PGRC Notes on running in the weather


With some care it is quite possible to run year-round in Maryland.  Prince George's Running Club is assembling our collective wisdom regarding doing so.  This is a start:
 

Summer

Maryland summer is hot and humid.  Prince George's county also has several ozone alerts, being part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, in the summer.
 
Condition Response
Lightning DO NOT RUN  Wait for 30 minutes after last thunder
Ozone Red alert If asthmatic, elderly, young child, or just starting running, DO NOT RUN
Hot Drink more water than usual, and start drinking earlier into your run.  
Expect to run more slowly and don't fight it.
Humid Ditto.  For either or both hot and humid, try to run in the morning instead --
It won't be as hot then.
Hot and Humid More fluids earlier, slow down.  

Fall

Thunderstorms are the only weather indication common in fall.  Same as summer -- do not run in lightning or near the time of lightning.  Our thunderstorms typically move through quickly, so the delay is not as serious as one might think.  (Realize that the author is considering summer to last from May through September.)

Winter

Temperature above freezing Easy weather.  Dress in appropriate layers starting with gloves, hat.  Add tights as the temperature drops.  Windproof layers if the wind is up.
Early November club runs will have more discussion.
Below freezing Continue above, plus watch for ice patches
Snow on ground
Extensive ice DO NOT RUN

Spring

As in fall, thunderstorms are the only common weather indication.  (Realize that the author is considering summer to last from May through September.)

Return to Training Page
Return to Main page
Last Modified 30 March 2005