When the temp drops and snow begins to fall, that’s most people’s cue to head indoors and hibernate.
For others, the cold weather isn’t a deterrent to enjoying the great outdoors.
The latter describes Bellville resident Jodie Snavely, 52, who runs outside — even when it’s 28 degrees and the wind is blowing snow sideways, which was the case during one of her nine-milers.
“I enjoy every moment I can to be outside no matter what the weather,” she said. “For me, snow, heat, rain does not make a difference and those elements only make me stronger. At least that’s what I tell myself.”
When Snavely laces up her running shoes, she typically does 4-9 miles two or three times a week in the winter and five times a week in the spring, summer and fall.
“Running is my way of relaxing and it balances everything in my life,” she said. “It’s the open road, fresh air and the sights and sounds of nature that calm my mind.”
Plus it helps her maintain a positive frame of mind, she said.
“Training takes up a lot of my time, but the excitement and feeling of physical and mental accomplishment is incredible when I cross the finish line. And I usually cry,” she said.
She started running to help keep her blood sugar under control as a type 1 diabetic. Now it’s become part of her training regimen for half-marathons and 5Ks. She’s so far completed seven half-marathons, three Tough Mudders, numerous 5K and 10K races and one 24-hour relay race.
“I’m always in training mode for upcoming races,” she said. And wintertime is no exception.
She admitted getting out of a warm bed to brave the cold can be a struggle.
“Once I’m dressed and out, I’m happy,” she said. “Running in the winter is the time to develop mental toughness and keep a routine.”
Her drive for a new personal record helps her stay motivated, along with her husband standing at the door with a cup of coffee after a run, she said.
When it’s cold out, she makes sure to wear a moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirt and vest, running tights, Smartwool socks and warm gloves.
“There are plenty of hills in Bellville and around where I live, so I warm up quickly within the first mile,” she said. “As for warming up, I hit the ground running. I stretch after my runs.”
Shannon Sprang, 43, shares Snavely’s joy of running — despite wintry conditions. Sprang, a member of the Mansfield Area YMCA Running Club, resides in the rural Loudonville/Hayesville area.
For her, the hardest part is trying to run when the sidewalks are icy or unshoveled, forcing her to run on the roads. “It makes it more challenging and you have to be aware of traffic or go to a park,” she said.
Her gear includes fleece-lined running pants with layers on top, hat, gloves and reflective wear for dawn or dusk. Music and earbuds are also a must, she said.
“The only difference in winter running to me is air temperature,” she said. “I don’t mind the elements of rain or snow, but once the air temperature is in the single digits and/or wind chill is below zero, then I head indoors for a different cardio activity.”
Asked about her motivation, she responded, “Well I like to eat, so for me, I run so I can enjoy what I eat.”
She runs at least six days a week and aims for seven. She typically runs 3-5 miles a day, with at least one long run (8-plus miles) over the weekend.
“I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with running: loving it for its benefits like weight loss and maintenance, strength, heart health, etc., but hating it because it can be hard,” she said.
“As I’ve gotten older, I enjoy running because it is a nice release. It helps to clear my mind and I feel very connected to the outdoors.”
Winter running tips
Before heading outside for a run, check out these tips from Richland Public Health and AJ Beddow, exercise physiologist at OhioHealth Ontario Health and Fitness Center.
- Allow at least 10 minutes to warm up. When it’s cold, your heart and muscles need more time to get ready.
- Take your workout indoors if you’d be risking frostbite (temperatures around -10 degrees, including any windchill), if it’s icy, or if you’d encounter dangerous traffic.
- If the sidewalks and walkways are impassable and you have to run in the street, run against traffic and as close to the curb as you can.
- Dress in thin, wicking layers. Avoid cotton as it retains water. Wear a wicking material against the body to pull sweat away. Wear a layer of nylon or Gore-Tex on the outside to break the wind. On really cold days wear a middle layer like fleece for warmth.
- Wear a scarf or mask loosely over your nose and mouth to prevent the sting of icy cold air when you inhale. This is especially important if you have asthma or heart problems.
- Protect your hands and feet. Wear a wicking hand glove or mittens on extremely cold days. Wear a wicking layer on your feet covered by a polar fleece or wool sock — make sure you have enough room in your shoe for the added layers.
- Don’t overdress. Too much clothing will lead to early sweating. Good rule of thumb is to dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer than it really is. You should be somewhat chilly when you start your run, knowing that you’ll warm up as you go.
- Stay hydrated. You’ll still sweat despite the cold temp, and cold air has a drying effect.
- Don’t stay in wet clothes. Being in wet clothes during cold temps increases your risk of hypothermia, which is characterized by intense shivering, loss of coordination, slurred speech and fatigue.
- Be visible. Wear reflective gear when it’s dark.
- Wear running sunglasses. Glare from the snow can cause snow blindness.
- Remember sunscreen and lip protection.
- If you want to have some accountability and encouragement, consider participating in the parkrun 5K that takes place every Saturday (despite snowy weather) at North Lake Park. The event recently celebrated its 100th run.
