Most anyone, with a certain amount of determination and a decent pair of running shoes, can rack up the miles on a track, road or running trail. Especially when the sun is shining and all you need to keep warm is a T-shirt.

But cold-weather running? That takes some dedication.

Neither temperatures in the single digits nor several inches of snow (or in the case of last month's record-breaking "Snowmageddon," feet of snow) can keep Joella Baker from her 5:45 a.m. outdoor weekday runs. And it doesn't stop upwards of 30 members of the Cranberry Y Dawn Crackers running club from braving the elements with her.

"It's always more fun to be outside," says Baker, a triathlete from Harmony who's been running since she was 13. "The coolest run for me is always one where it's snowing."

As evidenced by a record-breaking number of early entries, interest is high in Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and the FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay on May 2. And with less than two months to go, a lot of runners are sure to be joining Baker on Pittsburgh streets. Training in the inclement weather, though, takes some adjusting.

For starters, says the 39-year-old veteran of 23 marathons, your body needs time to acclimate to the drastic change in temperature. So you want to start your runs slowly to allow your legs time to warm up and avoid pulling a muscle.

You also need to dress appropriately for the weather. When it's below freezing that means layering and protecting the parts of your body that are most susceptible to frostbite: face, fingers and toes. Pull on a hat (or two) and pair of gloves or mittens, and invest in some warm socks.

"If you live in Pittsburgh, you're bound to step in slush," said Kevin Smith, who owns Elite Runners & Walkers in Robinson.

Wool socks do a pretty good job of keeping runners' feet toasty and dry during even the coldest runs because of its natural wicking ability. Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool removes sweat from the skin's surface before it condenses into a liquid. Just be sure they're the same thickness as the socks you usually wear with your running shoes or you may have problems with your toes, says Smith. Also, choose socks that are higher than ankles so there's no chilling gap between socks and pants.

Take similar care with your layers. Cotton might feel soft against the body, but it's actually rotten as a first layer for runners because it retains moisture and will stay wet against your skin. Instead, start with a synthetic wicking material or wool, followed by a thermal layer and depending on the weather, a wind blocking or water resistant shell. If possible, wear clothes that unbutton or unzip so you can get a little air if you need it after you start to warm up, and zip up when you're running into the wind.

However many layers -- Smith recommends no more than three -- don't overdress. It's going to feel at least 10 to 20 degrees warmer than it really is once you get going, so plan on being chilly at the start.

If it's really bitter outside, you may want to consider light-weight tights or long underwear under your running pants. But generally, you should be able to get away without because your legs will be working.

That takes care of your clothes. What about the actual run?

Cold-weather running very often entails snow and ice. So obviously, this is not the time to be doing speed work (save that for parking lots). Some runners keep their footing with gripping devices on the bottoms of their shoes, but you also can simply shorten your stride and pay closer attention to things than can make you slip -- patches of ice, clumps of snow, potholes full of water.

The best routes are usually those near hospitals or schools because they get shoveled out first, notes Jeff Warden of Mt. Lebanon, who logs between 40 and 45 miles a week. He suggests sticking to side streets, where there's less traffic, or areas that are dedicated to runners. Mall parking lots are another good option.

A couple of inches of fresh snow doesn't concern Warden, but he's usually on the road by 4:30 a.m., before the plows when the footing is still firm. He won't run in lightening or when conditions are icy.

"Ice is one of those things you don't take a chance with," he says. "Besides, it usually only lasts a day."

Days are still shorter in March, so like Warden, many end up running in the dark. Reflective gear, then, is essential on a part of your body that moves, such as your arm. A fluorescent-yellow jacket, blinking earbuds and a headlamp will also keep you safely in sight of drivers. Speaking of cars, always run against traffic.

And when the weather really gets dicey or you're simply tired of the cold?

Consider trading your outdoor run for running in a pool, says Team in Training running coach Chris Gibson, who manages the WestinWORKOUT gym, Downtown. Stair-climbing machines and stationary bikes are two more good tools for indoor endurance training. And of course, there's always the "dread mill."

Runners tend to hate treadmills because they can be really, really boring. Yet they actually provide a pretty good workout because they keep you on pace, says Gibson, who has 200 marathons and ultra-marathons under his belt. Plus, they're kinder on the joints than pavement.

You'll need a strategy beyond TV or music to keep you motivated. Gibson suggests interval training after the initial warm up. For instance, run at a medium pace for three or four minutes, then go all out for one minute. Then repeat. If you treadmill at a gym, run with a partner so you can pass the time with conversation.

That said, treadmills provide no wind resistance. So you'll want to raise the machine's elevation to at least 1 percent to match the effort (and hills) of an outdoor Pittsburgh run.

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