I often get people asking me if I run outside when it is cold. I do. I don't have a treadmill or a gym membership. Here are my top 5 excuses I give people about why I do run outside.
1. Running in 30 degrees is so much easier than running when it is 90 degrees. If I feel really cold before I even start I over layer and either do a half mile out and back to shed the extra layer or just shed it as I go. I find it usually takes me about three quarters of a mile to get warmed up to the point where I want to shed the layer.
2. Getting outside is always a mood booster for me. The more I get outside and moving the less affected by SAD (seasonal affective disorder) I am. One study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that people who exercised outdoors reported increased energy, decreased feelings of depression, and were more likely to repeat their workouts.
3. Helps stave off winter weight gain. This whole time of year can be tough. All of the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years parties, goodies, meals, etc. It's everywhere you go and so hard to resist! Everyone is giving you yummy homebaked goodies, they are bringing them in to work and comfort foods just feel good when it is cold out.
4. It helps build mental toughness. I know I can go out and run in 10 degree weather and have a great time doing it. I don't shy away from it, that toughness can help pull me through on the last part of a tough run. The same way I tell myself I am not a wuss so get out and run is the same way I tell myself I can finish a race strong even when I want to slow down.5. People think you are pretty bad ass when you run outside and it is below zero. Although usually zero is my cutoff point unless it is sunny and not windy. I did run outside last winter with windchills of minus forty. Running with the wind was fine and I was dressed great. It was when I turned around and ran into the wind that I had issues with my eyelashes freezing together. I ended up doing most of the run backwards.
What are your best cold weather running excuses?
I want to know the name of all your cold winter gear! I will be running in the cold this winter and have no idea what to get.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Amy! Even completely layered up, I feel like I would freeze to death. Then again, I am a giant wuss and have a treadmill security blanket :)
ReplyDeleteYou are much tougher than me. Although it really doesn't get that cold here, so I will run in most conditions except ice and snow. I like the idea that it helps with SAD. Didn't think about that, but I have noticed since the weather has changed, I have lacked energy. I guess I just need to go outside and run. Maybe some of the sun will peak through the clouds:)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd survive. You make it look so easy. Eyelashes freezing!? No thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big baby. You're amazing. :D
California native here. I have no idea what it's like to run in the cold!
ReplyDeleteThe hardest thing about a cold weather run is getting your but out the door!! I hate leaving the warmth of my house but once I get going I am fine. I would take an outside run over a treadmill any day even though I do have a gym membership.
ReplyDeleteI use UnderArmour cold weather gear, just make sure you check as there are 2 levels, some is for 45 - 60 and then the really cold weather.
I don't knoe if I would go outside in that. I will admit I am a big wimp!!
ReplyDeleteI was just complaining about our highs being in the upper 70s this week, wanna trade weather for a couple weeks? :)
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't get QUITE as cold here, but it does get and stay cold here for a long time. I'm with you and really prefer running in the cold over the heat of summer. I mainly tell people I do it to keep in shape because I don't have a gym membership. I do enjoy people thinking that I am super hardcore, too, though :). It can be cold at first, but I usually warm up really fast- even in the single digits. Having the right winter gear is key.
ReplyDeleteI always run outside unless it the weather is truly nasty. One of my best runs was a snowy, 7 degree day in Steamboat, CO. But around here in the winter it's just all rain. Ugh! I'd rather run in the snow than the rain any day.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty awesome. I HATE being cold but you are right, it usually doesn't take too long to warm up. This year I really want to continue to run outside...at least my long runs on Saturdays. You have inspired me to suck it up and just do it. I have a treadmill and a gym membership but running on a treadmill is just down right boring. I also LOVE to see the beauty that each day brings and I seem to appreciate it a whole lot while I'm running!
ReplyDeleteyou are soooo right!! I used to mentally run through a list like that when I lived in KC and needed some encouragement to get outside when it was cold. I haven't quite found that list for the humidity here :)
ReplyDeleteYES! I love running outside in the winter, it is so peaceful. I draw the line at ice because I have busted my ass, but powder??? BRING IT!
ReplyDeleteperfect post. i NEEDED to read this. I was already thinking about how i am going to HAVE to get a gym membership by next week. but the exact point you mentioned about getting outside boosting your mood...thats what I need as well! I may need to keep this post close by so on those super cold mornings I can remember exactly why I can still get out there and run if I put my mind to it...and why I will appreciate if i do:)
ReplyDeleteYou definitely motivate me to get out there and run in the cold. I mean it doesn't get near as cold here in Charlotte as it does there but I am still a chicken when it comes to cold weather! But I agree it's better to run in cold weather versus hot weather any day!
ReplyDeleteNow that I have my own TM like 2 feet from my backdoor (it's in our sun room) I have zero excuses to get my rear in gear. Usually a little dusting of snow doesn't deter me on most days. Lots of snow or ice does.
ReplyDeleteI really hate the first 5 minutes of being outside before starting a run. After that, I'm feeling great. That's what I remember when attempting to head out on a cold run.
ReplyDeleteI plan on thinking about your much harsher conditions next time I feel like bailing on a cold weather run :)
You are totally right. I love running in the cold so much more than the heat. All you need is layers! It's great when you can just shed a layer and pick it up on the way back too!
ReplyDeletei think you're a beast for running in the snow!! (well for that and many other reasons!) :)
ReplyDeletei did a half in february in the snow and i actually enjoyed it once my feet warmed up!
I'm not sure how cold is too cold for me to run in but one of my best half marathons was in the 20's for the entire race and I felt great the entire time. I've never run in snow that and that might be more than I can handle but I suppose I'll never know until I try!
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