Q:  It is starting to get cool around here, and I usually run outside.  I wanted to know what I should do differently during the winter to prevent injury if I decide to continue to run outside.

A: First, it is very important to warm up in the winter.  While you might be able to get away with starting your run with a quick pace in the summer, you should not do this in the winter.  You have to walk on flat ground for a short period, and then slowly increase the pace of your jog in order to bring up your core body temperature, and only then you can proceed into your normal run.  It is also important to do stretching exercises.  We recommend a dynamic stretch of the core muscles, which are important for running.  Here is a video that reviews these stretching exercises.

You should also try and do the static stretching exercises after your run.