Good things about running in winter

HardyEustace

Was just mulling over this last night as the first cold, rain droplets started snaking their way down my back (anyone who tells me this means I wasn't going fast enough will be frowned up) and the wind picked up so much I was practically running on the spot.

So in an effort to motivate myself and cheer myself up a bit, I tried to list as many advantages to running in winter as I could
1. you're never short of pockets for ipods/keys/inhaler due to numerous more layers
2. fewer people about
3. fewer cyclists on pavement
4. great feeling of satisfaction/smugness when you're finished. <blush>.. but it's true!

RubyK

5. no wasps or bees

ThisRegard

6. The lovely fresh winters air and the associated smells with it.

thetonynator

7. Running in the dark.

It's better than running when it's bright!!!

mikemac

8. Fewer gangs of power walkers, arms swinging everywhere, who take up the footpath and refuse to stand aside, forcing you onto the road

Most are fine, it's just those groups of three or four, they own the footpath you know

misty floyd

- you feel like you are doing something with your spare time while everyone else hibernates.
- You don't sweat as much.
- It doesn't rain as much in the winter as it does in the summer.
- Tights feel sexy
- While people skip sessions due to it being cold, you tough it out and improve while they gain weight eating comfort food.

I wouldn't say its nicer running in the dark.

EDIT: why use numbers.

HardyEustace

misty floyd wrote: »

EDIT: why use numbers.

Some were born to be wild, I was born to list and be a bit OCD occasionally <blush>. Not very rock and roll I know.

liamo123

Less Oxygen in the air = Lungs have to work harder = Get Fitter = Misty sub 2.50 in Barca :):) ( if going )

Brianderunner

- real athletes are made in the winter
- the new year brings extra goals and motivation
- you finish the 1000 mile challenge quicker
- the grass is softer and better for your joints
- for every headwind theres a tailwind
- there is no such thing as bad weather, only weak minds, you become mentally stronger

shotgunmcos

I love the feeling of owning the road on a crisp chilly dark winter morning. I always take advantage and run right up the middle of it dreaming I'm in the lead in a Marathon or some other silly idea like that...

misty floyd

liamo123 wrote: »

Less Oxygen in the air = Lungs have to work harder = Get Fitter = Misty sub 2.50 in Barca :):) ( if going )

Misty + GF = Married in February = Fat slow cranky Misty ≠ sub 2.50 in Barca

Why are we talking like this Good luck with that Liamo.

Back on topic,
- Water you have for an LSR is nice and cold?
- Avoid X factor, go for a run

Magnet

You look way more fitter and healthier than mostly everyone else you see at all the xmas parties, cos your ass isn`t stuck to the couch!
And more importantly the 1st race in January is easy peasy..:D

nerraw1111

Good idea for a thread as I'm struggling to see the positives at the moment of running in winter.

The only positive I can come up with it is that occassional look of admiration you get from passer bys.

mloc123

DCM is over and the injured runners that resembled a mummy a few weeks ago are gone.

nomadic

-You really can't beat those crispy clear mornings.
-Getting hammered with rain takes your mind off the pain in your legs.

HardyEustace

Thought of another one!

In truth, getting out the door is, nine times out of ten, the hardest thing. Once you're actually out in the elements, it's generally not as bad as was anticipated.

Ruu_Old

Being able to see the good in -7C (central Illinois right now, around 5:40am) going out shortly.

gerard65

Its the cross country season:D

robinph

You get to run on cheese graters.

Highway_To_Hell

robinph wrote: »

You get to run on cheese graters.

and the crunch of snow under your feet as you mark out the firsts footsteps on a snow coverd path.

thetonynator

nomadic wrote: »

-You really can't beat those crispy clear mornings.
-Getting hammered with rain takes your mind off the pain in your legs.

FYP

:pac:

tphelan

running by the canal on a crip frosty morning with the mist glistening in the sunrise - fantastic....

MisterDrak

Getting out 3-4 time a week in the Dark makes the winter months seem shorter...

floggg

I think all your reasons could really be summed up by saying running in winter is colder, windier, wetter and tougher, but as running enthusiasts are really just masochists, we get a kick out of the greater pain.

shels4ever

robinph wrote: »

You get to run on cheese graters.

So your ready for the coldest winter in the UK for 30 years then ... if its like last year over here again i'll buy a thread mill... I hate them but running on snow = injury for me.

HardyEustace

shels4ever wrote: »

So your ready for the coldest winter in the UK for 30 years then ... if its like last year over here again i'll buy a thread mill... I hate them but running on snow = injury for me.

You only, only last night, I did remind myself that last year, when most of the runners were house bound and it seemed like the poor Athenry 10k would end up being run in May, that I was never going to complain about mild, wet weather again given the alternative!

TheTubes

Its the only time a guy gets to wear tights in the middle of the week.

Seres

a run is the only sure thing to warm you up on those days that the cold gets into your bones
you feel so refreshed and woken up after a run in the cold rather than overheated after a run in summer
the feeling of having done the session is so much more rewarding when you know you have gone out into the elements to do it

metamorphosis

Im getting funny looks for wearing my tights the last week - apparently its not cold enough to wear them without been gawked at still. Im bloody well cold enough to wear them though. Unless, people are staring at me as they are impressed with my .......

