Outside Team FG headquarters

The first big snow hit Boston this weekend, and as the clouds came rolling in, out rolled my motivation to venture outside in my running shoes. When it comes to wintery mixes, I’d much rather be wearing these:

My colleague BethL, however, is a bit more adventurous.  She’s training for the Boston Marathon right now and will run in anything New England throws her way.  An experienced marathoner and triathlete, Beth was kind enough to offer up some great winter running tips on behalf of Team Firstgiving.  So if you are unperturbed by the New England winter or just a treadmill-hater, here’s some advice to help you get over the river and through the woods:

• Dress as if it is 20-30 degrees warmer
• Wear layers so that you can remove a layer if you get hot.  When the temp is in single digits I wear two layers of pants, a fleece vest, windbreaker, and long sleeve shirt, gloves, hat.  If negative numbers, I wear my balaclava (not to be confused with baklava).   Here’s a good resource at Runners World
• If there is wet snow, be sure to wear water proof jacket (cotton kills)
• Run with a buddy – nothing like peer pressure!
• Snow shoe or cross country ski as a nice alternative to running
• Run for time instead of distance.  Snow will slow you down and work different muscles (similar to trail running)
• If you’re cold, run for the hills!  Hills get your heart rate up
• Be careful of snow plows and wear reflective gear in the dark.  It’s harder for cars to see you especially if the snow banks are high

By the way, Beth is running the Boston Marathon this year for Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  Check out her fundraising page here.