Hey there! It’s Friday, March 27, a week has passed and spring is technically, officially here and winter is technically, officially over! If you are happy about that, can I get an AMEN?!
Since beginning my running journey 4 years ago, this is the first winter I’ve had where I ran 95% of my runs outside..and it has been an amazing experience. No, I’m serious! It took a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I’m so grateful! So I thought I would share how much I enjoyed training in the winter and why you should consider giving winter running a shot. Though of course you’ll have to wait 9 months to try it for yourself!
[bctt tweet=”Training in the winter is tough but very rewarding! Find out how: #sweatpink #runchat “]
What to Love About Winter Race Training:
Maintain Your Fitness Year-Round
When it’s cold out, the last thing you want to do is open the door and go for a run! As a runner, maybe you focus more on cross training in the winter, but I know that I was quick to use the winter as an excuse to cut back on running and practically everything else!
But I’ve realized that training in the winter has done wonders for me keeping in shape, especially since I haven’t been eating the best (oops!). Thanks to training for Cherry Blossom since January, I feel so much stronger at this time of year than I have in previous years. As a runner, it’s beneficial to maintain a consistent base mileage so that it is easier to transition back to spring race training!
I’ve also been keeping up with cardio kickboxing and boot camp class during lunch. And yoga helps maintain flexibility and core strength. Keeping active in all of these types of workouts has clearly improved my level of fitness and I feel so much better!
Fresh Air to Beat the Winter Blues
If your winter was anything like what we had in Philly, I’d be shocked if you didn’t experience a little bit of cabin fever and winter blues. Thankfully this time around I didn’t have to dig my car out every few days like last year’s winter, but it was still a drag being trapped at home and trying to keep myself entertained! The best cure I found for the winter blues though was going out for a run! The fresh/cold air just takes everything away, and there are often beautiful blue skies to admire!
No Crowds, Fewer Distractions
At this time of year, lots of runners stay indoors on their treadmills to stay warm and avoid nasty conditions, which is a great way to train if you have regular access to one! But for me, I discovered that I preferred the peace and solitude out on the trail, especially during the winter! My mind is so much clearer and I have been able to come up with lots of ideas and cultivate deep thoughts while out on the run! I used to think I needed to rely on running in a group, but thanks to the winter, I’ve come to crave my solo runs!
Now that the weather is getting warmer, I have to admit that I am dreading the massive crowds that will be running outside for the next several months. Just last week when we had a day in the upper 50’s everyone and their mother was out, and not just runners but cyclists and skateboarders as well. It can be very distracting running in such conditions, and I hate being cut off by runners and bikers! I’ll have to work harder to find my tranquility off the beaten path…well, it was nice while it lasted!
Snow Running
I’ve already shared photos of how beautiful the snow has been, but my favorite thing has to be running in the snow! It’s absolutely beautiful and it seems that I’m no longer traveling through time, if that makes sense! I’m from Buffalo, New York, so snow always gives me fond memories and I light up like a little kid whenever it snows! I’ll definitely have to buy Yaktraks to do some serious snow running next year, but just a few miles in the snow was a blast for me!
You’re Not Crazy, You’re Tough and an Inspiration!
The greatest revelation I’ve had while running outside this winter is realizing that I can handle pretty much any weather, even as it is consistently inconsistent. Fierce wind? Single digits? Frozen face? Layers upon layers? Sure, why not?! And I know that some people look at me crazy when I mention running outdoors in these conditions but guess what? I’m loving every minute of it! And it’s NOT as bad as you’d think. If you dress properly for the winter, then you shouldn’t be cold because of your layering system, not to mention all of the heat you’re generating from working out! I actually think I’m going to miss the challenge of running in the cold!
During the winter, I regularly went for 2 miles during lunch or 3-4 miles after work. I’ve had so many coworkers comment on my dedication and I can see that they admire what I do. I even had a security officer ask me for some running tips! I love being able to encourage others to try running, no matter what weather. I’ve never been a fast runner, but I’m out there. It proves to me that I do have “what it takes” and I am pretty darn tough too!
For the first time in ages, I’m linking up with Jill Conyers for Fitness Friday! Check out what the other bloggers are sharing for fitness tips and have a great day!
Do you think I’m crazy? What will you miss about working out in the winter, if anything?
Yes I think you are crazy…haha j.k I live in philly and I didn’t do a single run outside this winter. I am fortunate to have a treadmill though. But you are right no crowds in the winter. Not looking forward to everyone outside now when Im going to be running.
Haha, yes, the crowds are going to be wild! I will miss the solitude!
i agree – winter running is a blast! i have been training for the love run (this weekend!) since january, and to be honest, it didn’t suck as much as i originally thought it would. all you need are some good layers and a good route. as long as it’s not too windy, it was totally tolerable, and i feel like a much stronger runner now!
