Running in a Winter W TIPS FOR RUNNING AND JOGGING IN COLD WEATHER
Maybe you love the majesty of a winter’s morning, or maybe you just hate the treadmill. Whatever your reason is for wanting to run or jog outside in the dead of winter, remember to take the proper precautions before stepping out. Runners face challenges during the winter that they don’t face any other time of year. If you want to experience the winter safely, there are a few things to keep in mind. Warmup inside first. If you’re planning on braving the snow and frigid temperatures, try to spend 10–15 minutes warming up before you walk out your front door. Cold weather naturally tightens muscles and joints, so stretching your limbs in a heated environment is a good way to ensure maximum comfort and minimum risk of injury when you’re running in the cold. Wear shoes with traction. If your favorite running path is covered with snow and ice, you should consider finding a different route. But, if you can’t resist going down
your beaten path, then you need to make sure your shoes are up to the challenge. If your running shoes have worn soles, then you’ll need to get a new pair with soles that will grip the ground better before stepping out on the ice. Regardless of how amazing your shoes are, remain vigilant about where you’re stepping. Dress down a layer. Yes, it is cold outside, but your body will naturally warm up as you run, just like it would with any other physical activity. Think of what you would normally wear to stay comfortable in the cold, and then wear one less layer when you’re running. Of course, you should keep other weather elements in mind as well, such as wind, rain, and snow, when you’re picking out your running clothes. Finally, if a day is particularly cold, snowy, or windy, don’t force yourself outside for the sake of your health. Sometimes, a good bowl of soup and a roaring fire can be just as physically satisfying as a run outside.
KEEP ME OUT OF YOUR HOUSE OVER THE HOLIDAYS
5 Tips for Smooth Plumbing at Holiday Gatherings
CheckYourWater Pressure While you’re at Home Depot or Lowe’s buying washing machine hoses, pick up a water pressure gauge. They’re around $10. Screw it to a hose bib and turn on the water. If it reads 55–65 psi you’re good. If it reads over 75 psi, you’re bad and need a new pressure reducing valve. High pressure will wreak havoc in your plumbing system, resulting in running toilets, dripping faucets, or even bursting seams on aging water heaters.
As a plumber I’ve seen more than a few family gatherings spoiled by plumbing disasters. It’s even happened to my family, so pay attention y’all. Here are some plumbing tips to keep me from crashing your festivities this year. Disposal Care Put potato peels, rice, noodles, and other food leftovers in the trash can. Don’t put them down the disposal. Food that goes in the disposal should be in small batches and flushed with plenty of water. Run the water for 15–20 seconds after using the disposal to make sure the food waste gets to a larger main drain pipe. UseBio-Clean I know some of you have Bio-Clean buried in your kitchen cabinets. I’ve seen it when I’ve been over. Bio-Clean is 100% safe, natural enzymes and friendly bacteria that eat grease and organic waste in your drain system. It’s great for kitchen sink drains, and we keep plenty of it in stock. Let me know if you want some. If you want to keep me away, use Bio-Clean today! CheckYourWashingMachineHoses If you don’t knowwhen they’ve been replaced, it’s time to replace them. A burst washing machine hose means an epic flood. Get stainless steel braided hoses at Home Depot or Lowe’s. They are fairly easy to change out, but if you need help, give us a call.
CheckYour Drains Are you having guests over for the holidays? Make sure all your lavatory, tub, and shower drains are flowing properly. There’s nothing more embarrassing than a guest being ankle deep in water that won’t drain. Checking your plumbing might not be your first instinct around the holidays, but doing so will keep me from becoming an unexpected holiday guest and save you a lot of stress.
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