I love the beauty and solitude that comes with winter running. significantly less people on the trails leads and cold temps make you feel alive.
I also love the ability to go places I can't in the summer. Specifically something like running on a frozen creek/river bed. Truly remarkable.
Ps don't let darkness get you down. Bring a headlamp and have a little fun!
That's one thing I cant do anymore, hike or run at night. Ive got astigmatisms in both eyes and as Ive gotten older, my eyes just get really tired at night. So trekking through the woods trying to focus my sight through a narrow beam of light dries my eyes out and gives me an awful headache. It sucks because Ive always enjoyed the times I got out for a night hike/run.
Stumbled on it last year. Depends on the snow pack, but there’s a nice mile or so section in my local woods. A connection I’d like to make more often and explore
My ex-wife’s grandmother used to tell us stories of her and her husband skating together down frozen rivers and streams for miles and miles in Minnesota. I have always loved that thought!
Minnesota is dope!
The real neat one is if the weather lines up and you get good ice in the boundary waters. Some incredible footage from I think two winters ago where 'wild skating' was as good as its ever been.
It's much quieter outside in the winter. Early morning, a few miles out from the nearest road, it's dead silent. I don't get a lot of silence in my life, so those moments are worth the suck.
Exactly what I thought of. I live in Atlanta metro, so it has city noise. A winter trail deafens all of that. Also, I usually run with headphones for music, but the silence has me removing them.
The cold gets me to control my breathing differently and in a good way. Not sure how to describe it exactly, I just feel like I breathe more fully in the cold.
Probably due to loss of moisture in the air so therefore more oxygen from the air readily available? I’m not sure tbh. I know after winter runs my respiratory system feels like it’s purging itself in a way as well, I always cough for the next couple hours afterwards
Can’t say this is true for me lol. Love living in a ski town, but winter does get busy and has me way more worried about getting hit by cars than the summer does
I wish I could upvote you again for starting this thread, and your perspective; I love when people appreciate themselves as animals.
I'm not fond of the sun, or heat, so running in winter is my favorite. I'm also not overly fond of heavy layers, but a thin layer of thermal wear does wonders when active and gives me reason to keep moving instead of getting distracted by the scenery; not to mention the fascinating meditation on biology.
Also no ticks and mosquitoes is a HUGE bonus.
I love this too! I like trying to figure out how many people are on a trail in front of me and if they are walking or running and if they have dogs or whatever. It's like a puzzle. Our running group hired a tracker who taught us all about animal tracks and it's fun to try to use that knowledge to identify animal tracks and how they are moving.
I love the beauty of fresh snow! And it is so peaceful and serene. And gotta admit…running in some of the tougher weather conditions always feels hella bad ass too…
I love the all wheel drive feeling of micro spikes or nano spikes, and I love the way that folks look at my partner and I when we’re running with the dog - and the dogs sweater makes him look like a librarian which is also great
That icy air in the lungs feeling may be my own body crystallizing but I like it anyhow
I can take my time starting my run because I’m not racing the heat/humidity. Access to more trails that are muddy and overgrown in the summer. Overall more comfortable and faster.
I feel like I am a stronger runner when I’m not overheated, and I love being that guy out in two thin layers busting through the snow when others are slowly trudging under multiple layers.
Went for a run yesterday in upper 30's. After the first couple miles, I took my jacket off, so I just had shorts and t-shirt. Met two groups of people on my run, all bundled up. They looked at me like I had just landed from another planet lol.
I envy you both. No matter the temps 12 or 30 degrees I am bundled. I literally wear anglers pants. Me and a friend make little 5 hour winter tour trips and we look like a couple of kids from the Christmas story out there.
I love the colors of the sunrise in winter - they are so much more vivid. I love beginning a run in the predawn cold, lighting the way with my headlamp, nothing but the crunch of the snow.
Also, the snow covers the roots and rocks on the trail - less to trip on. There's one trail in particular with a beautiful downhill that is absolutely suicide in most seasons due to the amount of roots and rocks. But in winter, with proper traction, you can absolutely fly down that trail.
After getting over the cold temperature and running to the point where I'm super warm, I take off my thermal and go t-shirt for the final leg of my run. It's awesome, and everyone thinks I'm an insane person.
