Why should you try running in the winter? 3 reasons from trailrunner

Why should you try running in the winter? 3 reasons from trailrunner

If you take things seriously, such training will only bring benefits – and you won’t be afraid of colds.

Candidate of Medical Sciences, founder and coach of the ERA running club.

How useful is running in winter? Why should you try it?

Almost everyone who has been running regularly for several years without taking a break for the cold season often hears questions like “How do you run in winter? It’s cold and slippery!” or something similar.

For thirty years I have been answering them, so I have formed a detailed and thorough answer.

And to run in winter was comfortable and safe, choose sneakers with tread – for better traction with snow. And dress winter-style: bottom layer – thermal underwear, middle layer – fleece jacket for warmth, top layer – non-blowing jacket. All from sports synthetics, no cotton, as it absorbs sweat and does not drain moisture. Be sure to cover your ankles with high socks and long pants: the Achilles tendon is easy to catch a cold and difficult to heal. After finishing your run, immediately change into something dry and warm.

Why try running in winter?

Hardening
Running in winter is hardening. Prolonged regular physical activity outdoors helps you get sick less and get over seasonal infections more easily. If running training began in the warm season and is not interrupted in the fall, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract gradually adapts to new conditions, to the need to warm the air passing on the breath. This preserves the barrier function of the mucosa, that is, the ability to actively resist infectious agents, do not allow them to penetrate and multiply. By the way, a person running on the street is less likely to encounter a dangerous virus than someone who is engaged on a treadmill in the gym.

Improved endurance
Adaptation of the cardiovascular system develops with prolonged regular training – a big break in exercise nullifies all previous efforts. It is clear that not all types of running exercise are feasible in winter conditions. For example, in extreme cold, you should avoid very long training sessions to avoid hypothermia and frostbite of hands, feet, cheeks and ears. Also, you should not do serious interval work in the cold – with intense breathing there is a risk of cold burn of the respiratory tract.

Mental training
This is just as important as body exercises. Being able to tune in and get out for a workout in bad weather is a valuable skill for life. It helps a lot in all sorts of life situations when you need to take your mind off external circumstances and focus on the task at hand.