Thursday, November 13, 2014

Worth the effort- Cold weather running

"In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." 1 Peter 5:10



If you ran outside the last couple days you might 
be scratching your head wondering where Fall went. With temperatures dipping 30+ degrees below normal in the second week of November, preparing for the cold weather running may have caught you unprepared and somewhat "exposed", excuse the pun. Seriously though, dressing for the weather is very important if you want to protect yourself from the elements and avoid hypothermia and the dreaded "burned lungs". Here are four basic tips to keep you safe, warm and running happily despite the drop in mercury:

1. Dress in layers - Wearing several thin layers of clothing helps trap warm air between each layer keeping you considerably warmer than if you were to wear one heavy layer. 


2. Wear the right fabrics - Materials such as polypropylene, capilene, and some wool/synthetic blends wick moisture away from your body and keep you as warm and dry as possible. Avoid wearing cotton because it doesn't wick moisture and also has very little insulating ability, which will leave you wet, cold and uncomfortable.

3. Wear a protective shell - It's critical that you wear some sort of waterproof windbreaker or shell (Gore-tex or nylon is best) to protect you from the wind and precipitation. 

4. Cover exposed skin as much as possible - A hat and gloves are absolutely necessary once the temperature dips below freezing.  If it's really cold, you can cover exposed areas such as your face with Vaseline to reduce the potential of frostbite. http://www.active.com/running/articles/9-tips-for-running-in-cold-weather

By now you may be asking yourself if it's really worth all the trouble. In one word, yes. The best part about cold weather running is the reward it brings... faster times. Running through difficulty can be like our walk with Christ. It too comes with a reward but requires dedication, a willingness to press on in every circumstance and a faith that will not give up, give in or back down.  Whether running, working, helping a neighbor or simply going to the grocery store, Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."  

Isn't it nice to know that an inheritance awaits us and our struggles won't last forever? God promises us that, after we have suffered for a little while, He will not only "restore, support, and strengthen" us but "will place you on a firm foundation." That's a promise He will keep rain, snow, sleet or shine... and even cold. Can I get an Amen?

Heavenly Father, thank You for being with us through the trials of life. Thank You for the lessons they teach us, for the strength they give us and for the knowledge they provide that You are always with us through it all. May we constantly strain forward to what lies ahead no matter the obstacles in our path. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

All the people said Amen - Matt Maher

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