Winter runners brave Winnipeg's cold snap

The last thing most of us want to do in these frigid temperatures is spend prolonged periods of time outside, but some die-hard runners are still hitting the pavement.

Ruth Shead CBC News Posted: Dec 31, 2013 12:38 PM EST | Last Updated: December 31, 2013

The last thing most of us want to do in these frigid temperatures is spend prolonged periods of time outside, but some die-hard runners are still hitting the pavement.

Roz Pulo prefers running in freezing weather over hot weather. (Ruth Shead/CBC)

Roz Pulo has been running through Canadian winters for close to 25 years.

"I actually would rather run at a 30 C than a plus 30," she said.

"When it's cold you can manage the weather. You can gear up, you can layer up, you can get ready for it," she said.

"But you go out in a plus 30, it's just hot. And it's exhausting."

Sowhy not just run on a treadmill?

"That's a good option, but for myself, I like the convenience of walking out my door and my gym is right there," Pulosaid.

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And bragging rights aren't her main source of satisfaction.

"When you're still outside ... you unzip your jacket and there is steam rising up. It's beautiful," she noted.

If you think you're hardy enough to give winter running a shot, here are five cold-weather running tips fromPulo:

Keep your toes warm by putting duct tape over the top box of your runners. This blocks the wind.
Vaseline is your best friend. Put it on your nose and cheeks to avoid frostbite.
Layers, layers layers. The inside layer and windproof outer shell are the most important. You can always take off a layer if you're too hot. Ski-goggles come in handy on those verycold days. If you don't have them, to avoid the dreaded eyelash freezetry blinking a lot in order to keep those eyelashes apart.
Adjust your goals. ForPulo, winter running is not about times and specific training, but maintenance. It's all about making sure you're logging kilometres during the off-season. If you're training for the Manitoba Marathon (held Father's Day) you'll want to be back on a proper training schedule by March.
Shorten your stride. It's icy out there, so you might have to take smaller steps to avoid spills.

If this sounds easy enough to do and you're ready to make a new start in 2014 you can start your winter jogging routine at the Resolution Run, which takes place Wednesdaymorningat10:30 a.m.

The 5K run starts at the West Portage YMCA/YWCA.

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