Snow! What do I do?

So I tried going out running today, and it was a complete and utter failure.

Just a few steps out the door and a mixture between pained joints and freezing limbs struck me as too much to bother with exercise.

I couldn't save myself from the morbid experience of a failed run, but I can learn from it.

I immediately went online and found the first warning from a Runner's World article online, scaring runners who actually dare freezing-cold temperatures for an endorphin high. I'm certainly scared - imagine have your exterior body parts frozen enough that you're actually worried about losing them!

Not to say I haven't experienced similar sensations. I've run in 5 degree Fahrenheit weather temperatures, and let me tell you, if you get back and can feel pain in your legs, thank your lucky stars.

To avoid this, I was going to get out the unbelievable fluffy and warm sweaters and jackets, but a quick online search produced results that have me now planning to invest in several light layers.

Katherine Switzer, the author of Running and Walking for Women Over 40, offered several recommendations in an online article called, "Don't Let the Cold Slow You Down: Tips For Cold Weather Workouts."

"Enjoy the snow but beware of ice," she said.

Here are some other useful tips:

1) Wear less but layer your clothing.

Lana's point of view: To me, this makes sense. You can always shed layers as you run and gain warmth, but taking off a heavy coat doesn't do any good to carry while running.

2) Don't forget your hat and gloves

Lana's point of view: I rarely run in a hat or gloves, mostly because my hands are going to warm up as I run, and if they get too warm - what am I going to do with those gloves after I don't need them?

This man is running without a hat, however, he is equipped with gloves and sunglasses to help avoid the glare from the snow

                                                    Photo on photobucket.com  By timscap

3) Enjoy the snow, beware of the ice

Lana's point of view: That one is obvious for runners and drivers. And yet, people crash more cars in the icy weather than any other time, which is why I actually listed this one. Think your shoes are like snow tires? Think again...

4) Get out of wet clothes as soon as possible

Lana's point of view: Think the run kept you warm enough? Try waiting around in a soaking sweater for about 20 minutes until you're shivering. Wait for an hour if you want pneumonia...

I also talked to someone about trail running in the snow, which has always piqued my interest. Sarah Domlin, an experienced runner from Utah County, said she goes up Little Cottonwood Canyon often.

"You just need to be careful and know your trails," she said.  She recommended a site with useful tips.