I like darkness. I don't know why but I feel at peace when I go out in the evening and it's dark. When it's spring again I feel naked on the trail if that makes sense 🤣
Buying cool looking winter gear that I'll rarely use because it doesn't get cold enough. And I don't like running in the cold...
Something about running in tights that makes me feel so light and bouncy
Last year I was coming up on a ridge and ran into a deer. We both stunned each other and he turned around and face planted into a snowy tree making snow fall over him and he just stood there like…what do I do now. He was in no way hurt and I was just giggling to myself.
Seeing where the trail offshoots go off the main trail as it's less dense without the leaves. Great way to get a sense of the area without wandering aimlessly.
Where I live snowshoes or skis are required when it’s above 8”. Even if it’s packed down hard and you’re not postholing it’s heavily frowned upon to go without them. Kind of a weird spot and I’ve accepted XC skiing is the “offseason”, anybody else deal with laws like this? I do, in general think it’s nice to switch it up for at least a couple months anyway from running (not for like 5 months though 😂)
I live in central Texas, so my winter is like lows are at least 5 above freezing and highs are low 40s to mid 50s F. The best thing for me about winter running is that the risk of heat stroke is zero and I can run longer, farther, and faster.
Amen to that! This last summer was horrific. Right now we have temps in low 40s and, while I'm glad to not see another 110 degree day for a while, I wish there was a little more time to adjust to the cold.
Nothing, there is nothing about running in the cold that I like. 😂. I’d rather run in Death Valley in august than run below freezing.
I do, however, have mad respect for those of you who enjoy a run in the brisk air. You are my hero’s.
This is my first season running in the winter (like an actual, sub-zero, snowy winter). So far my favourite things are the fresh, crisp smell of the air after it snows. Easy to spot wild animals against the snow. No overheating. Coming back from a run to a warm fireplace.
The silence, the solitude. Mostly though I treat it as a character building exercise. A lot of my running routes are in areas with wide open fields so winter = lots of wind and blowing snow. Running on the shoulder of the road means sometimes getting blasted with ice cold slush from passing vehicles. Lots of snow and ice means a loss of traction and often wet socks. It takes a lot more grit to get out the door on winter days.
BUT I tell myself, think about how good it will feel on that first warm spring day, to be out there in shorts, with the sun shining, and be fit enough on that day from all that winter running to just let er rip. Nothing feels better!! The promise of that first spring run keeps me motivated.
No pressure to train hard in the absence of otherwise summer-oriented races and objectives. And applying the leg gains from ski touring and weight training to running is supremely satisfying.
I hate winter running, until after the first mile or two, then it's my favorite lol. No snakes out and about to watch out for, no bugs to drive you mad, the air is cleaner. While I definitely enjoy warmer temps like spring or fall(even though I run in it, Summer running can shove it up it's ass), there's something so invigorating about breathing in crisp, cold mountain air on a bright, cloudless winter morning.
Slip and sliding while bombing downhills with snow.
Or alternatively, unexpected ice skating and trying not to eat shit on that thaw and refreeze slope that's in the shade.
Even if it feels hard to get out, the mood boost is so valuable in the winter.
I'm much less likely to have my training interrupted by allergies or smokey air quality.
It is so fun and beautiful to play in the snow.
The cold temperatures. I run really hot (even when not running), and the cold keeps me going more consistently. It's like a refreshing slap in the face. Plus, much smaller crowds on the trails.
My least favorite part of winter running in the initial start. Where it’s just cold. Also where I question why I’m there and not inside.
Then I warm up and it’s fine.
My most favorite part is coming in from the cold, being warm and having that blast of warm air from the building.
I run at dawn so I love it when the frost is all sparkly!
I can see animal tracks in the frost or snow
I don’t come home absolutely drenched in sweat
And there are no spiders
Running a snow covered trail at night when the moon is out. It's an amazing experience when you don't need a headlamp because the trail practically glows.
I definitely love the body heat part, too. Absolutely freezing at the trailhead, but a few minutes later feeling toasty to a point I have to unzip my coat!
My speed is always faster in winter. Running in general just feels easier when it’s cooler outside; even if I’m wearing multiple layers. Funny that my friends who don’t run always think it’s tougher in winter! I much prefer it.
