Slower in the Winter?

[MatthewR]

I seem to be a fair bit slower in the Winter than I was in summer and spring. Do others find that? I’m wondering if it’s colder muscles, lack of energy or just these short dark days that take more to push through physically and mentally?

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Bits of everything, maybe...Getting prepared for the run and warming up well is key tooThere's a post on C25K about this subject!

.healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[MatthewR in reply to Oldfloss]

thanks Oldfloss thanks for the link and great ideas - yes I do need to put on more layers and keep warmer. I’ll try more on my next run.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

It could be that some people run slower in the winter season than the other 3 seasons, certainly if it's very cold I tend to run a little slower although one of my fastest times at parkrun was ran in a temperature of - 6C four years ago, if you wear proper winter running gear and have a good pre run warmup you shouldn't feel too cold when you run.

[MatthewR in reply to AlMorr]

I’d probably grind to a halt at -6 !!!i I Definitely need to have a better warm up I think

[Yesletsgo Graduate10]

Personally I prefer running in the cold. I can't run if I overheat but if it's chilly it provides the incentive to get a move on.

Absolutely agree about the right gear and getting the muscles warmed up first though.

[MatthewR in reply to Yesletsgo]

Yes I’ve so got to warm up more I think. Thanks for feedback

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I hadn't really thought about this. I'm slow any time of year but run more when it's not cold and wet

[MatthewR in reply to SueAppleRun]

And me!

[RollingPea]

Hi MatthewR, I have been noticing exactly the same! Ugh, I feel like a running slug at the moment! Have given it some thought and I think there are 3 main factors for me. 1) Difficulty breathing. I get asthmatic during a run in winter, whereas I am only briefly asthmatic after a run in spring/autumn/summer. 2) Digestive system clogged up, weight increasing. At this time of year starchy, sugary food is everywhere. The lovely days of plentiful fresh fruit and salads are a distant memory. 3) Chaotic sleep routine causing extra tiredness. Without light cues, my body has no idea when to wake up, when to sleep. Im tired all the time. Plus it's a boozey time of year, and booze disrupts sleep. Do any of these chime with you?

[MatthewR in reply to RollingPea]

Thanks RollingPea yes I know what you mean about sleep patterns and the body clock. My mood is always low anyway in Nov Dec and the darkness really gets to me. In the summer I was looking forward to the coldness of winter - just goes to show I’ve got to enjoy and accept what is now

[RollingPea]

Yes, keeping things in perspective, these seasonal challenges are minor compared to the health issues other folks are coping with. Acceptance and looking for the positive side is the way to go. The runs may be sluggish but they provide much needed endorphins. Onwards!

[MatthewR in reply to RollingPea]

V well said!