A quick question for all you seasoned runners from a newbie. Only started running in April, graduated C25K in july and now almost finished Juju's magic plan. My 5k times after all this running had been getting slower in the last month and sometimes when I'm running at 8.30am on a cold morning i feel like i'm going at my max, can't get another breath in, but am barely covering the ground. But today i go out at 10am and its like 14 degrees (instead of the 8 degrees i have been running in for the last while) and it's as if I can breathe again, Did my best 5K time ever. Is that what happens running in cold weather? do your lungs seize up a bit? I'm not asthmatic or anything but it felt so different in just slightly milder air. Like I had an extra pair lungs and could actually breathe. So in the months to come when 14 degrees are a thing of the past, is there anything else you can do to feel better breathing?? longer warm-up? scarf on?
Is there a goldilocks temperature for running? - Bridge to 10K
Is there a goldilocks temperature for running?
I think we are all different and our bodies respond to temperatures differently. I’m in Scotland where particularly with wind chill, we are cold. I’ve had a few fantastic runs at 4deg over the last couple of weeks still in shorts and T-shirt although next time I’ll take gloves. Try thin layers you can strip off as you go. Happy running 🤗
I think you may be onto something. The only time I've had to stop a run was a boxing day years ago. We went out for a run in the morning and it was about -1C. I just couldn't get enough air into my lungs. I read somewhere that it's good to do some dynamic stretches at home before you go out when it's cold and to do a longer warm up walk. A scarf sounds like a good idea too. I'll be interested to hear what more experienced runners have to say 🙂
Well done on your 5k PB! 🎉🥂
I hear you! I have exercise induced and cold air asthma and it’s becoming difficult for me now too with the temperatures changing. I’ve started wearing a buff which covers my nose and mouth and it warms up the air, so I can recommend that. Also worth doing some warm up at home and walking a bit longer before you start running. I’m having to do intervals at the moment - after about 20mins breathing is easier. Good luck 👍
Thanks for all your replies, they're so helpful (isn't this community wonderful?) I also found this useful article on running in the cold that describes the 'bronchconstriction' that happens when cold dry air hits your lungs. Yes and the answer from all my research now, and from you wonderful people, is to wear a scarf/ balaclava or mask over the mouth/ nose to pre-warm the air before it hits the lungs and maybe take a hot shower afterward to re-warm and moisturise the mucous lining of the lungs that can get irritated after a cold run. Interestingly the article talks about focusing on the effort you put in during the run rather than distance/ time as it obviously will be harder to do as much if the lungs are all tightened. Aha! Obviously the other strategy if i'm really serious about improving my running is to fly south for the winter and run along warm beaches... hmmm. I must give that more thought....
A scarf makes a huge difference or a buff, keeps my neck warm and i can breathe through it when i need to
Super thank you, that’s so good to know! I’ve just ordered a thermal running snood and am hoping for great things! Btw I read your fab posts all the time WillowandSola. You guys should write a book!
Aww thank you, others are better at descriptive writing mine waffles on
It was 3°C here this time last week. Running was pleasant once I'd warmed up. A bit chilly near the end of the cool down, though. Cold air doesn't currently seem to give me problems with breathing. Let's see what it's like when we get a proper frost.
If you want a decent buff, Hygge bands have a great deal buy 1 get 3 free (and no, I didn't type that wrong!). So far I've bought eight, four for me and four for friends. The extra stretch ones would be good for covering your mouth and nose, I think.
As far as temperature goes, the cooler the better for me, although I've never tried running below freezing.
they look perfect and not too floppy like my own one that doesn’t stay up round my nose. I’m sold. Sorts a few Xmas pressies too!! I’m obviously gone a bit soft in my old age and need to man-up to the chill if I’ve to keep my running shoes! Thanks so much for the top tips.
Sorry, I didn't mean to sound quite so hardcore! I just didn't enjoy running in the summer heat. All my best times were last winter and spring; I haven't improved since May. I do love running in the rain, but strong wind not so much.
Good luck 👍
no need to be sorry. Those articles I've read say that the body does start to acclimatise to the cold over time and gets more efficient at managing it so it's probably just the start of the first winter of running for me. I'll get there. It's definitely better than running in heat that's for sure. Good luck and thanks again.
Sub zero runs, I find are OK on the breathing front. It is the frozen bum that makes it difficult .
Not what you're looking for?
You may also like...
New temperature scale
Recovery Run in the Sun
5K Slow Run at the lakeside 👍🏃♀️😊
Keeping on running...
A slow and slippery return run !
One run - 2 PBs! Thank you Fabienne!
First run of the year
My First Run for 9 Days - Well That Was Tough Going
Tips needed for slow running