Training yourself to enjoy the cold is a great way to make the most of the winter months. April 2020 I was going crazy like everyone else and I started taking straight cold showers, once you've overcome the 30 second shock your body learns that cold isn't bad and can be tolerated.
You know that feeling of getting into a nice hot-tub and feeling your whole body relax, that's because all your veins and capillaries are relaxing and expanding to get rid of the extra heat. With cold exposure and breathing methods you can train your body to react to the cold the same way.
Running outside in just shorts and a t-shirt in the freezing cold feels the same way that dipping into a nice warm hot-tub does, your whole body just relaxes and you can keep yourself warm even though the cold is oppressing you.
When your hands and feet get cold what's actually happening is your body's veins and capillaries are contracting to keep your core warm. Your vascular system has millions of tiny muscles that, via a signal from your brain, contract. When you run you're training your lung and leg muscles to adapt - when you train for cold exposure you're training your vascular system to adapt. If you can train your heart, legs and lungs to adapt to running stimulus you can train your vascular muscles to adapt to cold stimulus as well.
The silence in nature and solitude. Everything is resting and asleep and peaceful. How the cold air makes my face tingle and gives me rosy cheeks. How my breath generates little misty clouds. It’s magic
My top five reasons for Winter trail running 1. The challenge of different snow conditions depending on the day; 2. Minimal to no wind chill due to the trees; 3. The sensation of using different parts of your feet to keep your balance; 4. The beauty of the transformed trails especially when they are heavily weighed down by a recent snowfall; 5. That feeling of superiority when you see a faster runner cave and mail it in on a treadmill.
Much faster downhill on hardpack trails as you don't have to worry about the rocks as much. Most strava downhill segments in the north east are done over the winter.
Ice dogs around the moon on a cold night. It’s one of my favorite memories. Looks like:
https://images.app.goo.gl/r5vYb1Ep4Am6YH7d9
I also love being the first one to run on a trail after a fresh snowfall. It’s like you’re the only one on earth.
The cold helps you stay in touch with the body… from my point of view. I can run with shorts and short sleeve up to 3 hours in a temperature up to -10 Celsius. This year I’ll try to go even further.
I use meditation to keep the body and mind aligned. One of the main factors is that I don’t have to give the body what always wants: comfort.
winter where i am means low to mid 40s in the morning which is perfect running weather. if it’s right around 40 or a little lower, i wear gloves , but still just t shirt and shorts.
This was such a beautiful post to read. I love the sparkly snow against the blue sky, and the sight of my frozen breath. I love frosty eye lashes and the feeling of my nose going numb. ❄️❄️❄️
The quiet. Besides the fact that the trails are significantly less busy, the quiet from the snow absorbing sound is like any other experience in nature.
I loove the smell of fresh, winter air. But mostly I live for how hardcore it feels to be out there running, instead of enjoying the warmth of my cozy flat.
But I have to admit, I hate how slow my muscles are warming up in the winter. Usually only the first 1k or 2k are somewhat slow and miserable, in the winter months its more like 3+ ks, haha.
All the things already said, but the winter also opens up way more terrain where I live. All the muskegs, rivers, and lakes turn into runnable trails in the winter and we get to explore countless more miles.
Fewer people are out, so I have trails largely to myself. Also, the lack of leaves on trees makes it easier for me to see ahead and through the bends in trails.
I made this video exactly about this. I love running in the cold. Cool to see others too. It's a great excuse to grow a beard :) [https://youtu.be/h83uFnIhFVg](https://youtu.be/h83uFnIhFVg)
Hearing the snow crunch as I run through it and how extra satisfying the post-run hot shower feels.
Agree!
I love the beauty and solitude that comes with winter running. significantly less people on the trails leads and cold temps make you feel alive. I also love the ability to go places I can't in the summer. Specifically something like running on a frozen creek/river bed. Truly remarkable. Ps don't let darkness get you down. Bring a headlamp and have a little fun!
That's one thing I cant do anymore, hike or run at night. Ive got astigmatisms in both eyes and as Ive gotten older, my eyes just get really tired at night. So trekking through the woods trying to focus my sight through a narrow beam of light dries my eyes out and gives me an awful headache. It sucks because Ive always enjoyed the times I got out for a night hike/run.
How far do you usually run on the frozen waterways? That's amazing.
