Rules for Running Safely Outside

Do your training a favor and take advantage of the world’s best motivator—the great outdoors. But before you pound the pavement and gulp the fresh air, make sure your body can handle the open road. With an assist from miCoach, you can take your hard-charging, sweat-inducing workout to any setting. But know this: Exercising in the elements is not an elementary task. Unpredictable climates, variable terrain,free run pesky pedestrians, and steeper-than-expected inclines have a way of sabotaging the workouts of even highly experienced runners. With the help of expert trainers and nutritionists, we’ve highlighted the strategies you’ll need to run strong outdoors, have fun, and stay safe.

1. Turn down the volume

miCoach often has you donning headphones during your training routines. If you’re not exercising in a gym, you’ll need to be mindful of your surroundings. “To minimize your risk, use just enough volume to keep you on track, so that you can still hear ambient noise around you, like cars and conversations,” says Anthony Slater, a performance specialist for Core Performance. “If you like to crank up the volume, then stick to an open park or track, eliminating any interference from traffic and pedestrians.” If you wear earbuds, another trick is to pull one out while running in an urban or car-filled setting in order to stay tuned into the environment.

2. Don’t let the temperature dictate your hydration habits

“We typically associate drinking while exercising with when we are hot, so when it’s colder out, people forget to hydrate even though they’re still sweating,” explains Amanda Carlson-Phillips, vice president of performance nutrition at Athletes’ Performance. Losing just two percent of your body weight in fluids can decrease your performance by 25 percent—a major slowdown. Advises Carlson-Phillips, “Weigh yourself before and after your runs—you don’t want to lose more than two percent of your bodyweight.” Choose the same type of hydration beverage as you would in the warmer months, but stick with water if your workouts last for less than 60 minutes. Nike Free Run (You typically don’t need the extra carbs and electrolytes for sessions under an hour.) Opt for a sports drink during longer-distance runs or when your stomach is empty. On average, you’ll need to take four to six sips for every 10 to 15 minutes of exercise.

3. Consider the fuel cost of hitting the road

Outdoor elements may require you to run in more clothes than you’re used to, meaning your workload will increase. Your nutrition needs will likely remain the same. A solid pre-exercise meal target is 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates if you’re planning on spending 60 minutes or more on your routine, says Carlson-Phillips. “That pre-exercise snack should also provide about 10 to 20 grams of protein.” Yogurts with cereal, nuts and fruit, half a turkey sandwich, or a protein bar are all good options. If your training lasts less than 60 minutes, aim for the low end of those ranges, that is, about 30 grams of carbs and 10 grams of protein.

4. Fight off the effects of air pollution with antioxidants

A research team writing in the New England Journal of Medicine previously found that running or jogging while being exposed to diesel exhaust caused a reduction in the amount of blood reaching the heart. Scary stuff. “If you can’t ditch busy streets when going for a run, make sure your daily diet contains 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables,” advises Carlson-Phillips. These antioxidant-packed foods will help protect your body against air pollution. Try a wide-range of colorful, seasonal fruits and veggies, such as blueberries, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. “But it’s not an acute cure,” she says, meaning you have to consistently eat this way for the powerful payoff.

5. Warm your extremities to make your body warmer

For peak performance, you want your body on the warm side, rather than chilled. “Your head, hands, and feet are keys to staying warm when outdoors,” says metabolic specialist Paul Robbins. nike free run mens That’s because those body parts are where much of your body heat is released. So invest in a sturdy running cap, gloves, and socks. These non-bulky weather solutions won’t bog down your running gait, allowing you to stay warm without packing on tons of layers. Says Slater, “Proper layers allow you to add or remove clothing easily—a necessity so that you can quickly regulate temperature.” Rain in the forecast? Make sure your shoes are not worn down and stay on a safe surface that won’t get too slippery. A light waterproof jacket and a hat with a brim are ideal. Check out for ideas.