Running cold: Risks and Benefits

We have just passed by a storm of snow and cold and you can think of few sports, at least outdoors. Are those days when people rush to reach home early and lock it when you most surprised to see from your window to a neighbor who is taking the opposite way to other people, leaves his wearing portal right and start running.
“A crazy man,” think. But the truth is that after ten minutes of running this guy will feel warm and well protected inside their clothes. And if one does not stop, keep the body warm and just feel the cold. As said John Castellani, physical trainer in the U.S. Navy, “if you have a little common sense running in subzero temperature conditions can be safe”.
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses more heat than it can produce. Depending on your level, hypothermia can cause chills, loss of consciousness, incoordination, confusion, and in worst cases death. The moisture, either by a sweat or rain, can accelerate the process hypothermic. “Humidity reduces your body temperature substantially,” said Castellani. “To stay warm you have to wear clothes that insulate you from the rain and wind, and breathable underwear sweat. Avoid cotton, “he explains. It also recommends that no more stop running or as you put a jacket decelerates rapidly, because “the slower you go produces less heat.
Castellani also demystifies certain practices such as using petroleum jelly to insulate the skin from the cold, or blowing into gloves. “The skin with Vaseline is just as vulnerable to cold without it, so do not give up wrap up by an ointment. Blow through the crack in your gloves for warmth between them is not a great idea, and expel the air that is probably too wet and cold.
Although it should be safe if we run with cold suitably dressed, there is little risk to train hard if the temperature drops, because cold air coming through your airways can irritate and dry, which could lead to a false sensation of heat in the lungs or a persistent cough. “The harder you breathe, be bad for your lungs,” says Kenneth Rundell, director of respiratory research at Marywood University.
Another tip offered by Rundell is be careful with the wind. “With 0 degrees and a wind of about 20 or 25 km / h the wind chill can be up to – 7 degrees. It’s the kind of day that maybe you should add a pair of thermal or an extra layer to your clothing. It is also advisable to find a route that will blanket the wet and cold. Contrary to what might appear, the routes between areas with trees and wood are better than in the city because the buildings, rather than protect, they create tunnels through which the wind circulates freely.