It’s ten.

Degrees. Fahrenheit.

The wind is whipping.  The snow is blowing.  It’s dark outside.

Agreed. Putting it nicely, winter in Michigan can be a challenge of sorts, but ‘we’ know that it does not mark the end of running out-of-doors.

It simply marks a new season, added challenge and a reminder of the trade offs reaped in lieu of the ‘dog days of summer.’

After a particularly frigid weekend, “Running Fit Sponsor Guy,” Paul Ferrero, reflected on all of the “technical gear” he wore and entrusted to keep the cold at bay.

“It made me think how lucky we are to have all of this technology to rely upon!”

If pressed to choose one piece of winter gear as his most prized commodity, Ferrero would single out his SmartWool socks.

“I’m not sure if the brand is as important as the material,” Paul admits, “but SmartWool has been good to me!  The natural wicking properties of the wool, both moisture and vapor, seem to work well in keeping my feet comfortable in the coldest of temperatures.  Should I step in a cold, slushy puddle, I find that it is only a few minutes before my feet warm up again.”

Ferrero saves his ultra light SmartWools for warmer temperatures and wears a heavier version, while still avoiding any bulk, for Michigan’s cold winter months.

SmartWool socks also rated ‘number one’ with Sadlershots.com founder, Greg Sadler, Running Fit assistant manager, Jane Sanders, Ann Arbor Track Club Membership Coordinator, Jay Smith and Half2Run.com Team Member, Brenda Hively. 

Hively concurs that her SmartWool brand socks “don’t add bulk and can be worn multiple runs before washing,” noting that their odor control functions better than that of other types of fabrics.

This is especially true of cotton, which holds moisture in and is often a cause of blisters, chafing and even hypothermia.  Cotton leaves the skin wet making it difficult to retain warmth.

When choosing fabrics for any type of exertion, especially layers worn directly next to the skin, synthetics, wool and silk are recommended due to their superior performance in transferring moisture thus keeping the skin warm and dry.

Former AATC Board Member and founder of the John Rogucki Memorial Fund, Joanie Rogucki, stresses the importance of layering, reflective clothing and proper hydration, no matter the temperature.

When it comes to traction in slippery conditions, Smith and AATC Adult Coach, Stani Bohac, add sheet metal screws to the bottoms of their running shoes.

Yours truly swears by Due North “Get-A-Grip” snow and ice cleats, a rubber contraption containing replaceable spikes that pull over running shoes for when conditions are slick.  My original pair has lasted for more than 20 years, save for purchasing replacement spikes.

Yak Trax is another popular traction device, best known for its “unique, spikeless, patented coil design.”

Additional tried and true paraphernalia and advice recommended by local veterans of our sport include balaclavas, fleece lined tights, wind gear, winterized running shoes, disposable hand warmers, ski goggles to fend off the wind, breathable hats, headbands and mittens, windproof boxers and briefs and “dressing for the second mile.”

Racetwitch.com founder, Wayne Kurtz, swears by snowshoes for their “cross over benefits for running and cycling” and maintains, “It’s an incredible workout!”

And Kensington Challenge Race Director and AATC member, Doug Goodhue, relies on setting goals for the new year in order to stay focused and keep his training on track.

Renowned poet, William Browne, wrote, “There is no season such delight can bring, As summer, autumn, winter and the spring.”

We in Michigan are privy to the truest of seasons.  Make the most of them - get out and run.