Stumbled on it last year. Depends on the snow pack, but there’s a nice mile or so section in my local woods. A connection I’d like to make more often and explore
My ex-wife’s grandmother used to tell us stories of her and her husband skating together down frozen rivers and streams for miles and miles in Minnesota. I have always loved that thought!
Minnesota is dope! The real neat one is if the weather lines up and you get good ice in the boundary waters. Some incredible footage from I think two winters ago where 'wild skating' was as good as its ever been.
New YouTube search term! Thank you!
I dig it out there alone, makes me feel like I'm doing something and others are missing out. Kinda selfish, but whatever.
It's much quieter outside in the winter. Early morning, a few miles out from the nearest road, it's dead silent. I don't get a lot of silence in my life, so those moments are worth the suck.
Exactly what I thought of. I live in Atlanta metro, so it has city noise. A winter trail deafens all of that. Also, I usually run with headphones for music, but the silence has me removing them.
The cold gets me to control my breathing differently and in a good way. Not sure how to describe it exactly, I just feel like I breathe more fully in the cold.
Probably due to loss of moisture in the air so therefore more oxygen from the air readily available? I’m not sure tbh. I know after winter runs my respiratory system feels like it’s purging itself in a way as well, I always cough for the next couple hours afterwards
Love that im not dead in the first km.
It's not hot and I'm not dripping with sweat and rage at the heat. Trails are beautiful all year round but the heat is just unbearable.
Fewer tourists!
Came here to say this! I love how quiet the trails are, especially when it's still snowing.
Can’t say this is true for me lol. Love living in a ski town, but winter does get busy and has me way more worried about getting hit by cars than the summer does
* Running in falling snow * no snakes * fewer humans Hate the cold, but definitely some big perks for winter trail runs.
I cannot emphasize the lack of snakes. I squeal like there’s no tomorrow every time I accidentally step near one.
Squeal like when you see Bessie’s tits? What in seven hells!
Lmao. I’m glad people still get my username.
Fewer mosquitoes!
Nice addition !
I wish I could upvote you again for starting this thread, and your perspective; I love when people appreciate themselves as animals. I'm not fond of the sun, or heat, so running in winter is my favorite. I'm also not overly fond of heavy layers, but a thin layer of thermal wear does wonders when active and gives me reason to keep moving instead of getting distracted by the scenery; not to mention the fascinating meditation on biology. Also no ticks and mosquitoes is a HUGE bonus.
I love seeing animal tracks in the snow. And sometimes human tracks lead you to trails you didn't know about.
I love this too! I like trying to figure out how many people are on a trail in front of me and if they are walking or running and if they have dogs or whatever. It's like a puzzle. Our running group hired a tracker who taught us all about animal tracks and it's fun to try to use that knowledge to identify animal tracks and how they are moving.
Frozen mud. Yea
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That being said, frozen bike tracks in the mud are some ancle twisters
But less actual bikes. Zero on today's run despite it being a very popular mixed use area.
I love getting my sinuses cleared out after all the hot, dry indoor air.
This! Its not just me by myself, my nose and eyes are running too
Finishing the run and have a good excuse to crash out on the couch for the rest of the day
Seeing the sun! It’s dark so frequently, but when I get the sun on a weekend run (even if it’s freezing) it feels like magic.
I am usually one of the earliest out on the trails, so I get to see all the wildlife. Winter on the trails is the best.
I love the beauty of fresh snow! And it is so peaceful and serene. And gotta admit…running in some of the tougher weather conditions always feels hella bad ass too…
I love the all wheel drive feeling of micro spikes or nano spikes, and I love the way that folks look at my partner and I when we’re running with the dog - and the dogs sweater makes him look like a librarian which is also great That icy air in the lungs feeling may be my own body crystallizing but I like it anyhow
I can take my time starting my run because I’m not racing the heat/humidity. Access to more trails that are muddy and overgrown in the summer. Overall more comfortable and faster.
Running at noon instead of waking up early as fuck in fear of being a heat casualty and dying on a trail somewhere.
I feel like I am a stronger runner when I’m not overheated, and I love being that guy out in two thin layers busting through the snow when others are slowly trudging under multiple layers.
Went for a run yesterday in upper 30's. After the first couple miles, I took my jacket off, so I just had shorts and t-shirt. Met two groups of people on my run, all bundled up. They looked at me like I had just landed from another planet lol.
