Always Share Your Whereabouts
You would never go look at a used car on Craigslist.com without telling a friend or loved one, would you? Well, the same rules apply to running outdoors during winter. In potentially treacherous conditions always make a buddy aware of your running route and how long you expect to be out.
If no one is home, leave a note for a parent, spouse, or roommate with your departure time and how long you expect to be running. You can also use and share an app, like MapMyRun, that allows you and others to map your route on every road, hill, twist, and turn.

Run Facing Traffic
It’s never wise to walk nor run in the same direction as traffic, which allows vehicles to approach you from behind where you can’t often see or hear them. Instead, make a point of running against (or facing traffic) so you can keep an eye on approaching vehicles and bikes—and vice versa.
While it’s also vital to run when you can in lighted areas, running against traffic provides better visibility for you and approaching traffic so both can take defensive measures as needed.

Be Realistic—It’s Winter!
While wearing suitable shoes, hats, gloves, and warm, wicking clothing is vital if you run during the winter months to keep your body insulated while preventing overheating—reality should always be first and foremost…after all it is winter.
That means, you may need to change up a favored trail route for an open park or sidewalk if they aren’t ploughed properly. Oftentimes, you may feel more comfortable running during light, which means late nights are early mornings may also be out. And on particularly blizzard-prone, icy days, you may also be forced to take your workout safely indoors away from the dangerous elements. Remember, your safety is the most important.

Emily Lockhart
Emily Lockhart is a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer. She believes that being healthy is a lifestyle choice, not a punishment or temporary fix to attain a desired fitness or body image goal. Anna helps her clients take responsibility for their own health and wellness through her classes and articles on ActiveBeat.