Believe it or not, I do enjoy cold weather running.
Granted, I enjoy hot weather running more (MUCH more, actually), but cold weather definitely has its perks. Care to hear a few of them?
First of all, there's the
faster paces that come with a little more ease. Cooler temps and lower humidity (if any) don't require as much effort to run through. Sure, the wind may be a bit more fierce at times, but when it's at your back it can give you a good turbo boost of mojo.
With the cooler air also comes
peace and tranquility. There (usually) aren't as many animals, children or even traffic out and about. Have you ever gone for a run in the early morning hours, or just after twilight, on a cool late autumn/early winter day? There's a calmness like none other.
Let's not forget the
fun accessories! Stocking hats have made a huge comeback in recent years, and gone are the days of boring solid-color head pieces. Now, there are hats with pom poms, hats with holes for ponytails and hats with ear flaps. There's also headbands with matching gloves. I'm a huge fan of arm warmers...thin ones (worn under a base layer) and thick ones (worn over one's sleeves). The options are endless!
Running outside in the chilly temps also is worthy of
badazz bragging rights. Not everyone will choose to head outside when the mercury plummets, and that's okay. For myself, though, there's a certain satisfaction in taking whatever Momma N dishes out and facing it head-on.
Finally, there's the
reward of a hot beverage when you're done. I love my chai latte's year-round, but they taste a little bit sweeter after a cold outdoor workout. Often times, I even have two (I earned those hot drinks, right?).
How about you? Do you embrace the change of seasons? Do you prefer warm weather or cold weather? Both? Got a favorite thing about cold weather running?
Fun accessories
I much prefer a cooler run, I think because I taught myself to run outdoors during a cool, wet summer! I love being able to wrap up warm and I am very fond of my buffs and hats. I do panic when it gets icy, though, although now I'm about to get trail shoes, at least I'll be able to go off road when it's slippy on the pavements. And yes, chilly, still, pre-dawn runs are wonderful! Great post (how do you get your legs into selfies, though? I was trying to get my dotty tights into a pic yesterday, fail fail fail!)
ReplyDeleteI'm a tall gal, so I have long legs (and long arms with which to hold the phone/camera). I don't mind the cooler temps for running, though if I had to choose between one or the other, hands-down, I'd choose warm temps ;-)
DeleteI am with you 100%. I prefer warm weather running, but there definitely are some perks to running in the cold weather. After a long run in the cold, I love to warm up with a vanilla latte with whipped cream! So many calories, but soooo good!
ReplyDeleteDon't those hot beverages taste extra special after a cold run?
DeleteI think you know where I stand--I much prefer cold weather running. The heat really takes a toll on me.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, the heat can be a tricky dragon to slay.
DeleteI definitely prefer cold weather running, although those first few steps can be rough before I warm up. I love that my extra layers usually come with extra pockets and I'm not a sweaty mess when I'm done!
ReplyDeleteThat first mile is tough for me, too, if it's especially cold. The cold air takes your breath away at times!
DeleteWhile personally I prefer warm (but not humid) weather, not for running! Give me some cold running any day (although obviously it gets a little cold for comfort up here).
ReplyDeleteI love some hot cocoa after a cold run. :) Sometimes I even make it & put it in a thermos if I'm running far from home!
I love a hot beverage after a cold run!
DeleteI prefer summer running too, but I have to agree with all your points. I havent had any cold runs yet but I have been enjoying this fall weather that brings a sort of "ease" to running. I have a new pair of running tights I'm excited to wear this winter!
ReplyDeleteI think our autumn is over and done...already! We only had about two weeks of actual autumn "feels like" temps ;-(
DeleteCold weather for sure! I also love the accessories-vests are my favorite in winter
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I have so many vests!!!
DeleteThese are all great reasons to love cold weather running, but I still hate it. LOL give me the heat anyway.
ReplyDeleteha ha ha...I don't hate the cold, but I definitely LOVE the heat much, much more ;-)
DeleteCold does not make me smile. I run after work and I have so much to carry. Give me a tank and skirt any day.
ReplyDeleteThe cold is tough to acclimate to....already, I'm having issues with planning out my layers
DeleteMy last long run before my race last month was chilly, and I had hot chocolate afterwards that was absolutely delicious! I don't normally drink hot beverages after a run, but this was brunch and why not? We all had hot drinks.
ReplyDeleteThe hot drinks are a perfect reward after a cold run!
DeleteLike you, I defintiely prefer hot over cold, but I do appreciate the brisk feeling of a fall or winter run. I have good gear, so I'll go out all winter long with no problem. One thing I like about cold weather running is the smell! There's a smell to it, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI don't notice if there's any smell...it's so clear and crisp!
DeleteI'm not a fan of running in super cold weather but it definitely beats running in hot + humid weather (and yay on the hot drink afterward!)!
ReplyDeleteWell...I don't mind the hot and humid LOL...but I will choose a cold run outside over a hat/humid treadmill run. Any day. No question.
DeleteThis is a great way to look at it! I actually hate running in the heat, so I welcome the cold weather running!!
ReplyDeleteI was just saying to someone how nice it is to have Central Park back - not even too many leafers to contend with since we've had so much rain.
ReplyDelete#TeamStockingCap, luckily I have two knitting friends so I have three at least to rotate plus one race hat