Running is lovely in summer. There’s so much light that you can head out early and really use the time well.
But how will this work in winter? The paths I use would be impossible to see, and pretty dangerous. Then there’s slippery ice...
Experienced runners, what do you do about this?
Do you pound the pavements beneath street lighting?
Do you actually run less?
I know it seems ridiculous to be asking this in June, but I’m enjoying this new hobby so much and don’t want to mess it up because of those pesky season changes.
Written by
Stephen_UK
Graduate10
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
There are still a lot of running during the winter months Stephen, I admit I didn't run much at all during the first winter after I graduated and reran some of C25K in the Spring, New Year's Day sees some of the highest attendances at parkruns, irrespective of what day it is.
Thanks. We get all kinds where I am, but icy paths are a regular thing. Worst-case scenario is slipping over on black ice, which I did last year and seriously injured my back. And that was just while walking.
I train harder during the winter. I’m lucky to live just on the outskirts of a town and can avail of a 7K and 5K loop which has good paths and street lights. It’s really hard to drag yourself out there on those awful cold wet and windy days. But when you train hard you stay warm. And then you can reap the benefits by improving your times during the spring and summer.
I live in Scotland, and winter is my hands-down favourite running month! 😄 Night running is brilliant, too. Both together is the best. When it's dark, if I'm going off road or in the woods I'll wear a petzl head light, if I'm running in an urban environment I'll wear a neon jacket. I don't layer up too much if it's chilly, just a lightweight non-waterproof zippy top over a long sleeve top. If it's really baltic I might stick on a thermal top instead. Winter running tights are great, and I'll wear a Buff over my ears. Well, I always wear a Buff, but in winter I upgrade to a merino one. If it's icy I wear yaktrax. No excuses, winter running is lovely.
It’s doable Stephen, but you need to be creative! I even joined a gym so I could use the treadmill if it got too icy, but fortunately I didn’t have to use it much (sooo dull).
I’m lucky as I can run during the day - I have the greatest respect for people who get up early and run in the dark/cold. Many do though.
You’ll need layers, and gloves are a must. Even when you’ve warmed up to the point of needing to shed clothing, fingers never seem to get toasty!
Lights, reflective kit, and get yourself in a club or Good Gym. I ran through last winter and hate dark cold evenings (I hibernate) so it really was a mix of Parkrun, Tuesday Good Gym and a lunchtime or morning run in daylight on Thursday that kept me going. It was absolutely 100% worth keeping going. Friends that stopped have found it really difficult to pick it up again in the spring and I was sooooo much fitter. Snow is ok, the only issue is ice (find a treadmill at the leisure centre) and freezing air can be hard on the throat, but you do acclimatise.
You have just written what I was thinking. I prefer to go early in the morning, and at the moment I can leave the house at 4.45 am and it’s light. Come the winter and it will still be dark at 7 30, I do have a headlamp, and where I run it’s tarmac but no lighting, it’s a footpath, so I’ll have to see how it goes. It would be a shame to lose this level of fitness that I have at the moment. Haven’t been as active in years. Also like lots of lady runners who are carrying a bit of extra condition, I don’t like too much of an audience, so I too will have to be creative about where and when I’m running!
I started C25K in January. Early morning runs too. Yes several postponed due to Ice and rain and wind. But not too many of those. Just put more layers on. This means I am now having to get used to Summer running with higher temperatures and longer runs as I am now bridging!
You could join a running club for the winter months. Safety in numbers, etc. They’ll also know the best routes for light and terrain.
Good advice already given but you’ll notice your energy levels improve in the cold and it’ll be easier to run faster. I adore winter running and hate heat as it saps your energy. I find winter running so much more ......energetic 😂
Thanks. That’s a very interesting idea. I had never considered running clubs before. But do any of them run at silly pre-work hours? That’s my only slot, unfortunately.
Depends on the club. The one I belonged to had members who would text each other for meet ups at various times of the day and week. So if you fancied a run at 5 in the morning you might have found someone to go with you! Worth a try. Ask in your local running shops for good clubs in your area.
Like you I ended up with an injury (fractured vertebra) as a result of walking on ice, in my case hidden under snow in a car park. I was really careful last winter. I used my trail shoes, but if there was anything other than minimal amounts of ice about which I could spot and run round, I didn't run. I did run on fresh snow. Just a question of being sensible. I took to the roads/pavement when they had been gritted, but I wouldn't have taken to the roads in the dark! My youngest bought me a head lamp last winter. I am sure it will be useful, but given that I am retired, I can and do choose to run in daylight! No sense in taking any risks...better to miss a few runs than risk weeks on the IC!!
I did run less last winter, as I run on country roads without pavements so I'm not prepared to go unless it's daylight.
However, one thing that really helped me was joining a local running club. They go on organised routes and you're with other people which made me a lot happier about going out in the dark, so it helped me keep going. They were great about high vis/lights etc, plus I think small groups are much easier to see than people on their own.
(just read the other replies properly and I think someone had already suggested this!)
I found that when you are truly bitten by the running bug...you get creative and find ways to go out. Your guilty conscience will not let you stay in the house. Great advise below: layers, lights, gloves!, avoid ice. Good luck! but indeed...let’s enjoy the long, warm days for now.
Thanks for this. Yes, so much good advice and inspiration here and it’s all very much appreciated. I definitely have the bug.
Hey Stephen, I love winter running. I usually overdress for my runs anyway so winter is an excuse to wear wooly hats, gloves, thermal leggings etc. You can't beat running on a crisp, cold Sunday morning. i try to do my short runs at lunchtime - would that be a possibility for you ? My colleagues endure my t-shirts, socks and worse drying on the radiators on rainy afternoons. Running in winter is easier than trying to find a coolish time to run in a french heatwave. Good luck - you'll love it.
Thanks. I will have a think about lunchtime runs, but where I work isn’t ideal for that. I like the thought of you using the radiators to dry your running gear. Not sure my colleagues would be so tolerant.
Blooming hard to sleep - even with the windows wide open and the mozzies buzzing around my head. One of my colleagues is a runner so i think she understands (she has been known to dry items of her own). The other is a very tolerant guy with daughters, who doesn't bat an eyelid to sports bras and smelly socks....
I actually prefer running in winter. Halloween was one of the best runs I’ve ever done, there are Zombie runs and all sorts of weird runs you can do. You’ll be surprised how many people are out on Christmas Day. It’s nice, everyone wishing you merry Christmas on your run.
I also just prefer night running, don’t know why.
If you want to do some winter cross country running, get yourself some trail or x-country shoes, i have some inov-8 trail shoes, they make a massive difference. I don’t worry about slipping in them, even on wet rock.
Thanks, Clubberlang. Appreciate the tips. How does a zombie run work?! Having a zombie coming after me would certainly be a good way to increase my speed.
You probably wouldn't want to wear them to do really long distances but I have found they have enabled me to get out and run when there has been packed ice and snow.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.