is outdoors.

“If I’m doing any sort of efforts, controlled paces, I think the treadmill is kind of just safer. You’re going to be [in a] more consistent environment,” he said.

Bellemore said having the right gear and being bundled up is important. A list of things to have include a hat, gloves, proper socks, waterproof shoes with grip, an outer base layer, and layering underneath.

“The motto is ‘be bold, start cold,’” Bellemore said. “You’re going to be a little cold to start even though your layers will eventually heat up, keep you warm and insulated.”

The Health Unit suggests having a water-proof jacket, “Prevent injuries by running on a surface that’s not snow or ice-covered, and remember to stay hydrated.”

Bellemore said runners have to be more strategic when picking their spots, “It’s better than getting to a certain route, getting a bunch of snow and then their feet are wet, you’re slipping around or possibly falling. Smooth safe ground is the best.

The City of Windsor tells CTV News their 120 kilometres of paved multi-use trails within parks do typically get cleared 36-48 hours after a snowfall ends, taking into account it doesn’t snow again, which resets the clock.