Four things to know about training in cold weather (via Go4)

Hydration is tricky in the cold

• Cold weather moves fluid from your extremities to your core, increasing your urine output, dehydrating you further.
• As a general rule, for every pound of body weight you lose through sweat you should replace it with .45L of water; about the amount of water in the average 500ml bottle of water.
• Cold weather also decreases your thirst sensation up to 40%.
• When you can see your breath, you’re losing more fluid than normal. Hydrate!

 Sunscreen is your friend

• A moisturizing sunscreen will reduce wind burn on areas that are exposed to the elements, such as your face and neck.
• Purchase an SPF chapstick like this one. Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean there are no UV rays!

The order of your layers matters!

• Exercising in the cold/wind drops your core body temperature, and wet clothes may double heat loss.
• Choose a moisture wicking material for your base layer with an insulating material (like fleece) on top. Have a wind/water resistant top layer handy for protection against wind and rain during rest breaks

Get Acclimated

• Start training outdoors EARLY & OFTEN! Just like in the warmer months, our bodies need to acclimate to changing temperatures.
• Your body regulates its core temperature by limiting blood flow to limbs in cold weather, causing your muscles to work less efficiently. This puts you at a greater risk for soft tissue injuries, like strains and sprains.
• Fatigue can also impair your ability to regulate body temperature in the cold, which can translate to injury. Getting 8-10 hours of sleep as a young athlete helps you acclimate to cold training.

Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by our partner, Go4, in an ongoing series of health and safety-related posts.