Dress right for winter running

Dress right for winter running

FROM THE NORTH POLE TO OTTAWA-GATINEAU

BY MICHAEL STASHIN

Preparation for a North Pole Marathon included that old question — what to wear? Here’s what we learned to stay warm and comfortable while winter running way down south here in Ottawa.

The goal is to cut your sweat production to a trickle, and to wick whatever sweat you do generate away from your skin. You’ll get colder faster if your skin or clothes are wet.

Start next to your skin with a thin pair of seamless briefs and then layer on thin long johns and long-sleeve top. Best bet is variations of merino wool, an amazing fabric that wicks and keeps you warm even when it’s wet. And it’s very comfortable against the skin.

For the outer upper layer, use a windproof but breathable shell jacket, with a hood and zippers up to the armpits along the back of the sleeves. You’ll bless that hood when things get cold and windy, while the zippers — and the one down the front — can be opened for instant air conditioning if your upper body gets hot. On really cold days, add a fleece vest but make it loose-fitting so the sweat will still wick properly from the base layer. Use winter running pants or tights as the outer lower layer. These can be snug because your lower body doesn’t sweat as much as your torso.

Use different thicknesses of socks for different temperatures. Again, think merino. On really cold days try an inner sock liner. Whatever you wear, even your thickest socks, your shoes need enough room in the toe box — this could mean shoes a half size larger for winter running.

For hands, the best bet is a two pairs of gloves or mitts, both thin. You can put one pair in your pocket if your hands begin to sweat.

Any hat that wicks sweat, and a neck gaiter, will keep your head and neck warm. If it’s really cold, you may need a balaclava as well. Body Glide or Vaseline on exposed cheeks and nose offer additional protection.

I wear the same shoes for winter running that I wear the rest of the year. But there are Gore-Tex and waterproof running shoes available. If the road is icy, products like Due North Every Day Traction Aids or Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats will help.

BITS ‘N BITES – BY JENNIFER HARTLEY

HOCKEY HISTORY

The Vikings played a similar game to Canada’s national sport. It was called Knattleikr but used a ball. Later, diaries from the ill-fated Franklin expedition record explorers skating and playing hockey in 1825 near what is now the settlement of Deline, N.W.T. On March 3, 1875, the first organized indoor game was played at Montreal’s Victoria Skating Rink between two nine-player teams, several of whom were McGill students. Two years later, the first league was formed at McGill and the basic rules of the game were written.

NORWEGIAN WOOD

The word “ski” is from the Old Norse “skio” meaning a split piece of wood. Along with “skate,” “skin,” “skirt,” “slalom” and “slam” – there’s a pattern here – it is one of many Norwegian words borrowed into English. There are prehistoric carvings, more than 7,000 years old, showing Sami and early Nordic people skiing. The oldest known ski, found in Sweden, dates between 4500 and 2500 BCE.

JUST BEET IT

Looking to improve your athletic performance? Down some beet juice. Beets are high in nitrates, which helps lower the oxygen burn during physical activity. This means you have more time to work out, race, climb, play hockey, whatever, before you’re exhausted. Tests showed that running endurance increased by up to 15 per cent and cyclists who drank the juice shaved off up to 45 seconds on a 16-kilometre time trial. It even cleans out toxins in your blood, lowers your cholesterol and keeps high blood pressure at bay. Drink up.

11 | OTTAWAOUTDOORS www.ottawaoutdoors.ca HOME