It’s mid-February, and as the refrain goes, “Baby, it’s cold outside.”

If you’re a runner, you know the feeling. Still, you also know that you can warm up in a hurry once you get in motion.

And if you’re a dedicated runner, you want to be out on the roads instead of trying to keep your pace on a treadmill. To me, a treadmill just doesn’t cut it.

Well, you can keep your routine for the upcoming spring races, and avoid any colds or anything worse by properly preparing for your frigid frolics ahead.

In this version of my periodic “Hitting the Road” column, I’ll offer some simple tips for running in the winter weather, and take a look at the race calendar down the road.

Start Me Up ... In any other season, you would want to properly warm-up for your run, making sure you’re full stretched. Yet, you can still warm up in the wintry weather. Simply, compact your stretching to avoid the long warm-up and incurring some cold and likely stiffness.

One Over the Other ... Over the years, one major point that I learned about winter running is layer. Instead of trying to run in a bulky sweatshirt to stay warm, dress in layers. This can be a pair of short-sleeve t-shirts and one long-sleeve one. Your long sleeve top can be made of fleece or wool, but it should be lightweight.

Tighten It Up ... If you’re a female runner, tights are a great option. But male runners can wear tights — running tights — too. For males, running tights can be very comfortable, keep you warm, and keep you flexible. Some runners will wear wind pants over their tights, but that’s your call. I don’t like the feel of being layered on my legs.

Avoid sweatpants. Yes, you want to stay warm, but never be bulky.

From Top to Bottom ... Since the Eagles won the Super Bowl, why not wear an Eagles knit cap for your run? Or your favorite team one. I use warm, lightweight gloves, and some runners will wear wool gloves depending on the temperature. Look for running gloves made from lightweight, breathable fabrics like nylon, polyester, merino wool or fleece.

Wool socks are always recommended, but always remember the bulk method. Make sure they are not too thick for your running sneakers. You don’t want your sneakers to be too tight.

Drink It Up ... Even though it is cold, you still need to stay hydrated. You need to drink plenty of water, especially if you are running 45 minutes or longer.

I Can See Clearly Now ... If you are running at twilight or in the dark, you need to wear white-colored or reflective clothing. You should also wear the same type of clothing running on a sunny day being surrounded by snow. You could be easily hidden from traffic wearing dark clothing.

It sounds like something you shouldn’t have to repeat, but there are plenty of runners — and cyclists — who will wear dark clothing.

If you have a head lamp, don’t be ashamed to wear it in the dark. It can save your life.

More Than A Feeling ... If you don’t dress properly — or even if you do — hypothermia can occur, notably if you are out in temperatures around zero or even below with the wind chill.

Noticeable signs of hypothermia are slurred speech, clumsy fingers, and poor coordination. If you experience any of these, seek a warm, dry place and seek medical attention.

Mark It Down ... With the winter weather, the running calendar is currently thin.

If you want to brave the elements this weekend, you can head to Reading to participate in the annual Shiver by the River 5K and 10K series (race three of four) on Sunday (Feb. 16).

That will be followed in Reading by the Frozen Knight 5K at the high school on Feb. 22. You’ll get a T-shirt at both races. More information on both races can be found on www.pretzelcitysports.com.

One of the inaugural races in Lehigh County will be the Ridgeview Wine Run 5K in New Tripoli on March 15. It sounds like a good deal with a T-shirt, wine glass, and a race medal. Check out www.runsignup.com for more information.

Finally, one of the most populated races will be the 13th annual Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K on April 26. All runners will receive a Yuengling Light Lager Jogger branded pint glass, an official race T-shirt, two free Yuengling Light Lagers — for those 21 years and older — free brewery tours (prior to race day), and admission to the post-race party.

This race usually sells out quickly, so keep an eye on it at www.runningintheusa.com.

Calling Phillies 5K runners ... If you are running in the Phillies’ 5K on March 23, please drop me an email. I am looking to list as many runners as possible and may contact you for a story in the race. Please email me at tnsports@tnlonline.com.

Keep Running and dress warmly (not too warm)!

Jeff Moeller has been running since 1982 and has competed in five half-marathons and numerous 5K and 10K events.