Most runners have very strong opinions on running outdoors in the wintertime. I am one of those runners who love winter running.I am exhilarated and refreshed after a cold winter run. Here are some tips on how to make the most of running outside in cold temps and some surprising benefits of doing so. This post contains affiliate links.
How to love winter running outdoors
The weather always looks worse from the window looking out. Depending on where you live, with some common sense and a few smart choices, winter running can be safe, beneficial, and enjoyable.
Stretch inside
Warm-up inside with a few minutes of dynamic stretching. Find great warmup options here,
Have the right gear
With the right gear and layers, winter running outdoors is quite doable. Learn to layer for any temperature with warm running tights and base layer tops. Keep all of your winter running gear in one place so it’s to grab and go.
Cover your extremities
Keeping your head and hands warm are keys to surviving colder runs. Consider covering your mouth and nose with a gaiter, buff, or balaclava. This will warm the air as you breathe and make it more comfortable.
Recruit a friend
Having a willing running partner is always a motivator but even more so in the wintertime.
Discover the beauty of nature
While winter running does not provide us with the bright flowers we often see in spring and summer, there is so much beauty in every season.
Try new workouts
Winter is a great time to try out some new workouts. HIll repeats or speed workouts can add variety and challenge to your run routine.
Enjoy faster paces
Yes, there is a reason that most marathons take place during cooler months and that the optimal temperature seems to be approximately between 38-43 degrees. “Cooler temperatures, wind, cloud cover, and appropriately ventilated clothing all help runners maintain a faster race pace” (source) Enjoy hitting faster paces on cooler running days with less effort.
Feel like a badass
Something about coming in from a cold winter run gets those bad-ass endorphins flowing and feels exhilarating. Ah, that post run shower!
Bonus Benefits
-Build mental toughness by proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
-Get some fresh air in your lungs and some Vitamin D at a time when we spend most of our days indoors. Spending time outdoors in the winter may also help to ward off feelings of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
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Learn to love winter running and you too may feel fresh and fast out there!
Great tips, Deborah!
You make a very good point with the bonus benefit: getting outdoors, moving our body in nature and pumping some fresh air in our lungs is so important in winter!
We feel so much better (and of course badass!) after a run outside.
Yes, I know I do! The cold runs seem to invigorate me while the super hot runs are very draining
I really like getting outside for winter runs when I can, but it’s much easier when it is light out. My least favorite part of winter running is wind and if that is bad I am more likely to stay inside. Of course ice can be an issue too, especially when we get the melt/refreeze from leftover snow that lasts for days.
Yes, we sure did have a few challenging weather days this month
Great tips! I love running in winter because it’s possible to enjoy all the routes without having any problem. We can defend ourselves form cold but not from the hot. Moreover in winter there are not problems with the seasonal allergies.
My running mate is a badass during the runs too when he uses to say: “Look at the people who look at me with envy because I run while they cover themselves for the cold”.
Yes, I totally agree! Happy cold weather running
Admittedly, I don’t love winter running…but I do enjoy it on occasion. I’m #IowaTough and sometimes I just have to face what Momma N gives me, LOL. I do like the crisp air and the peace & tranquility of fresh-fallen snow. The sun-freezing temps? Not so much. But, the badass endorphins are pretty empowering!
You are Iowa winter tough! Endorphins are empowering
I will never love it. But I do it. I don’t skip a run because it’s cold.
Your tips are great.
The best is recruit a friend. Misery loves company. Lol.
And if you can sign up for a race so you have to get out.
Still can’t wait to ditch the layers. Today feels like 0.
Having a running friend along is always a plus and a great motivation. It is quite cold by you today! stay warm
Although I haven’t done many outdoors runs this winter, I always appreciate taking in the beauty of outside – especially the snow on trees after a snowfall. The trees always look so pretty!
Yes they really do!
I would challenge you to spend a winter up here. The entire winter! You might change your mind. Or not.
And actually on the running faster thing . .. that can be true in the temps you mention in this post, but in the temps we have up here — it’s much like running in the heat. You’re most likely going to be slower, not faster.
I know many find winter running refreshing, even in areas like I live in, but not every one does. It’s not just me, there are people who would never run in the conditions I do up here! So great tips, Deborah, but not everyone feels the same way. 😉
Yes, I am sure not everyone feels the same way. And, I realize that lots of people face more challenging conditions than I do.There is certainly much to love and learn through running in all the seasons
You know I love my winter running. Give me 20 over 80 any day. I feel good after my run vs. drained in the heat. The only time I really dislike it is single digit wind chills and ice, otherwise give me all the winter. Not even just for hi visibility, but the dreary gray days of winter are an invitation for me to put on all the bright colors and crazy patterns.
Yes, I am right there with you
I like winter running in general but I’m not a huge fan of the ice. Thankfully things melt more quickly here in Colorado, but we can get icy patches until the sun hits!
I also hate the ice but we do what we can
Winter running doesn’t carry quite the same meaning down here. I love it because even on our coldest days, it’s still better than our hot summers.
Totally agree!