How to Gear Up for Your Morning Run

After all, we always know that we’re going to sweat once we begin jogging and really hit our stride. But don’t be so quick to strip off the extra winter gear just yet. It might just be hazardous to your health.

It may sound strange, but jogging with only the smaller parts of our bodies fully exposed to the elements can actually cause us to lose as much as 10 percent of our natural body heat. For really jogging enthusiasts, this can have a tremendous effect on your performance. And long periods of exposure to the harsh winter weather can actually lead to frostbite without our even knowing it.

We tend to want to shed those big hats and thick gloves because they can become rather uncomfortable once we begin to sweat. But the trick is to select outer wear that is made from the proper materials. Breathable fabrics or moisture wicking materials like cottons or leathers are always the best choices. Avoid anything that might trap the perspiration close to the skin. The combination of icy air and damp clothing can get you into a world of hurt, perhaps even setting you up for a serious case of hypothermia.

The bulky hats can be replaced with a thin cap constructed with side panels lined with mesh for increased ventilation. Gloves that are slightly thicker and repel wind and weather will always be a good choice, too. Nike makes a great running glove called the Vapor Flash line, made of spandex, nylon, polyurethane, and polyester with reflective material along the sides for increased safety during the evening hours.