Last Saturday's winter storm warnings and the inches of snow already on the ground weren't enough to keep me or nine others from our scheduled run.

We came prepared for the adverse conditions by dressing in layers and wearing bright colors for maximum visibility. We looked out for each other and respected traffic.

The run was a true test of endurance and determination, but all of us finished with smiles on our faces.

This week, we could face another test of our commitment to training with anticipated below-zero temperatures. But with a little preparation and respect for the elements, runs in extreme cold are possible, if not enjoyable.

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Dress for success. In extreme cold, dressing properly is not just a matter of comfort. It can be a matter of life and death.Begin with a layer of moisture-wicking fabric close to the skin on top and bottom. Add additional insulating layers for temperatures below 10 degrees.•

Wind changes everything. We're all familiar with the wind-chill factor on the morning weather report. Wind causes frostbite on exposed skin. Wind-chill factors and estimated times for frostbite danger can be viewed at the National Weather Service website if you didn't clip the chart from Tuesday's Butler Eagle.Wind can also whip through our layers of insulating clothing, resulting in a dangerous drop in body temperature. Be sure to add a wind blocking outer layer and always begin your run facing the wind.•

Frostbite. The body responds to extreme cold by pulling blood supplies away from the extremities to conserve core heat. This leaves fingers, toes, ears, etc., vulnerable to frostbite.The minor cold exposure of frostnip can be temporarily painful, causing red, numbness or tingling. The next stage, frostbite, causes severe tissue damage. If skin appears white, yellow or waxy, go indoors immediately. Do not rub affected areas. Instead, thaw gently in warm, not hot, water. Seek medical attention if skin does not return to normal appearance.•

Cold air. Sorry Grandma, but you're wrong about this one. Despite what you've heard, you can't freeze your lungs by breathing cold air.But frosty air can irritate the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Wear a scarf or mask over the nose and mouth to recirculate some of that already warmed air. Keep your runs slow and easy to avoid developing bronchitis.•

Drink up. Dry cold air sucks moisture from the body and you might not realize how much you are sweating. If you stay hydrated, your body will have more blood volume to circulate to the extremities, giving you a buffer from frostbite.•

Choose your route wisely. In more temperate weather you can head out the door and run aimlessly until you're done. Running in extreme cold requires more planning.Instead of running an out- and-back course or long loop, consider breaking your run into smaller loops. Come inside to warm up, change out of wet layers and rehydrate after each part.Before venturing out in the extremes, let someone know where you are going and an estimated time of return. If possible, run with a partner. And run in populated areas in case you run into trouble.At the first signs of hypothermia or frostbite, head for cover. Don't be too stubborn or embarrassed to ask for help from a neighbor or passing motorist.It's far better to learn a lesson than to be a lesson for someone else.

Upcoming eventsSaturday, 8 a.m.: Up-N-Running Group Run, Valencia. Pittsburgh Marathon training long run or your choice. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.comSunday: All-Comers Indoor Track Meet, Slippery Rock University. 724-738-2798Jan. 24, 10 a.m.: Team in Training info meeting, Cranberry Township. Learn how you can fight cancer while running a marathon. 800-482-TEAM or www.teamintraining.org/mailJan. 31, 11 a.m.: Bulldogs Icebreaker 5K, Meadville. 814-807-0105 or americut@windstream.net

Race results

Latrobe Turkey Trot 5K, Nov. 27: Kevin Wanichko, 1st Overall M, 15:31; Ryan Bielow, 2nd Overall M, 16:47; Megan Lordi, 1st Overall W, 18:04; Bryan Mack, 23:31; Nate Coup, 23:46

