Winter Weather Considerations for Runners
Wow — This weather is horrible and I can’t wait for this mess to be over with.

Some runners, from the beginner-to-elite, dislike running in inclement weather or specific weather conditions. The cold and snow are definitely conditions that runners either don’t care about or try to avoid at all costs. If this is your reaction to fresh snow, it’s likely that in addition to the cold and safety concerns discussed above, you will need to find some motivation and adjust your expectations for the day’s training session.

If you had a specific workout in mind, then a venue change is likely going to be required. The best defense against the weather, therefore, may be avoiding it altogether. If a treadmill or indoor track is available, then it’s possible you can still get in the time and pace you had originally planned for. There is also some common sense in this approach because it can be disadvantageous to force yourself to train in weather you either dislike or consider dangerous. If neither of those options is available, then it’s likely a pace and distance adjustment is necessary, it’s a cross-training day (do you have an indoor cycle, or do you like other snow activities such as snowshoeing and skiing), or today is a rest day from running. Adjusting your expectations for the day can be a powerful motivational booster to get a workout in and find alternative options to training.

Adjust your course to match your motivation. If you have the option, use your location to your advantage. Break your target distance into a manageable increment of say a half-mile and run a loop around your neighborhood if possible. These shorter loops will allow you to focus on smaller goals and also allow you to duck inside to warm up if necessary before braving the weather again. Another thing to keep in mind is with the weather and your desire to avoid it, you will need to respect your personal limits. Staying calm and avoiding getting frustrated if you do go outside will help you keep alert and avoid falling, getting injured by running too quickly, or any number of negative side effects that can happen when heading out in cold-snowy inclement weather.

Photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash

Whether you are excited or appalled by the cold temperatures and fresh snow, the one thing runners have in common is the desire to not let the weather impact their training plans. Depending on your response to when the winter weather is worse, you will likely have one of two approaches to how you handle the day's training. Whether you love it or hate it, you will want to respect the weather, dress accordingly, pick an appropriate training venue, and adjust your expectations for the time and effort of your session.
["Thomas O'Grady"]
['Running', 'Running Tips', 'Motivation', 'Inspiration', 'Training']