Reflective vest a must for evening workouts It’s time for runners to winterize themselves

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Now that the unforgiving Maine winter is fast approaching, its time for many runners to break out the winter gear holed up in their attics or deep in their closets, if you haven’t done so already.

With some help from Jeremy Durost, manager of the Saucony Factory Outlet in Bangor, here are some tips that should keep you warm, cozy and safe as you train throughout the winter.

Perhaps the most important thing to dig out, or purchase if you don’t own one, is a reflective vest.

Since the sun sets earlier in the day, it’s arguably the most important article of clothing, whether you’re running on busy main thoroughfares or winding back roads.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize how little [they] can be seen on the side of the road,” said Durost. “Most people running this time of year only have six hours of daylight.”

The most important rules of the road to remember: Always run against traffic, and only cross busy streets at traffic lights and/or crosswalks.

When the temperature drops, it’s very important to find the right article of clothing before heading out.

Durost suggests ditching the cotton T-shirts for items such as cold-weather synthetic-fiber shirts and windbreakers, unless you want huge blotches of sweat to stick to your body throughout the workout.

“That’s the biggest thing, something that licks the moisture away and keeps you dry,” said Durost.

The most important piece of gear for any runner, whether it be 20 degrees or 70, is a formidable pair of sneakers.

No such special pair is needed to run in the snow, but most people prefer trail running-type shoes for not only solid traction but to train on Maine’s many snowmobile trails and some golf courses.

“That has a little more tread to it if you’re going for a distance run across open golf courses,” Durost said. “It gives them a little more tread on the bottom.”

Durost added that if your shoes fit just right, there’s no need to wear two pairs of socks if the temps dip toward the single numbers.

One other thing, if you’re training on golf courses such as Rocky Knoll in Orrington and the Bangor Municipal Golf Course, which offer snowmobile trails, be sure to stay off the tees and greens.

Hats and gloves are a definite must, particularly hats since its important to keep your head warm on those blustery, frigid winter days.

Although this isn’t an important item to own, a pair of Spandex leggings come in handy to keep your legs somewhat warm.

It’s something that most runners can find uncomfortable most of the time, in particular when experiencing tightness around the waist.

If that’s the case, a nice pair of windpants is an important item to have.

“Lots of people are uncomfortable with Spandex; that’s where nice windpants are good to have over it,” Durost said.

If you’re lacking any, or many, of the aforementioned items, no problem. Saucony is holding a holiday special sale through Dec. 3.

“We’re already starting now,” Durost said.

Perhaps the best piece of advice that can be offered on this Thanksgiving holiday is get your run in before the big meal, and have a light snack or two in between running and feasting.

“[It’s good to] get it out of the way earlier, and eat a little lighter [after], because you know you’re going to be [eating] a big feast later on,” said Durost.

“Those are good ideas, since you’re going to be tired from the turkey, probably,” he added.

With that being said, there’s no worse feeling than attempting a five-mile run with a gobbler, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce in your stomach.

Last, but certainly not least, take some extra time to stretch prior to running.

The colder the temperature, the longer it takes your muscles to warm up. If you’ve been sitting around all morning, do a short walk or jog around your driveway before warming up. Stretching cold muscles, especially in freezing temperatures, is never a good idea.

Enjoy the three “F’s” of Thanksgiving: Family, Football and Feast.

Ryan McLaughlin can be reached at 1-800-310-8600 or bdnsports@bangordailynews.net.