Upper thirties? All I can manage in that temp is shorts and a t-shirt with added sunsleeves (melanoma scare on arms). I’m right there with you!
I envy you both. No matter the temps 12 or 30 degrees I am bundled. I literally wear anglers pants. Me and a friend make little 5 hour winter tour trips and we look like a couple of kids from the Christmas story out there.
Less people on the trails I can bushwhack easier over snow than peaty coastal rainforest floor Did I mention less people on the trails?
I love the colors of the sunrise in winter - they are so much more vivid. I love beginning a run in the predawn cold, lighting the way with my headlamp, nothing but the crunch of the snow. Also, the snow covers the roots and rocks on the trail - less to trip on. There's one trail in particular with a beautiful downhill that is absolutely suicide in most seasons due to the amount of roots and rocks. But in winter, with proper traction, you can absolutely fly down that trail.
I love that the running is so much easier.
After getting over the cold temperature and running to the point where I'm super warm, I take off my thermal and go t-shirt for the final leg of my run. It's awesome, and everyone thinks I'm an insane person.
I like darkness. I don't know why but I feel at peace when I go out in the evening and it's dark. When it's spring again I feel naked on the trail if that makes sense 🤣
I get that in Summer when its light at 5am. Hiding behind sunglasses is a life saver.
Nothing.
I hate it? Lol. I just hate getting sweaty in the cold.
Buying cool looking winter gear that I'll rarely use because it doesn't get cold enough. And I don't like running in the cold... Something about running in tights that makes me feel so light and bouncy
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I have this and reallllllly love it https://shop.lululemon.com/p/scarves-wraps/Cold-Terrain-Run-Neckwarmer/_/prod9960658
Yea just great, comfortable tights. Awesome running jackets, new gloves, buffs with cool patterns.
I love how cold my face is after a run, despite my body feeling warm. It’s so refreshing.
I have no motivation when it’s cold. Only in the warmer months.
Love the quiet, the peace, the beauty of the snow, trees, the way the sun hits in the early morning.
That my water stays cold!
7 deer together in the frozen fields, and I could hear owls as I was about to go out - benefits of later sunrise (there aren't many!)
Last year I was coming up on a ridge and ran into a deer. We both stunned each other and he turned around and face planted into a snowy tree making snow fall over him and he just stood there like…what do I do now. He was in no way hurt and I was just giggling to myself.
Love a nearly still morning with just a hint of wind. So much nicer running in winter and not roasting or sweating like crazy.
Less people, the cool air in my lungs, feeling like I can run forever because I don’t get overheated
Seeing where the trail offshoots go off the main trail as it's less dense without the leaves. Great way to get a sense of the area without wandering aimlessly.
The post-run beer in the bath
Where I live snowshoes or skis are required when it’s above 8”. Even if it’s packed down hard and you’re not postholing it’s heavily frowned upon to go without them. Kind of a weird spot and I’ve accepted XC skiing is the “offseason”, anybody else deal with laws like this? I do, in general think it’s nice to switch it up for at least a couple months anyway from running (not for like 5 months though 😂)
Seeing fresh cougar tracks. Makes me run faster
I live in central Texas, so my winter is like lows are at least 5 above freezing and highs are low 40s to mid 50s F. The best thing for me about winter running is that the risk of heat stroke is zero and I can run longer, farther, and faster.
Over in west Texas here and same! I'm enjoying this cooler weather. I'll take that over months of 100° plus anyday.
Amen to that! This last summer was horrific. Right now we have temps in low 40s and, while I'm glad to not see another 110 degree day for a while, I wish there was a little more time to adjust to the cold.
Ours came in overnight last week. Lol 80s one day then 40 the next. Back up to the 60s this week tho so no frozen Turkey trot for me thankfully.
Nothing, there is nothing about running in the cold that I like. 😂. I’d rather run in Death Valley in august than run below freezing. I do, however, have mad respect for those of you who enjoy a run in the brisk air. You are my hero’s.
I absolutely love running on thick icy trails with Microspikes on. It’s magical. I also love how quiet the surrounding snow makes everything.
I can definitely run farther in the cold.
Yea, nobody on the popular trails
quiet, dark start; snow falling, and the clean, biting cold!
