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Follow this golden rule for running in fall and winter

Don't let cold weather put an end to your outdoor running

trail running in the fall Photo by: Unsplash/Nathalie Desiree Mottet

When running in the summer, there isn’t much to think about when you’re preparing to head out the door, but when the temperature is cooler, you need to make sure you’re properly dressed for the conditions. Don’t let cold weather put an end to your outdoor running. The golden rule of dressing for this time of year is to dress 10 degrees warmer than it actually is.

The idea behind the golden rule is that your body is prone to warm up from running as a result of increased heart rate and blood flow. More blood flow to your muscles and skin will help radiate heat away from the body, increasing your core body temperature.

Although you may feel chilly in the first kilometre, your body is bound to get warmer as the run progresses. It’s also better to overdress than underdress, as you can always take a layer off. Gloves, hats and running buffs are all game-changing running accessories for fall and winter, which will help keep your body heat in.

Photo: Buff Canada

Of course, the golden rule can vary from one runner to the next, depending on one’s body temperature, but the normal range is between 36.5 and 37.5 C. One’s body temperature can vary depending on age, time of day, physical exertion level, health and emotions.

Try out the golden rule this fall and see if it works for you!

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