How To Stay Warm In A Cold-Weather Marathon

One running doctor suggests seven simple tips.

The New York Daily News’ Dr. Lewis G. Maharam offers runners braving a cold marathon a few tips in his recent column.

At the top of his list is staying warm before the race actually begins. “If race morning is cold and/or wet, you should arrive just before the start of the race,” he writes.”This way you’ll avoid standing too long in the cold. Wearing extra clothing, such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a wind-resistant jacket.”

Maharam goes on to point out that runners should wear layers of clothes that can be discarded before the race begins.

One the gun goes off, runners should run within their limits in the early miles. If they aren’t properly warmed up, they risk the chances of tearing a muscle. “Adjust your pace to allow your body a little extra time to warm up. You may have to slow down from your projected pace to get to the finish line safely,” he suggests.

Regarding safety, Maharam recommends runners know the signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia.

For More: New York Daily News