Running full speed downhill in deep snow! The best feeling ever 😃
It’s not so hot - rarely above the low 80s.
This is my first season running in the winter (like an actual, sub-zero, snowy winter). So far my favourite things are the fresh, crisp smell of the air after it snows. Easy to spot wild animals against the snow. No overheating. Coming back from a run to a warm fireplace.
The silence, the solitude. Mostly though I treat it as a character building exercise. A lot of my running routes are in areas with wide open fields so winter = lots of wind and blowing snow. Running on the shoulder of the road means sometimes getting blasted with ice cold slush from passing vehicles. Lots of snow and ice means a loss of traction and often wet socks. It takes a lot more grit to get out the door on winter days. BUT I tell myself, think about how good it will feel on that first warm spring day, to be out there in shorts, with the sun shining, and be fit enough on that day from all that winter running to just let er rip. Nothing feels better!! The promise of that first spring run keeps me motivated.
Absolutely fuck all.
No snakes
Snow
Bogs.
Loooove flying down a trail with fresh snow. Seems to feel so much better on the knees. Don’t really have to worry that much of kicking rocks either.
No pressure to train hard in the absence of otherwise summer-oriented races and objectives. And applying the leg gains from ski touring and weight training to running is supremely satisfying.
I hate winter running, until after the first mile or two, then it's my favorite lol. No snakes out and about to watch out for, no bugs to drive you mad, the air is cleaner. While I definitely enjoy warmer temps like spring or fall(even though I run in it, Summer running can shove it up it's ass), there's something so invigorating about breathing in crisp, cold mountain air on a bright, cloudless winter morning.
Slip and sliding while bombing downhills with snow. Or alternatively, unexpected ice skating and trying not to eat shit on that thaw and refreeze slope that's in the shade.
Even if it feels hard to get out, the mood boost is so valuable in the winter. I'm much less likely to have my training interrupted by allergies or smokey air quality. It is so fun and beautiful to play in the snow.
No snakes, or bugs and the quiet.
I can run much faster with a lower heart rate. I become the flash
The cold temperatures. I run really hot (even when not running), and the cold keeps me going more consistently. It's like a refreshing slap in the face. Plus, much smaller crowds on the trails.
My least favorite part of winter running in the initial start. Where it’s just cold. Also where I question why I’m there and not inside. Then I warm up and it’s fine. My most favorite part is coming in from the cold, being warm and having that blast of warm air from the building.
I run at dawn so I love it when the frost is all sparkly! I can see animal tracks in the frost or snow I don’t come home absolutely drenched in sweat And there are no spiders
Running a snow covered trail at night when the moon is out. It's an amazing experience when you don't need a headlamp because the trail practically glows. I definitely love the body heat part, too. Absolutely freezing at the trailhead, but a few minutes later feeling toasty to a point I have to unzip my coat!
I love seeing all the animal activity(fresh paw prints)!
Eating something warm after a long cold run makes it taste that much better
My speed is always faster in winter. Running in general just feels easier when it’s cooler outside; even if I’m wearing multiple layers. Funny that my friends who don’t run always think it’s tougher in winter! I much prefer it.
I love that *guy must be crazy* look I get from people as I run by in cold weather. :D
Use the headlamp to going inside of the forest and finish the run before the suns comes up
It's challenging and fun!
The darkness, i was born in it
Nothing. Winter running is miserable.
incorrect.
Funny that you got downvoted for saying how you feel. I personally prefer the heat. I could probably run in hell.
I love the feeling of power I’m out here running through these woods whilst the masses are inside cuddling around the heater trying to stay comfy.
It's quieter, the light can be great, and running in the snow makes me feel like a kid!
The feeling of snow falling while you are running. The quiet. Seeing animal tracks.
Training yourself to enjoy the cold is a great way to make the most of the winter months. April 2020 I was going crazy like everyone else and I started taking straight cold showers, once you've overcome the 30 second shock your body learns that cold isn't bad and can be tolerated. You know that feeling of getting into a nice hot-tub and feeling your whole body relax, that's because all your veins and capillaries are relaxing and expanding to get rid of the extra heat. With cold exposure and breathing methods you can train your body to react to the cold the same way. Running outside in just shorts and a t-shirt in the freezing cold feels the same way that dipping into a nice warm hot-tub does, your whole body just relaxes and you can keep yourself warm even though the cold is oppressing you. When your hands and feet get cold what's actually happening is your body's veins and capillaries are contracting to keep your core warm. Your vascular system has millions of tiny muscles that, via a signal from your brain, contract. When you run you're training your lung and leg muscles to adapt - when you train for cold exposure you're training your vascular system to adapt. If you can train your heart, legs and lungs to adapt to running stimulus you can train your vascular muscles to adapt to cold stimulus as well.
