So THAT's Why You're Getting More Running Injuries This Month

A woman massaging an injury in her legEveryone who knows me is sick and tired of hearing me talk about how great autumn is for runners – but it’s true! The temperatures are next-to-perfect for the sport, after all, and it means you can get access to all-important natural sunlight during winter too. That not only ups your vitamin D intake naturally, but if you’re running in the morning, it could even help to regulate your sleep as the clocks change. But, I confess, I have been somewhat humbled by increased muscle cramps this month. Turns out that’s because your muscles are more primed than usual for injury in autumn and winter – and I hadn’t accounted for that in my warmup. Why might runners be more likely to become injured in winter?As Nuffield Health put it, “Winter and cold temperatures introduce several factors that may increase your risk of injury”. Though there’s no firm evidence proving there are more running injuries in winter, they add that cooler conditions conspire against your muscles and joints.That’s partly down to “decreased muscle and tendon elasticity”.This happens because our muscles “seize up” in the cold as they attempt to keep themselves warm.That tense state means they’re “more prone to injury”, the Orthopaedic Performance Institute (OPI) wrote.Other, non-muscle-related risks include slippery autumn leaves, darker mornings, not hydrating enough in cooler weather, stiffer joints, and even chafing and blisters caused by wet clothes.How can I decrease my risk of injury in winter?Sticking to a non-slippy path, running when it’s light out, wearing visibility gear, and planning your runs for the weather can help with the non-muscle-related issues. But for the muscular problems, the OPI recommends a simple solution: dynamic (moving) stretches before your run. “This means that you should incorporate motions into your routine (such as leg kicks and arm circles) rather than just stretching and holding the muscle without moving,” they wrote. You can also include lunges or just plain ol’ walking and jogging on the spot. Just try, the experts advised, to warm your muscles up as much as possible before running this season (note taken).Related...Here's How Outdoor Experts Make The Most Of Autumn RunningHere's Why Running Is The Best Sport To Take Up In AutumnI'm A Mum With No Time To Work Out – This Running Buggy Made My Step Count Skyrocket

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