Why Running in Winter Is Actually A Great Idea
For many of us, as soon as the temperature outside starts to plummet, our running mojos go with it. Shorter hours of daylight paired with a bitterly cold breeze isn’t the most persuading argument for getting in an early morning run. Whilst changing up your workout routine during the winter and favoring indoor spin classes is no bad thing, keeping up (or starting) running in the winter actually has a whole host of benefits. So, until the winter snow hits and running becomes an actual safety hazard, here’s why you should consider picking up the miles this winter:
You’ll Run Stronger & More Confidentially
That’s right, studies show that you feel stronger and more confident running in cold weather. As much as running in the sunshine sounds like a wonderful idea, it’s much harder on our bodies and can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience. Running in the cold increases comfort levels and improves how you perceive your ability. Confidence is key after all.
Your Heart Rate Will be Lower
Your heart rate has to work harder to maintain the same intensity when it’s hot because your body has to send more blood to the skin to be cooled by evaporation (sweat!). This means you’ll be much more fatigued at the end of a run. Luckily in the cold, your body can keep the same pace with a lower heart rate.
Mental Benefits
Besides the usual mental benefits of any exercise (hello endorphins), training outdoors in winter comes with a couple of added bonuses. Firstly, we generally spend less time outside in winter, preferring to hide away in the warmth instead of facing the cold. Yet getting out into the crisp, fresh air feels AMAZING once you get used to it and you’ll come back feeling totally refreshed.
Secondly? It takes mental strength to get out there in the first place. We convince ourselves that we’d rather stay at home and watch Netflix with a hot chocolate, but by pushing through the mental barrier and getting out there anywhere, we’re really building our inner strength. You’ll feel super smug knowing you overcame the mental challenge, and when it comes to running in the spring – it’ll seem like a total breeze!
Top Tips to Make it Easier:
Switch up your routine
Getting out in the dark isn’t fun, so try swapping your usual early morning runs for a lunchtime jog. If midday exercise isn’t your thing, head into work and start your run from there instead. It means you can commute in the dark, take advantage of the light AND still be at your desk by 9am!
Related: The Indie Running Playlist
Dress for the Occasion
Without trying to sound like your Mother, you’re only cold because you aren’t dressed correctly. Invest in some good base layers, a headband and maybe even a running vest – whatever you need to feel comfortable. If you’re running at night or early in the morning away, grab some lights or a reflective jacket to make sure you can be always be seen by oncoming traffic.
Warm Up BEFORE Going Outdoors
Instead of running straight out the door, warm yourself up first. Spending a couple minutes doing light, bodyweight exercises will break that awful shiver barrier that you so dread when you first leave the house.
Set a Goal
There’s nothing more motivating than knowing you have to be at the start line of a race in the very near future. Start training for a Spring half or full marathon – then you’ll have no choice but to get off the sofa and out the door.
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