While working out outside may seem like a very straightforward activity, there are many things to take into consideration before going on to do your workout. No matter what season you are running in all of them will bring upon many different environments and challenges. It is important to know what your body can handle and what it needs to stay healthy through your exercises.
Taking the right precautions and preparing your body for the environment around it can make the workout an easier bite to take. Running in each season will be a very different task and depend on different needs from your body, it is important to know what those are before jumping into it.
Spring
Just like getting dressed for any season, you should pay attention to what you are wearing while on a run. Springtime can be unpredictable when it comes to weather. Check the weather for the time period you plan to go out and see if it will be cooler or even raining. Being prepared could be wearing a light windbreaker that you can take off if you start getting hot, or wearing breathable pants instead of shorts.
While the temperatures are rising during the spring, it can also be very important to stay hydrated. The rise of temperatures also raises your sweat rate, so it is vital to stay hydrated before, during, and after your workout.
Summer
In the summer the temperatures are something to pay close attention to while choosing to run in the summer. It may be smart to run in the early mornings while it is not so hot out. If you do choose to run later in the day, dressing in clothing that doesn’t absorb sweat, and wearing clothes that are lighter colors can help.
Running in the summer can be great for a woman’s health as it can help produce more red blood cells and become better at controlling your core temperature. It could make running in the summer more bearable throughout the season. It is important to remember, since it is so hot and can wear your body down faster, to listen to your body. Going for quality instead of quantity can save you from any issues with dehydration or heat stroke.
Fall
The autumn season can be one of the best times to utilize a running workout. It isn’t too hot and it can be just chilly enough to help your sweat evaporate faster and for you to cool down more efficiently.
That being said, it is important to remember that since it is cooling down, a simple addition of a thin jacket or pants could help keep your body’s temperature regulated. If you are a little cold when you first get outside, that is okay, the run will warm your body up more than you’d imagine.
Winter
The winter months can be a time where running may not seem like the most appealing months for running, but there are ways to make it work for you. Since you would be running in very cold temperatures, keeping warm is vital. Wearing layers of pants and shirts can be very important. This could mean wearing a layer of thermals underneath your usual workout clothes. Adding a hat, gloves, or even a face mask could be a great way to keep yourself warm as well.
Since you are going to be getting warmer through running, figuring out just how warm it will be outside is important. Adding 10-15 degrees to the outside temperature will give you a better estimate of how it will feel when running.
Since it is also darker much faster in the day, wearing reflective clothing or lights can be beneficial to your safety.
Overall, with each passing month, the preparation to running can change, but it can be something to look forward to. Each season brings its own benefits and challenges to your body. It is just important to stay prepared for what is to come.