For a runner, the winter months are typically a time spent in bed dreaming of summer races. If one does manage to muster enough motivation to dust off the running shoes, the miles are usually logged on a treadmill. But if you’re willing to make a few simple adjustments to your summer routine, winter running can be extremely enjoyable. Here are some tips.
Sleep In
As a runner, you’re probably used to getting up before the sun has even had a chance to peer its golden head above the horizon. One of the benefits of outdoor winter running is you get to sleep in. Winter running is best during the daylight hours; you’ll be warmer and you’ll be able to see where you’re going.
Run Into the Wind First
Plan so you’re running into the wind when you start. That way, you’ll have it pushing your back on the return trip. Running into the wind is much better when your clothes haven’t had a chance to get wet with sweat. Turning around half way through a run and having the wind at your back will keep you feel warmer since, at this point, you’ll likely be damp. On extremely windy days, bribe your spouse/neighbor/kids, etc. to drive you out into the wind so you can run the entire distance home with the wind at your back. Do this once and you’ll realize it’s money well spent.
Split Long Runs into Loops
Part of the enjoyment of warm weather running is getting lost and exploring. Winter, on the other hand, is not the best time to get lost. Split your runs into manageable loops with multiple points where you can stop to warm up if need be. If you need to run 9 miles in a day, split it into three three-mile loops. While the neighbors might think you’re crazy for running by their house three times in subzero temperatures, it’d be much more embarrassing to have to call them for a ride on a freezing, quickly darkening, windy night.
Forget About Speed Work
You now have a great excuse to not to your weekly speed work workouts. Asphalt roads can go from wet to icy very fast so instead, focus on building a large fitness base. Don’t worry, when spring rolls around you can once again focus on intervals. If you absolutely must do speed work, find an indoor track.
Cover Exposed Skin
Exposed clammy skin is frostbite waiting to happen. However, during parts of your run, covering up your face will just make you uncomfortable and scratchy. Bring something that is removable, but can also cover exposed skin when needed — like a beanie or a balaclava. This in combination with a shell that zips up to your nose will keep you prepared in case you need to hide your face from Jack Frost.
Run with a Friend
It can be hard enough to find the motivation to run in the summertime when the birds are chirping and the sun is shining brightly. In the winter time when snow covers the landscape and the birds have flown south, motivation to run can be as rare as the Hope Diamond. Running with a friend can help muster some motivation as it holds you accountable to someone else. It can also make your runs safer as two heads are better than one (most of the time) should an emergency arise.
Following these simple tips can help turn you into a year-round runner; because a run in the cold is always better than a run on the treadmill.
