MADISON- Hardcore runners know the treks outside during the winter months can be very challenging in many ways. The most difficult challenge most will face is not the course, the amount of miles or even how low the temperature can get. The real test will come from knowing exactly what clothing to wear or not to wear during the time when Old Man Winter can show its evil side.

Experts have lots of practical advice about running in what is typically the harshest portion of the year. Those experts in the Madison and Huntsville area are at Fleet Feet Sports of Huntsville located on Carl T. Jones Dr. in Huntsville’s Jones Valley. Suzanne Taylor, Fleet Feet Sports store owner and longtime runner herself, said on top of the list of cold weather running tips is to dress in layers. She added, “It’s nice to have a light weight layer underneath your top heavier layer.” The layer look allows you to start warming up quickly and when you do, you can shed the clothes like a snake does its skin. “You can have layers on and begin taking those layers off,” added Taylor.

The correct shoes are always a must, especially during the winter months as many runners use off-road trails as their run of choice. Those running are urged to use shoes that have traction, waterproof upper and the right fit as many times the socks you wear during cold weather can be thicker.

Taylor also mentioned keeping those hands warm. “Nothing is worse than your hands freezing while you are running. My favorite are the Mizuno Breath Thermal and my Nike gloves. I feel it’s important to have good gloves.”

Utilizing a head band and cap or hat on your head will certainly assist in keeping your body warmer.

Taylor went on to make a list of what to do for the cold weather now upon us. She said, “Long sleeve light weight base layer, heavier top layer or a light jacket, light weight tights, gloves, and headband-hat/cap.”

The winter months also give runners shorter time of daylight to keep up their training mileage, but don’t let the lack of light deter you from making sure you keep the miles piling up on your running diary. “With the days shorter we need to make sure we have our reflective gear on,” said Taylor. High visibility clothing is essential as they enable others to see you as much as several hundred feet away. Runners are encouraged to wear reflectivity on all sides of their body so others can see you from every direction.

A fun item for many runners are called Blinkie Lights, which can be clipped on the front and back of your body. The lights will easily illuminate your path and alert others.

The remaining tips for running safety are more on the common sense area such as warm up properly, deal with the cold winter wind where your exposed skin is concerned by using some type of skin protection, hydrate properly as even though the temps are cold, you will sweat, so don’t forget to drink plenty of water, and, once your run is complete, change into dry clothes and drink hot fluids as experts indicate the body temperature drops very quickly after a good run.

Much like the people operating the vehicles on the road, runners, too, need to stay alert and pay attention to all of their surroundings, especially at night.