“Against the wind. We were running against the wind. We were young and strong, we were runnin’ against the wind”-Bob Seger
Outdoor running sure has its challenges from time to time. Heat, humidity, hills, frigid temps, and wind. Pick your poison. Those of us who love the run know these extra challenges just help to make us stronger. Running in the wind can be a tricky one though. Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about running in the wind.
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Running In The Wind
Winter running has its many rewards. Running in the cold is easier on your body. Sure you have to gear up and brave the elements but your body doesn’t have to work as hard as it does in extreme heat. Cold weather running has its challenges and does require some preparation and planning. Wind can pose a particular challenge in the wintertime. So what’s a runner to do.
Run into the wind
Face the challenge head-on and start your run into the wind. Yes, you will most likely be slower and that’s okay. You have more energy at the start of your run to tackle the extra demand.
Embrace the return
Finishing your run with the wind at your back is an automatic gift of speed. Your paces will increase and you will stay warmer after you sweat. Who doesn’t love a nice negative split?
Run By Effort
Focus on your effort as you run into the wind. You will have to work much harder to maintain pace.
Wear tighter fitting clothes
Wearing tighter fitting clothing helps to reduce drag. Try a jacket or outer layer that is snug fitting and offers some windproof capability.
Respect The Wind Chill
While traditional running advice has most runners dressing for temps 10 degrees warmer than they are, wind chill changes things a bit. Check the wind chill and consider dressing for the wind chill “real feel” instead. Having layers of clothing is important. A sweat wicking base layer is key to avoid chill from sweat.
Protect your head and face
Some hats can easily blow off in windy conditions. Headbands or gaiters may be a better choice depending on how windy it is. Gloves are a must on a windy day. Consider adding some Vaseline or Aquafor to protect your skin.
[See winter skin care tips for runners]
Be smart check the weather
While it’s always nice to opt outside, be smart and stay safe and alert for important weather dangers.
You may also like winter recovery tips For runners
Running in the wind does have real benefits as well. It builds mental toughness and stamina. Think of running in the wind as resistance training or hill training. It is tough at first but becomes easier with practice. You will be stronger in the long run. Your next run on a calm, flat road will feel like a breeze. Happy running!
Thanks for helping to make the Runners’ Roundup a huge success by visiting all of the hosts: Laura, Me, Debbie, Jen, Lisa
Great points, Deborah! Especially about tackling the headwind at the beginning of a run.
I have a running buddy who has special glasses for windy conditions to protect the eyes. She always gets red and inflamed eyes from the wind.
My running buddy has the same issue I will mention the glasses thanks
Lately I’ve been doing small loops when its windy out so I’m not running in the same direction for too long. I think cold wind is one of my least favorite running conditions!
I have gotten used to it this year and it doesn’t bother me as much anymore.
Like Lisa, I have a few key routes that involve loops. Constantly changing directions ensures you don’t have a long stretch of headwind LOL I live in the northwest area of town, and we seem to get wind out of the northwest most of the time. Thus, the majority of my runs end with a nice headwind as I return home. It is what it is, but on the rare occasion the wind is out of the south or east, SCORE!!!!!
I like to start with the headwind when I have more energy and finish with the tail wind
Love your comment about how running in the wind is good for mental toughness! I have never thought of it that way. It’s nice to be able to see things in a new way and notice their benefits!
There are definitely benefits to running in the wind. It helps to be open to pushing through
Yes, all great tips- especially about starting into a headwind. There’s nothing worse than turning at the halfway point into a freezing headwind! Running in the wind isn’t much fun, but whenever it happens I tell myself “Your next race could be windy- better be prepared!”
yes exactly!
These are all great points, especially protecting your head and face. There’s nothing worse than windburn!
oh it’s very painful!
Never thought of running in the wind! Thanks for the tips
It’s a challenge but great training
Winters (and springs, and autumn) in Indiana mean lots of running into the wind. I’m not a fan of it but I get out in it as long as the gusts aren’t dangerous. It is so much nicer to have the wind on the return!
It sure is nice on the return! It doesn’t feel as challenging to me in the warmer months.
Ugh! Wind!
Honestly, though, I don’t worry too much about it. Sure, it makes things colder and tougher, but it’s all character building, right?
Definitely is!
I really miss my running days so much…I live the the country side so I was used to run in the wind but hey thanks for this post x
Yes, you do get used to it!
Sometimes I don’t have the option to run into the wind at the start — if I’m running from home, for instance, there’s only one way to go.
Totally agree on checking the weather before heading out — even though weather apps are often unreliable — but still, you have to check the temp AND the windchill. It makes a huge difference!
The weather apps are unreliable! Yes, the windchill can be so deceiving so at times
These are some great tips! It’s actually much windier here in Florida than I thought it would be so this is good to know
Yes, I suppose it can be!
Running in the wind is the worst! But I try to plan my routes to run into the wind so I have the tailwind at my back. It’s supposed to be brutally cold this weekend with high winds, so it looks like the TM will be the best option!
I know you battle much more extreme weather in Chicago! The wind can be brutal sometimes but oddly I’ve kind of gotten used to it
Running in the wind is definitely a way to test your mental toughness! I don’t adjust my routes for the wind normally…I’ll just push through and hope for a tailwind on the way back! Dressing correctly is the trickiest for me when it’s windy, especially since I warm up so quickly!
Yes, I am more of a push through girl as well! Anything to avoid the treadmill
Running in the wind definitely blows! These are some great tips to keep in mind!
ha ha yes!
I loath running in the wind and try to avoid it whenever possible. For those times I can’t, these are great tips!
It’s been hard to avoid lately!
These are great tips! I especially loved that you mentioned taking on the wind at the beginning of your run when you’re more energized. Such a game changer.
Yes it sure is happy running
I really don’t like running in the wind. Of course, I’m lucky because it’s not really cold but it is super annoying. I like the idea of starting heading into the wind and it is really nice having a tailwind. The worst is those crosswinds! It feels like you have to struggle through the whole run just to keep going straight!
Our trail gets pretty windy so it’s hard to avoid it. Yes, the crosswinds are tough to manage sometimes