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Winter, with its cooler temperatures, is the optimal season for most runners, whether you are a beginner or training for your next marathon. 

Running outdoors in low temperatures will require a bit more planning compared to the summertime when a tank top and shorts is the uniform for most. Here are some simple tips along with the appropriate gear to help stay motivated.

1: Warm up pre-run

To avoid injuries, be sure to do a quick warm-up such as jumping jacks or starting with a brisk walk. It’s important to get the blood flowing before breaking out right into a run. If your body feels extra stiff, you might try to stretch out with several lunges to open the hips and loosen up the leg muscles.

2: Make sure to dress in layers

With frigid temperatures, it is important to dress appropriately. Layers work best as they can be easily taken off when you start to warm up. Start with a base layer like HYLETE’s Minimalist Tri-Blend Crew Tee ($30) which offers breathability and comfort. Next, layer up with a slightly warmer piece like HYLETE’s Vital Pullover Hoodie ($56) which has a kangaroo pocket and raglan sleeves. www.hylete.com

Top it off with a warmer piece like ARC’TYREX’ Delta LT Hoody Jacket ($149), which is a versatile lightweight microfleece jacket that can be worn during and after your run.  arcteryx.com

Vests are also great options when it comes to layering. Orvis’ Women’s Recycled Puff Vest ($129) is made with a water-resistant recycled polyester shell and lining and Thermore Ecodown, a down alternative made from recycled plastic bottles. Eco-friendly and lightweight, this is the ultimate performance vest. www.orvis.com

3: Wear reflective gear

Whether you are an early morning or late-night runner, it’s important to wear reflective gear so you can be seen by drivers, bicyclists and other runners. Noxgear specializes in high-visibility gear for running and cycling. The Tracer360 ($50) provides 360-degree illumination with piping around the entire body so you’re visible from over a mile in any direction. It is lightweight and rainproof, making it easy and comfortable to wear.  www.noxgear.com 

Brooks Running has an entire Nightlife collection, which features a fluorescent color that is easy to spot on the road and trails. The group includes items such as the Nightlife Jacket ($160) and Long Sleeve ($60) which are lightweight, weather-resistant and comfortable. Available for both men and women. www.brooksrunning.com

4: Wear appropriate shoes

Lace up Saloman’s Supercross GTX ($130) with its superior grip and traction for all-terrain runs. The GORE-TEX will keep your feet dry during inclement weather conditions. www.salomon.com

Bring some fun inspiration to your running sneakers. Outdoor brand Merrell and Dogfish Head Brewery in their latest collaboration reveal the Merrell Agility Synthesis X Dogfish ($110) trail running shoe, which is inspired by the most thirst-quenching beer brewed by Dogfish Head, the SeaQuench Ale. The limited-edition trail runner is available for both men and women.  www.merrell.com

5: Stay hydrated

In cooler temperatures, it is easy to forget to drink enough water since you are likely to sweat less than summertime. In fact, dehydration is accelerated when temperatures drop because the lungs work harder. Make hydration a top priority by refueling with SportWater, which is a high Alkaline water to support recovery. Packed with electrolytes and a pH 8+, bring it along with you on longer runs.  www.drinkbodyarmor.com

Sip on Béla Harmony, a new herb-infused wellness drink inspired by Ayurveda, the ancient sister-science of yoga. Béla Harmony brings together six herbs, electrolytes and vitamins to hydrate your body, promote a feeling of calmness and deliver anti-oxidative support. This includes turmeric, amla, tulsi, ginger, pepper extract and shallaki. In addition to the herbs, potassium and magnesium aid in muscle flexibility and increased energy, while Vitamin C provides antioxidant properties. The wellness drink comes in three flavors, including Delicate Berry, Elegant Tropical and Unflavored & Unsweetened.  drinkbela.com 

6: Fuel up post-run

According to most studies, it is beneficial to eat approximately 30 minutes after exercise since that’s when your body is likely rebuilding glycogen stores and repairing muscle proteins. A balance of carbohydrates and protein like Purely Elizabeth’s Collagen Protein Oats will help to refuel the body. Quick and easy to make, the breakfast cup contains collagen combined with gluten-free oats, quinoa, flax and chia, which is certified gluten-free + contains organic ingredients. For those on the go, the brand also offers granola bars with grain-free options. Low in sugar and baked with coconut oil, the bars are as tasty as they are healthy.  purelyelizabeth.com

Primal Island Paleo Foods Granola Mix is made in small batches offering four different flavors for grain and gluten-free enthusiasts. Low in sugar and packed with natural ingredients, the granola mix was born out of founder Marybeth Shirley’s desire to share her passion for healthy and organic foods with her family and friends. primalisland.com

Other great snacking options include having an apple smeared with nut butters like Big Spoon Roasters, which has a variety of peanut and almond butters in various flavors.  Maple Cinnamon Peanut & Pecan Butter with Sea Salt is reminiscent of pecan pie spiked with maple and cinnamon. bigspoonroasters.com

7: Running in cold temperatures can dry out your skin

Try Hempz Age-Defying Moisturizer, which is enriched with 100% Pure Natural Hemp Seed Oil and helps to provide skin hydration and nourishment. Also containing vitamins A, C and E, the brand’s products are paraben-free, gluten-free, 100% vegan.  www.hempz.com

For the face, switch to a facial oil to help skin stay supple and well moisturized in cooler months. Taila Face Oil contains botanical extracts to aid in the skin’s renewal process by hydrating, firming and diminishing dark spots.  tailaskincare.com

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