Some people love to run in winter (not me). These people are pampered, because it is not a problem for them to continue to run in the winter. On the other hand, based on my observation of the runners around me, I would say that about 70-80% of recreational runners stop running during the winter.
This is not a problem in itself, for health, there is no problem in doing other sports during the winter.
Except that continuing to run in winter has several advantages:
1. It is much easier to increase your training volume in the spring.
Indeed, if you haven't run in winter, when spring arrives, you will have to start very slowly, probably with a walk-run alternation. On the other hand, if you have kept running, even if it is just a little, you will have retained a large part of your adaptations and you will be able to return to a normal training level much more quickly.
2. Running in winter is ideal for working on your endurance
During the winter, it is usually more difficult to do interval training. So this is a great time to train to develop fundamental endurance, the ability to maintain a given speed for a long time. For more details on the interval vs continuous training debate, I invite you to read the following series of articles:
- Interval vs endurance training: beginners
- Interval vs endurance training: top athletes
- Interval vs endurance training: improving your VO2 Max
3. It's nice to run in winter!
When it's -5 to -10 degrees celcius, when it's not windy (too much) and when fresh snow covers the ground, winter is really beautiful! Well, the conditions aren't always right, but winter has a certain visual appeal.
4. Hot chocolate / coffee / covered / etc
By finishing a winter race, the pleasure of having a hot chocolate, herbal tea or a good coffee is increased tenfold. I don't know if it's the cold air that stings or the feeling of a job well done, but the little pleasures that we offer ourselves after a winter outing taste even better.
5. Running in winter makes us feel invincible
When I run the winter, I feel really strong mentally, like a olympic athlete ready to do anything for victory. When I come home and my girlfriend tells me "You're crazy for going for a run", I feel like a super hero! Ps. It doesn't take much to impress her 😉
And you, what advantages do you see in winter running?
Running in winter is excellent for self-esteem, pride and strengthening of the mind ... only positive, you have to be very careful and visible. And especially run in front of vehicles !!!
Happy shopping!
Running in brown sugar is good for stabilizing muscles. Also, it strengthens the mental airport.
Haha, I love mental airport 🙂
We should have read it strengthens the mind.
It is also to fill the lungs with good fresh air! What is so good for the head, the heart and the body!
It is also to fill the lungs with good fresh air! What is so good for the head, the heart and the body!
Very good point!
I admit, I am the one who falls into "hearth fire" mode every year and who struggles to go out for a jog. I have my treadmill, but it's a lot less fun. This article makes me want to put on my sneakers and go out in the mud 😉
Excellent, good success!
How to dress for running outside in winter, in a mild temperature (0 / -5 / -10 degrees)?
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Here are a few tips : https://defis.ca/2017/10/20/les-3-couches-pour-coureurs-en-saisons-froides/
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I love winter! Finally, I'm not hot…. 😉 I have a treadmill for the pre-winter when there is cold rain almost every day (me it's this period that I hate), then I use it to do intervals, otherwise it's too much hard to motivate yourself with a mat, it takes some fresh air.
When the mercury goes down, I put on my balaclava and my ski goggles for the wind or snowfall that blinds. It is true that we have a little more pride when we come back from a winter outing!
I love running in the winter, that's right, I. assure you! The secret, the right clothes and the right shoes, an investment that makes all the difference. Winter is a friend that will not let you go to develop a foolproof mind and strong ultar ankles. And when the surface is perfect, well, it's just magic.
Is there a temperature or is it getting too cold to run outside? I often hear that it's not good for the lungs?
At a certain temperature, it can become difficult to breathe because the air becomes dry and cold and it can irritate the lungs. A good tip is to wear a neck warmer that will warm and humidify the air passing to the lungs.
One thing that I find difficult to run in winter is that we often run in the dark. On the weekends, when you can go for a run in the daylight and the sun is shining on top of that, it's great!
Another thing that I don't like a little is the 1st km during which we are cold (a little). But, afterwards, we are warmed up and it's as pleasant as running during the other seasons. We are even a little hot!
I don't have a mat, but I went for a run on an indoor track when it was very cold and I find it flat. So I dress a little more and go outside.
To avoid the discomfort of the cold at the beginning you can do some warming up inside before leaving, for me about 10 minutes is enough, just raise the temperature a little before going out.
This is a really good suggestion!
Easier to run in winter between 0 and -10. We are not too hot like in the middle of summer. In the summer, I have to get up very early to run before it gets too hot. Not that problem in winter. I hate winter, but running makes me be more accommodating, otherwise I would hardly go out except for work, groceries and a few outings. 😜
Excellent, I also find that running helps to enjoy winter!
I much prefer running in the winter! I hate the heat so in winter I can finally run without being in a hurry to stop so my motivation is at its best. Spring is coming and I'm doing my best times. On the other hand, I'm a mid-day runner so I don't have the problem of darkness that many other people have and that surely helps 😁
It is certain that having the possibility of running in the middle of the day solves one of the main problems of running in winter. Good for you ! 🙂