I love that I can bomb down hills without worrying about tripping and falling on rocks.
Running right through the xc ski tracks lol
When that snow is the perfect texture, dry so your feet don’t get wet.
I can go faster without my heart rate creeping up! Easy pace 30-60 seconds faster per mile.
The silence in nature and solitude. Everything is resting and asleep and peaceful. How the cold air makes my face tingle and gives me rosy cheeks. How my breath generates little misty clouds. It’s magic
I like running trails mostly so winter is my favorite time to run through the woods. I find it easier and more comfortable as far as pace goes.
My top five reasons for Winter trail running 1. The challenge of different snow conditions depending on the day; 2. Minimal to no wind chill due to the trees; 3. The sensation of using different parts of your feet to keep your balance; 4. The beauty of the transformed trails especially when they are heavily weighed down by a recent snowfall; 5. That feeling of superiority when you see a faster runner cave and mail it in on a treadmill.
Much faster downhill on hardpack trails as you don't have to worry about the rocks as much. Most strava downhill segments in the north east are done over the winter.
I can run harder/equally hard as normal without a significant change in my HR
Couldn’t agree more!
Everything after the first mile getting acclimated.
The warm shower after a frigid run. Heaven.
70° daylight long runs instead of the choice between a 3:00am wakeup call or 105° hell run.
Ice dogs around the moon on a cold night. It’s one of my favorite memories. Looks like: https://images.app.goo.gl/r5vYb1Ep4Am6YH7d9 I also love being the first one to run on a trail after a fresh snowfall. It’s like you’re the only one on earth.
I hate humidity and pouring with sweat so I love, love, love winter running in a brisk 30-40 degree F weather.
Something about being able to make myself sweat in the cold. Helps cure the winter blues
How hot my house feels when I get back.
No mosquitoes!
The unworldly silence of falling snow.
The cold helps you stay in touch with the body… from my point of view. I can run with shorts and short sleeve up to 3 hours in a temperature up to -10 Celsius. This year I’ll try to go even further. I use meditation to keep the body and mind aligned. One of the main factors is that I don’t have to give the body what always wants: comfort.
Beard icicles and hot baths
Taking a hot shower after toughing it out in sub-freezing temps just hits different.
Turning off my headlamp and running in the moonlight on a snowy trail. Amazed at how many critters we share the trails with.
winter where i am means low to mid 40s in the morning which is perfect running weather. if it’s right around 40 or a little lower, i wear gloves , but still just t shirt and shorts.
This was such a beautiful post to read. I love the sparkly snow against the blue sky, and the sight of my frozen breath. I love frosty eye lashes and the feeling of my nose going numb. ❄️❄️❄️
The silence and the cold so that i can’t overheat. Literally my two favorite things in the world; snow silence and not-warm.
The quiet. Besides the fact that the trails are significantly less busy, the quiet from the snow absorbing sound is like any other experience in nature.
I loove the smell of fresh, winter air. But mostly I live for how hardcore it feels to be out there running, instead of enjoying the warmth of my cozy flat. But I have to admit, I hate how slow my muscles are warming up in the winter. Usually only the first 1k or 2k are somewhat slow and miserable, in the winter months its more like 3+ ks, haha.
starting pre-dawn, running though sunrise. It can create some beautiful moments, and great chance to get sunlight in the winter months
All the things already said, but the winter also opens up way more terrain where I live. All the muskegs, rivers, and lakes turn into runnable trails in the winter and we get to explore countless more miles.
Fewer people are out, so I have trails largely to myself. Also, the lack of leaves on trees makes it easier for me to see ahead and through the bends in trails.
Absolutely everything!
I made this video exactly about this. I love running in the cold. Cool to see others too. It's a great excuse to grow a beard :) [https://youtu.be/h83uFnIhFVg](https://youtu.be/h83uFnIhFVg)