Sub-freezing cold presents challenges to runners

challenging.

“We sometimes offer shorter runs, too,” she said, to lessen the amount of exposure to super-cold air.

Pro Bike + Run, which counts more than 140 runners in its running club and marathon training group, is a bit more cautious, with runs being canceled as soon as the temperature or windchill falls below zero. “We have to think about our volunteers,” said director of running operations Matt Imhof. “We don’t want them to feel pressured to come out when the conditions are harsh.”

Although healthy adults without cardiac or vascular problems can safely run in extreme cold without fear of hurting their lungs, frostbite can be a concern when the chill level dips below minus 18 degrees, said Todd Franco, a sports medicine physician with Allegheny Health Network. “So we always advise our athletes to use common sense” by dressing appropriately in layers, covering their head and ears and choosing mittens over gloves to keep thewarmth in.

Yet frostbite isn’t the only concern. Extremely low temperatures increase the likelihood of strained or pulled muscles, noted Tim Lyman, training program manager for Fleet Feet Sports and head coach for YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s marathon training group. “And a sprained ankle could derail an entire training season,” he said.

Still, Jennifer Reitzell of Brighton Heights isn’t scared by the weather. Currently in training for Ohio’s Burning River 100-mile endurance run in July, she’s planning 15 frostymiles on Saturday.

She’ll do another 15 on Sunday, when it won’t be a heck of a lot warmer.

“I have to get my miles in,” the 39-year-old veteran of 12 marathons and 10 ultras said with a laugh, adding, “For me, it’s the condition of the sidewalks and roads that dictates my run. You can dress for any temperature.”