Sub-Zero running & walking adventures

Runners know no obstacles, especially when it comes down to the weather factor. We run in the sun, in the rain, in the snow. We run with extreme heat, extreme humidity or extreme cold. And we like it. Defeating the adversity of the elements makes us feel unstoppable, invincible. It adds to the challenge. It makes us feel like heroes.

"Ice Cold Running" is a webpage dedicated to... well, running in the extreme cold. It is another of those special webpages that here at Run The Planet we thought we could not do without. Here you will find information, tips, links to running events held in freezing temperatures and in general all you need to know to experience your sub-Zero adventure.

Tips for running in the cold

Intensify efforts to run safely in times of adverse weather conditions. The cold should not stop you if you dress properly and adjust your plans. Some tips to keep in mind (courtesy of the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club):

• Precede your run with a good set of warmup exercises.
• Wear multiple layers of clothing. A wide variety of clothing is designed specifically for cold weather running.
• Wool insulates well and will help retain body heat even when wet. A nylon windbreaker is a good outer layer and can be removed and tied around your waist if not needed. Experiment to find the best clothing combination for you.
• Make sure your head and neck are well protected, as a significant amount of body heat is lost through these areas.
• Protect your extremities from exposure to prevent frostbite. In the early stages you will notice a burning sensation in the skin. Skin color will change from red to purple to white. If you notice a white, sensitive area, get out of the cold immediately. Contact a physician.
• Plan your course to run against the wind as you begin and with the wind as you return.
• Shield yourself from the wind whenever possible.
• Remember that any terrain becomes treacherous when covered with a thin layer of ice or snow. The results are poor footing, for the runner and the dangerous possibility that a car may skid or slide.
• Use an alternate route when snow accumulation leaves only a narrow, cleared lane for cars. Always ensure a margin for safety.
• Know the warning signals of hypothermia; a feeling of disorientation, loss of hand coordination, slurred speech, difficulty walking. If you are shivering, seek a warm place at once.
• Do not run long distances alone in adverse weather conditions. Observe running companions for signs of cold injury.
• Remove wet clothing as soon as possible. Wet clothing increases the risk of cold injury.
• Remember that replenishing fluids is just as important in the winter.
• Consider another form of exercise when adverse weather conditions make running dangerous.

North Pole running

NORTH POLE GEAR LIST

• Arctic rated clothing to -45° Fahrenheit (gear formerly known as "Exp Gear" or "Extreme Protection")
• parka
• boots
• pants
• "balaclava" (optional but will keep you warm especially when sleeping)
• sleeping bag (can be rated for -30° F)
• sleeping bag insulation mattress (goes under sleeping bag to prevent conduction with ice below tent)
• heater packs (recommended about 20-30 of them to keep you and your camera warm)
• ski goggles
• polypropylene underwear (or silk, not cotton) + long johns + long sleeve shirts (1-2 pair) + socks (2-3 pair)
• gloves (cotton or polypropylene)
• canteen
• thermos bottle
• warm insulated boots
• general purpose long johns
• warm thick socks
• sweater
• warm pants
• long sleeve shirts
• toilet paper or kleenex
• hand towelettes
• ear plugs (optional)
• knife
• nasal spray
• aspirin
• oral decongestant
• sleeping pills
• skin moisturizer
• notebook + pen

South Pole running

RACE AROUND THE WORLD

The "Race Around the World" is conducted for South Pole Station inhabitants as a way to enjoy the Christmas holiday. It is put on by the South Pole Station personnel for the South Pole Station personnel. The goal? Successfully travel around the South Pole loop for a total of three miles in whatever fashion you desire - Photo by Dr. Ron Shemenski

See also:

Antarctica Running Routes - Where to run in Antarctica
Snowshoeing survival kit - Being a snowshoer, you are often rewarded with beautiful winter scenery. But sometimes you may encounter danger, or get stuck overnight when you planned to go just for the day. If you are prepared for what can happen you will encounter no problem. Here is a list of items that you absolutely need to bring with you anytime you snowshoe out into the frozen wilderness. These tools will get through a cold winter night in the woods not just alive but also in pretty good shape.
Running on snowshoes - It is generally thought that the first snowshoes were developed some 6000 years ago in Central Asia. These early snowshoes were nothing more than a solid piece of wood attached to the bottom of the foot. It was this simple invention that opened up the world to our early ancestors as a means to hunt and explore the unknown northern regions of the continent.
Temperature converting tool - To help you easily convert temperatures between Celsius and Farenheit, here is a handy calculating tool. Simply enter the temperature in either field, then click the "Calculate" button to see the converted degree value.