Q: “What is the best way to warm up for outdoor winter runs? And how long should one warm up for?” ~Andrea S.
A: Good question. Runners do need to consider environmental conditions when running indoors or outside and how ambient temperature affects physiology.
The body will need a little extra time to warm-up when it is cold outside or when you run first thing in the morning. Some runners engage in a few minutes of walking before beginning the warm-up portion of the run. Regardless of temperature, any run done on any day should always start out at a pace that is relaxed and easy. The time spent at this pace may differ from person to person. It is best found by listening to your body and “feeling” that point in which your body relaxes, your stride opens up, and you feel as if you are ready to go! Start out with ten minutes of easy running (but don’t drop that cadence) and gradually build your pace…then off you go for your scheduled workout!
