I really enjoy winter running. The fresh air. The holiday lights and decorations. The stillness and quiet of world when you run while it's snowing. And from a training standpoint, because this is typically the "off" season, most if not all of the running is done at a very easy pace. It's a time where we don't have to worry about paces much and we can simply enjoy it. But don't get me wrong, finding the courage to get geared up and step outside into the dark and cold of a winter night in Wisconsin just to go for a run can be very difficult. Here are a couple of quick tips that can help get you out the door to have an enjoyable run.
Warm up indoors: dynamic stretching, walk up and down the stairs, do some jumping jacks, push ups, it doesn't really matter.....whatever it takes to get the heart rate going. This will help your muscles warm up for your run, and will also make the cold air less of a shock once you step outside.
Layer up: think moisture wicking and wind resistant. Nothing will chill your bones faster and make you think twice the next time you run in the cold than the wind pounding your sweat filled body. A wind resistant jacket over the top of a couple of moisture wicking layers and you'll have enough warmth to run all day. Make sure you don't forget something for your ears and a pair of wind resistant gloves.
Good running shoes: It may sound strange, but I prefer to run in my trail shoes all winter long. The extra grip and traction I get from trail shoes tread keep me safe when I'm running on snow and ice.
Shorten your stride: Because winter running is typically very casual, it is a great time to be mindful and work on your running form. Think "short and choppy steps" and run with your feet underneath you. This will help prevent over striding and potentially slipping on the ice.
Embrace the cold: people may look at you like you're crazy when they see you running in the cold, but embrace that (think me against the world) and know that you are getting better while other people are choosing to skip their run.
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