When we think of Asia, we visualize hot weather, lush forests and tropical beaches. But there are parts of Asia that in the winter offer a different scenario: ice! While places in Asia that get a fair amount of cold, snow and ice are several, there are two particular countries that stand out for their original way to celebrate the cold season: China and Mongolia!
Tips for Running in the Cold, Snow, and Ice
Be ready to face this scenario
Cool temperatures can offer relief to runners if they are well prepared for the environmental circumstances. You have to keep in mind that there’s an added level of danger to jogging around in cold, snow and ice unless you take the necessary precautions, and this goes even if your regular track is in a decidedly urban environment. If you want to double-check whether you are prepared well for winter jogs, here are tips for running in the winter.
Is there any danger?
Naturally, the first question that will spring to your mind pertains to the dangers of running in the cold. There is also a matter of other accompanying weather conditions: such as snow, ice rain, and fog. Logically, these elements introduce a level of physical, mechanical dangers to your body. For example, if you’re jogging down the ice-covered asphalt, there is a danger of slippage, ankle sprains, or worse.
You’ll notice that many frequented running trails around the cities have specially fashioned surfaces that don’t become slippery – they usually involve some mix of gravel and rubber, but not exclusively. Stick to those trails and, if there are no other choices, snow itself, just to be sure that you don’t sprain your ankle.
Let’s discuss winter clothes
Amazing freedom at the expense of cold
One of the ultimate winter running tips is to dress in thin layers. This is a significantly better option than thick layers because you can easily feel like you’re indisposed with cumbersome luggage. Think clothing solves two problems for you.
One, you’ll retain your agility while you jog, and two, the natural body heat you’ll emit on the run is more likely to stay between the layers. If it is particularly freezing outside, you can don a singular thick layer – possibly a duffel jacket – but keep others thin, airy, and elastic.
Also, head and hands are especially sensitive zones that shouldn’t go unaddressed. Gloves with exposed fingers are fairly easy to find these days. Always keep your sinuses, temples, and ears tucked in, whether, with a headband or a cap, it doesn’t matter as long as the excessive heat isn’t released via your head.
Don’t stop while you run
Winter running grants you amazing sceneries
You are certainly aware of the fact that you’ll sweat during the run, and the temperature doesn’t play into it all that much. The longer you run persistently, the higher the chance of your sweat soaking the running garments become. The key is to keep on running. Don’t stop no matter how compelled you feel to catch a breath.
Of course, it is perfectly permissible to pause for a second or two, but resting beyond that invites dangers for your health. If you feel as if you are in no condition to run for long intervals in the winter, rearrange your trail accordingly. Make it so that you arrive in front of your doorstep as soon as you feel the tiredness is getting the better of you.
Purchase an extra wind-proof jacket and gauge temperatures
An extra wind-proof jacket can be your safety net on those regular outdoor occasions in the winter when the wind becomes particularly harsh. This is usually when the reported ‘temperature’ is far from how you’d feel subjectively on the run. Such a jacket will come in handy if the winds blow too hard.
Also, keep in mind that you will subjectively feel that it is a lot hotter after you’ve warmed your muscles and ligaments up. Add ten to twenty degrees to the temperature and you’ll know how your body will behave according to the temperature you get. With this simple equation in mind, it’ll be a lot easier for you to regulate your perspiration and avoid colds.
Conclusion
Winter running may mea bad weather too
If you pay attention to certain tips mentioned here, there’s no reason you should avoid winter running. In fact, if you dress well and take time to warm up, you can even dare to jog when sub-zero temperatures hit. Still, pay extra attention to local weather conditions just so you’ll know if there’s a particularly nasty storm incoming. Otherwise, you are golden.
Winter Running in Asia
There are two fairly famous winter festivals or events that include running on ice: the Lake Khuvsgul Ice Marathon in Mongolia and the Amur Ice Marathon in northeast China‘s Heilongjiang Province.
