AFTER the freezing weather of the last few days making surfaces slippery, running in winter might sound bonkers.
But once the ice has thawed, it is a really good idea because it can boost your immune system, metabolism and mental health. Plus it helps top up your vitamin D.
Just ensure you are sensible with your route and clothing choices.
Today, I look at some new running gear to help . . .
Tops
FITNESS firm Built For Athletes has launched its first clothing collection.
The brand is best known for producing bags and accessories but I was impressed by its women’s quarter-zip pullover as it has reflective logos for outdoor running.
And it has my personal favourite, thumb holes, which really helped keep my hands warm without the need to wear gloves.
I did find the collar a bit annoying around my neck, though.
It washed up well.
Fabric is 57 per cent nylon and 43 per cent Spandex, for a comfy, stretchy fit.
£54.99, builtforathletes.com
Earphones
THE new Apple AirPods 4 come in the dinkiest of cases and are the smoothest of fits, sitting beautifully in your ear and giving great sound quality.
But it is the added extras that make these special.
If you lose them around the house, the function to play a noise to find them works perfectly.
There are two versions of the AirPods 4 and the fancier ones have different levels of noise cancellation – which is great for awareness and thus safety if you’re out running on your own.
Plus, you can summon Siri with the touch of a bud.
They even have “conversation awareness” which detects when you are speaking and lowers the volume of what you are listening to.
The battery life is around four hours, and they are sweat, dust and water resistant.
Pricey, but I absolutely love them.
From £129, Amazon
Belt
KEEP your valuables secure, while hands free, with this sleek running belt from My Protein.
It’s crafted with water-repellent fabric to protect your stuff from the elements and the clever auto-lock zipper ensures that your belongings will stay in place, no matter how intense your run might be.
The belt is lightweight and is designed with an adjustable fit for comfort.
It’s made with 100 per cent polyamide and I loved that it was both roomy and waterproof.
The only slight downside, if being fussy, was that I like to wear belts around my hips, not on my waist – and with shiny, Lycra leggings, the belt did ride up unless you wore it quite tightly.
£20, from myprotein.com