You can't stop the change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.

It seems that the change keeps coming and has severely limited my ability to post on a regular basis to this blog again. Unfortunately, the latest changes will continue to make it difficult for me to post regularly and I will be very sporadic.

Last spring, I was forced to change my work setting after I was slandered and marginalized for doing my job in an ethical, moral, legal manner. It was an ugly situation that forced me to change the school that I work at. Now, I am at an even smaller suburban school that faces a different set of challenges from those of my previous setting. This new school, being smaller with fewer facilities, allows more time in my schedule to pursue advancement of my degree. Therefore, I decided this past summer to work on a terminal degree in athletic training and I have just completed my second class (of many) in this pursuit.

Needless to say, the amount of time that is required for a doctorate degree is significant. It has been very difficult to find the time to work on any postings. Even this posting is being written during a much needed break between classes. I will work to add to this blog when I can, but it will be rare.

Over the last couple of years, I have resumed an outdoor running program.  This has been one the best things I have ever done for myself and I certainly don't want to give it up for the winter. However, with temperatures consistently falling into the single digits (Fahrenheit) and even below zero, there are precautions that I need to take to continue to run outdoors. These are some of the things that I need to be aware of when I continue to run through the cold months. I think it is important to share with anyone else who may be considering running outdoors.

Most importantly, anybody with asthma, heart problems or Raynaud's disease, needs to check with a doctor before running in the snow. These conditions can be exacerbated with the cold temperatures.  

Winter runners also need to keep an eye on the forecasts and be ready to modify their activities when the temperature drops to extremes of the wind chill makes it feel excessively cold. Frostbite can develop quickly in extreme cold to exposed skin. Covering hands, feet, and faces are especially important since these areas tend to be most prone to frostbite.

Wearing multiple layers is also recommended. Over dressing can be just as dangerous as under dressing. Over dressing can cause a person to sweat heavily. When combined with cold winds, this sweating can quickly lead to hypothermia or frostbite too.

Hydration is still very important to maintain. Winter running does not mean that a runner will not perspire under all the layers of clothing that they will wear. Maintaining your hydration through drinking enough water remains important throughout the winter season.

Winter also means shorter daylight hours which means more people will be forced run after dark. Make sure you wear reflectiveothing that they will wear. Maintaining your hydration through drinking enough water remains important throughout the winter season.

I have also seen several videos that describe how to alter your running shoes so as to decrease the chances of slipping on snow pack and ice. While I have not tried these techniques myself, I will add one of the most promising videos, in my opinion, to link to and check out for yourself. Gear Tip: Convert Your Sneakers for Winter Running - YouTube. There is one point that the video doesn't make. When modifying a pair of running shoes, be aware of the model of shoe. Many shoes like Nike and Asics have air bladders or gel packs in the middle of the heel to help disperse the forces of impact when the foot strikes the ground. Obviously, it would be counterproductive to puncture these features of the shoe. It is a safe bet to keep the screws closer to the edges of the shoe in the heel and forefoot to avoid rupturing the bladders.