Despite the cold, plenty of runners take to the roads during the winter months as it’s a great way to get some mood-boosting and calorie-burning, outdoor exercise during a period when most of our time is spent indoors. But as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, you’re likely to be running in the dark and dealing with adverse weather conditions. Here are some handy tips from the experts at SportsShoes.com to keep you safe and comfortable when running in winter.

Wear high viz clothing

Be seen or be, well, squashed potentially. If you do run in the dusk or dark during winter months, it’s important other road users can see you out of the corner of their eyes to avoid nasty accidents. Although most running shoes and some running clothing can contain reflective parts, high viz clothing really is a must if you want to be seen to be safe.

Don’t be a victim

Running alone in the dark brings another potential danger of setting yourself up as a victim to malicious individuals. For that reason, try to run with a buddy, tell someone when and where you are running, vary your routes and avoid deserted areas. Taking a mobile phone and some money is always a good idea too, in case you need to be picked up or take a bus home.

Stay warm and dry

Layering your running clothing is key in colder months, as it means you can start fully clothed and take off layers to avoid sweating too much and losing vital body heat. You’ll warm up quite quickly, so if you’re leaving the house toasty warm you’ve probably got too much on – it’s best to start off feeling slightly chilly. A long-sleeved running top and running tights topped off with a wind-proof running jacket is a good starting point. For really cold days, you can also wear a hat and gloves. The key to staying warm and dry is to go for light-weight, breathable, windproof and waterproof fabrics that wick moisture away from your body.

Beware of snow and ice

Although running in the snow can be a magical experience, beware of the potential hazards lurking underneath. Opt for fresher, softer snow and avoid anything too hard-packed or icy. While running outside has more mood-boosting value than indoor exercise, you can weather-proof your winter running by investing in a treadmill. You can buy a decent one for around £100 from eBay, so if you have the space this may be a worthy investment!