WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Local physicians offer cold-weather training advice as spring race season approaches.

Last weekend’s snow and ice shut down schools, government offices and businesses, but it did not stop avid runners.

With several races this spring, many runners don’t want to miss out on their time to train. Since this kind of weather is not common in the area, it’s important to know some of the risks.

Family physician Alston Enz said runners should give themselves more time to warm up, make sure their shoes have good tread and be careful on slick surfaces.

Health precautions for cold-weather running

When running in cold weather, there are several health risks to be aware of as well.

“People that have a history of asthma or pulmonary issues should practice with extra precautions when running outside in the cold temperatures as that can cause a flare of their asthma or COPD,” Dr. Enz said. “Things that you can do to help avoid this if you do choose to run outside are like wearing a mask or a buff to help with those.”

Benefits of winter training

There are also advantages to running in cold weather.

“You can have optimal endurance building at these temperatures so if you’re training for a marathon or a triathlon a lot of runners choose to move their runs outdoors to build cardiovascular strength and endurance for their race,” Dr. Enz said.

With proper preparation and precautions, winter running can be both safe and rewarding.

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