Thirsty (for knowledge) Thursday: Why Winter Running is Good For You

I love winter running. So when I came across this article called "Why Running Outside in the Winter Is So Good for You," I was excited to take a look.

However, it only makes 4 points, and only 1 is really "scientific."

You’ll Kick SAD to the Curb

Robert J. Stock, a California-based psychotherapist, says that about 5 percent of Americans suffer from SAD, and as many as 10 percent more have a subclinical variant they may not recognize. “There are theories that the lack of light in winter triggers hormonal changes, with the leading belief being that the brain may create less serotonin, one of the important chemicals to create a sense of well-being,” he explains. Running, then, can be a great antidote. “Running outside, preferably in daylight, creates endorphins that give a runner a happy feeling and greater energy rush,” Stock says.

[...] A 2016 Harvard and Syracuse University study showed that the elevated levels of carbon dioxide often present in indoor environments can have negative effects on cognitive function. Translation: breathing fresh, oxygen-rich air—not just exposure to sunlight—can positively affect more than just your mood. “Would I love a sunny day?” she [a runner combating SAD] asks. “Yes. But more importantly, I am out there, and the endorphins make all the difference.”

The rest are more personal reasons:

Winter Weather Beats Summer Weather

Truly, it does. Instead of slowing the pace to build endurance in the heat, winter weather makes everything better: you’ll sweat less and remain better hydrated. You’ll feel more energized. Your heart will run slower and you might find yourself adding on a mile or two some days, rather than quitting early. “Breathing in the cold air wakes you up and makes you feel alive,” says Baltimore-based running coach Alison Staples. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

The "sweating less" thing means a lot for me. I can go farther in the winter and stay comfortable.

You’ll Feel like a Boss

If you haven’t noticed, there aren’t many people out running on the roads in the middle of winter. If you have the chutzpah to get out there, your tenacity deserves...

.... m'kay. I'm gonna cut that one off right there. Sorry.

You’ll Make Real Gains

Winter running is about mental toughness, to be sure. You’ll emerge stronger and ready to handle the rough spots in a race come spring. But it also adds up to physical benefits.

In this section they interview professional MN runner and coach Breanna Sieracki. She finished just in front of me at the 2018 Raspberry Run 1 Mile where she set a female course record of 4:46:

Pic from my race report of Breanna with me in the background in my short yellow shorts.

Sieracki is quoted again in the final section of the article:

“With the exception of a few big marathons, like Houston, most of your races will be in warmer months,” says Sieracki. “So winter can be great for base building.” With the break from races, winter is the perfect time to build up your base so that you’re ready for that harder training come spring.

Use this time to work mostly in your aerobic zone, laying down a firm foundation. Think of your training as a pyramid - your wintertime base miles form the bottom layer on which your other efforts can rest. Skip out on this step and spring training and racing won’t get you nearly as far. The case for winter running couldn’t be stronger. As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, make a plan for joining the ranks of winter warriors. Your mood and your body will thank you.

My poorest performance in the last 10 years was at a March race in 2018, and it was possibly due to not running well over the winter. I'm a big fan of winter running and building that base! (But not because I "feel like a boss" while winter running... but... whatever works for you. I mean, I supposed I *DO* love a good post-run frozen selfie...)

For more "Thirsty Thursday" posts that highlight workouts, body science, and all kinds of interesting information, CLICK HERE. As always, back with some "Friday Funnies" tomorrow.