I hope the Love Run went great for you Katie! YES, it’s all about knowing how to dress…and I agree, I think running in the winter definitely makes you stronger!
This winter has been brutal and really done a number on my running mojo! I applaud you for doing such a great job to keep plugging away at it!
Thanks Michelle! Apparently Mother Nature is listening to me because we’re still pretty cold out there…I’m glad that my training essentially forces me to go out there!
I commend runners who run in negative temperatures and run through snow! My winter is so mild! Of course, it’s still hard to get yourself going when it’s dark and chilly outside. I’ll definitely miss the break in temperatures. It’s already in the 90s here.
Even though I’m loving winter running , I am so jealous of that Florida weather! I do enjoy that the days are getting longer though….more time to run!
I do l try to maintain my fitness year around. There’s something pretty bad ass about running in single digit temperatures.
Thanks! I still can’t believe this winter was so cold for us…it was a fun new challenge LOL!
I don’t think you’re crazy at all. My winter training really got me ready for spring. I thought I’d have trouble running in the heat and humidity of Florida, but my runs have been awesome down here!
Running in the extremes really does make us stronger! Humidity is no joke…I definitely prefer the cold to the heat but you can’t really escape the seasons when you live in the Northeast!
You’re awesome for doing any outside workouts when the temps are less than 40 😛 hehe I rarely workout outside if the weather isn’t spring-like.
With the winter we had, there was no choice! Somehow running in the 20’s became comfortable…crazy, right??
You are in luck-I think it’s still winter! Have a great weekend 🙂
LOL, seriously! Thanks Mother Nature!
Very interesting, I took the opposite approach this winter, intentionally. Last year I did almost all my runs outdoors in the cold and really suffered through my early season triathlons (which were in warmer destinations). This year I’ve been doing most of my runs on the treadmill inside with no fan and then sitting in the steam shower after. We’ll see if that helps ease the heat acclimation.
Ooh that’s a good point if you are training for a race that’s in a different climate. My race is in DC so the conditions should be somewhat similar to here in Philly. I hope your training method works out!
I agree with you! I managed to run all throughout winter in the cold and even when snowing. It’s not so bad when you layer up and a majority of the time warm up fast. Kudos to you for getting out there!! It is so much more peaceful in the winter.
It’s been a blast running out there in the cold, I will definitely miss it! The peace and tranquility can’t be beat!
Ha! Great post. I say good riddance to winter running, I want to get back outside. I’ve done ONE long run outside for my marathon training. I don’t run very well or efficiently in the frigid weather!
Aw darn we will have to convert you to team Winter Training! I try not to think about how cold it is and focus on getting it done. Music helps me take my mind off the chill! Warmer weather definitely makes it easier to just go out the door and run!
Haha, my muscles just never warm up and I get injured when I run in the cold!
I don’t think you’re crazy. That’s awesome. I thought it was fun when I ran in Colorado when it was snowing. That was the only time I got to ran in the snow though this year. Great post!
Running in Colorado had to be amazing! Seems like it’s always snowing there! Thank you for telling me I’m not crazy LOL.
I don’t think you’re crazy, I think you’re awesome. I am such a chicken about running in the winter!! I really admire when I see runners out there, braving the elements for the sake of what they love. It’s totally admirable! 🙂
Aw thanks Erin! I used to look at other runners and think the same thing, it’s amazing that I’ve gotten to the point where I’m one of them! Maybe give winter running a try next year!
I don’t think you’re crazy 🙂 Running outside in the winter definitely does help to beat the winter blues! I will miss running in the snow maybe just a little… on those perfect days where the weather was above zero, sunny and I didn’t have to take the stroller with! Yaktrax are my favorite part about the winter! Not slipping on ice makes me feel invincible!
You know I never did pick up any Yaktraks…I think they would have been fun to run with on one of my favorite trails that was totally covered in ice. Running while it’s snowing just feels magical!
I am sooo happy winter is behind us, but…you do make some very good points. I actually did 100% of my training outdoors (even for a March 1 marathon–what was I thinking?) and all the reasons you list are exactly why I go out that door. It beats the treadmill, hands down. And I know it keeps my mood better than it otherwise would be.
Great post!
Thanks!! My race isn’t for a couple more weeks but I admire those who had races in February and March…yikes! I never would have guessed running in winter would make me fall more in love with running, but it has!
You’re probably one of the first people i’ve ‘met’ that has said they’ll miss winter running, but good on you! I always joke about the people who are fair weather runners – no one is out there when its minus 15 and windy, but yet in summer you can’t get a place on the sidewalk! Definitely excited for it to be warm, but i agree with your reasons for loving winter training!!