Gobbler's Gallop 5K, Nov. 27: Jake Walker, 1st Overall M, 15:20; Aaron Rape, 2nd Overall M, 17:00; Chris Ludwig, 3rd Overall M, 17:14; Bethany Walker, 1st Overall W, 19:46; Bradley Cubbage, 1st 20-29 M, 18:10; Joshua Wise, 3rd 14-19 M, 18:57; Rich Makin, 1st 50-54 M, 19:58; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-44 M, 20:08; Samuel Zilavy, 3rd 13 and under M, 22:43Robert Miller, 3rd 40-44 M, 23:07; Leslie Kramer, 1st 30-34 W, 23:17; Brittany Lyons, 3rd 14-19 W, 24:03; Kristen Kelosky, 2nd 40-44 W, 24:33; Maggi Quinlan, 1st 20-29 W, 25:12; Dez Csizmadia, 2nd 60 and over M, 25:21; Stephanie Verdecchia, 3rd 30-34 W, 25:31; Benna Click, 2nd 20-29 W, 25:31; Wendy Recio, 1st 45-49 W, 26:57; Jessica Kelosky, 2nd 13 and under W, 27:34; Debra Evans, 3rd 40-44 W, 28:25; Debra Kuminkoski, 2nd 45-49 W, 28:46; Tanya Osche, 2nd 35-39 W, 29:04; Helen Walker, 3rd 45-49 W, 29:36; Dennis McCullough, 3rd 55-59 M, 30:12 Sydney Weber, 3rd 13 and under W, 31:04; Donna Delucia, 2nd 50-54 W, 35:58Billy Evans, 19:08; Ben Swigart, 21:10; Bruce Hall, 22:58; Mark Papa, 23:36; Dan Shumsky, 23:49; Carter MacMurdo, 24:17; John Sepe, 24:54; Kari Falk, 26:00; Garrett McCullough, 26:03; John Ludwig, 26:06; Jim Druschel, 26:17; Maggie Dillon, 26:19; Jessica Ludwig, 27:30; Alaina Sosko, 27:37; Blake Weber, 28:16; Pam MacMurdo, 28:33; Andy Ludwig, 28:43; Megan Espenshied, 29:06; Carrie Smith, 29:37; Larry Gaiser, 30:07; Dan Miller, 30:10; Jeff McCullough, 30:13; Doug Slade, 30:25; Michael Meehan, 30:46; Jeff Meehan, 30:53Sally Toth, 31:06; Andrew Silavy, 31:09; Benjamin Sepe, 31:23; Bethany Bettencourt, 31:25; Rachel Druschel, 31:35; Michael Druschel, 31:36; Mallory Meehan, 31:45; Allison Jones, 31:50; Paul Jones, 31:51; Raymond Santillo, 31:58; Joshua Click, 32:07; Stacie Doughty, 32:20; Joshua Syphrit, 32:29; Kim Bettencourt, 33:20; Larry Bettencourt, 33:21; Nico Rocco, 34:16; Lyndsey Gallagher, 34:38; Rebekah Bettencourt, 37:15; Ashley Gallagher, 37:16; Beth D'Amico, 37:23; Jennifer Slade, 38:14; Tyler Squicquero, 39:33; Michkaila Bartlett, 40:43; Emily Becker, 42:30; Rick Becker, 42:31; Robin Wehman, 42:34; Morgan Bartlett, 43:41

Gobbler's Gallop 10K, Nov. 27: Jake Walker, 1st Overall M, 31:31; Leslie Kramer, 1st Overall W, 41:39; Brittany Lyons, 2nd Overall W, 43:32; Rich Makin, 1st 50-54 M, 39:38; Mitch Radella, 2nd 40-44 M, 40:47; Ed Shepherd, 3rd 50-54 M, 41:29; Curt Brown, 3rd 40-44 M, 42:51; Patrick Covert, 1st 35-39 M, 43:51; Tom Sosko, 2nd 45-49 M, 44:42; Alicia Wiley, 3rd 20-29 W, 45:14Mark Papa, 2nd 35-39 M, 47:01; John Antinossi, 1st 60 and over M, 48:20; Sarah Antal, 1st 40-44 W, 48:55; Mary Blom, 1st 45-49 W, 51:43; Wendy Recio, 2nd 45-49 W, 51:44; Ed Leymarie, 3rd 55-59 M, 52:12; Patty Schmidt, 2nd 40-44 W, 52:48; Carrie Smith, 2nd 30-34 W, 53:50; Clyde Fields, 2nd 13 and under M, 56:38; Amanda Stiles, 1st 13 and under W, 57:06; Alex Krosovic, 3rd 13 and under M, 58:22; Sherree May, 1st 50-54 W, 1:06:00Brendon Lemmex, 40:38; Mike Covert, 43:50; Jeff Cypher, 44:43; Bill Melfi, 44:43; Jeff Wiley, 45:15; Kylee Kaszer, 49:09; Abbie Kuhn, 50:33; Nico Baldelli, 51:05; Jeff Syphrit, 52:09; Len Yensull, 52:51; Mark Sullivan, 54:13; Tim Sullivan, 54:15; Amanda Cagno, 55:21; Gale Mussey, 55:28; Bob Dawson, 56:18; Jeff Krosovic, 57:05; Melissa Mahood, 58:13; Stacie Doughty, 59:53; Tom Tietjen, 1:00:23; Lisa Myers, 1:02:10; Ron Hartle, 1:08:29Send comments and suggestions to: 435 Cherry Valley Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056. Phone: 724-352-4395. E-mail: bigp16@consolidated.net.Pat Neubert is the running columnist for the Butler Eagle.