AntiVirus

It keeps you cool.

misty floyd

ULstudent wrote: »

Unless, people are staring at me as they are impressed with my .......

........rolled up pair of socks :pac:

HardyEustace

ULstudent wrote: »

Unless, people are staring at me as they are impressed with my .......

speed and running economy

El Director

- the lovely lovely hot shower after to warm you up again - it actually a reason to go out and train in the cold
- then sitting down to a hot meal prepared by your OH

Slogger Jogger

Nearly time for the 1000 mile challenge to start again.

BeepBeep67

ULstudent wrote: »

Unless, people are staring at me as they are impressed with my .......

...naked torso!

dna_leri

-fewer dogs on the running paths.
-trail running in the dark =thrillseeking esp with all those beady eyes reflecting back at you - I think they are deer

ariidae

misty floyd wrote: »

- Avoid X factor, go for a run

+1

Cool Running

- Seeing your own breath as you run along is pretty cool
- Cold winter days when the sun is shining down are just made for running

5h4mr0(k

It's dark enough that people can't see me in running tights

lizanne83

All of these reasons are spot on… seeing your breath, the crisp air, everything… and for me, running along the grand canal, watching the mist / frost surface on top of the water… feeling the frosted grass crunch below my feet…. But you know what the biggest advantage is that I learned (besides all the wonderful feelings….) it’s how running out in the tougher elements strengthens our immune systems to better avoid flu’s and colds – like most others (non-runners or ‘mild weathered joggers’)

For years of being a runner, I ran at least 5 days a week everyday all year, and never decreased training for winter. While my family/ friends /colleagues were coughing and splurting with colds, I kept strong and felt lucky to avoid getting flu’s / colds like many. When I got seriously injured (2008) I went 2 full years - winters of 2008 and 2009 not able to run/exercise. Low and behold I was spluttering and coughing with colds throughout Dec/January of those yrs like everyone else. In all the yrs before this running outdoors throughout winters I rarely ever got a cold – I know for a fact it was due to running out in the freezing elements during winter building up a stronger system.

Thankfully running strong again (although not nearly as much as before for time limitations) but back to the topic – this will be another strong winter again… at last Ran 3 laps of Donadea Forrest this week wearing under armour long sleeve top and tights. Cold, wintery feel – best feeling ever… increased speed too due to cold/fresher – there’s another one for the list

thetonynator

tphelan wrote: »

running by the canal on a crip frosty morning with the mist glistening in the sunrise - fantastic....

Running on the canal last winter . . .well no, it wasnt really running more like tentative steps before returning to the safety of the opposite bank . . .

Slogger Jogger

Running through the forest and onto hills on a cold morning, as the sun is coming up. As the heat hits the ground the ground starts to warm up and the mist rises, slowly clinging to the ground. Can create magical scenes.

Triangle

Coming from a house with three young kids, i'd definately have to go for that sense of peace and quite on a dark, cold morning with just you and the spot of light in the complete darkness.

Bring it on

robinph

lizanne83 wrote: »

In all the yrs before this running outdoors throughout winters I rarely ever got a cold – I know for a fact it was due to running out in the freezing elements during winter building up a stronger system.

The not being sat inside all day breathing in everyone else's germs as they sit around vegetating on the sofa probably also as a part to play in that.

HavingCrack

The fair weather runners all vanish

clubcard

I think the winter is a time to chalk up the miles and get ready for a new and improved year in 2011

garbanzo

Thanks a mill folks. Came by this thread by accident as I was sitting on my ass having mentally postponed the run i was due to do this afternoon. It got me motivated to get out and do it. Just back and showered and am feeling great, and a tad smug too !

I'm a graduate of C25K and did a 5k in Sept. Not a serious runner by any stretch but currently enjoying the benefits of being a hell of a lot fitter than I was when I finally got off my ass and started running. So I agree with earlier comments re the shower and the warm fuzzy feeling. Right...time to go trick or treating with the kids. Happy Halloween.

rainbow kirby

Winter racing is awesome - conditions for the Raheny 5 last year (cold, calm, sunny, clear) were basically perfect.

Runonewon

clubcard wrote: »

I think the winter is a time to chalk up the miles and get ready for a new and improved year in 2011

Totally agree time to get out and improve,once DCM is over the year is over,bring 2011.i've got 10 miles planned for today,first proper run since DCM. Can't wait!!

Cartman78

There's great satisfaction to be had in running in the rain/snow/ice/fog/dark/wind/monsoon - always makes your workout feel even more valuable & worthwhile.

Did my first run this year on January 1st in the fog and ice and have kept it up all year for the first time ever - always used to miss large chunks of January thru to March for various reasons. I think investing in base layer tights was a key factor actually. Have been injury free all year and (touch wood) haven't had any colds/flu to date.

Have the gear in the car today so will be going for first proper run since DCM later on (did a couple of miles on the indoor track on Friday but that doesn't really count;)).

Slogger Jogger

Just in from a run in the dark in light rain. Easy peasy with the headtorch. Great fun.