Summer v winter running: Have realised that I... - Couch to 5K

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Summer v winter running

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate
30 Replies

Have realised that I love running in really dismal weather - the colder, wetter and windier the better - as it’s so invigorating. Less of a beetroot complexion afterwards too.

Am i in a minority in feeling nostalgic for the snow and a bit disappointed that summer is inching closer?

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Sarararara profile image
Sarararara
Graduate
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30 Replies
runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

I love my winter running, but this one was extra long. I find my temperature so much easier to regulate in the winter, the paths are quieter and you feel tough as nails. Every year I look forward to pushing the 'how cold can I go' boundary. On the flip side, I'm looking forward to ice free paths, fast runs and shorts.

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply torunswithdogs

You’re looking forward to shorts?! Gulp, still need to consider my fair weather clothing options.

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate in reply toSarararara

Initially I wore some baggy shorts but I didn't fancy those. Now I have tight short-shorts. My legs are absolutely blinding for the first few weeks of running. Modesty went out the window the first summer of running.

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate

It was such a long winter, bitterly cold followed by too much ice, I can't wait for some warm weather runs. I'm sure I'll complain about the heat and the bugs, but for now I am enjoying not having to wear layer after layer. I'm looking forward to some speed workouts and hill repeats again 💪🏃‍♀️😁

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toSaskAlliecat

Speed? Hill repeats? Man I fell like (and am) such a newbie!

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Another autumn/winter vote here.☺

runner56 profile image
runner56Graduate

I love cool spring/summer mornings. Just as the sun is rising.

The finest time of the day.

in reply torunner56

Agreed! It's the best time with the sun introducing a new and clean day. No midges around to bite and the chance of a rare encounter with wildlife.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

I am a tad boring.. I just love running any time... glad that I am able...:) If I had to choose a very favourite time... it would have to be Autumn running:)

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toOldfloss

I’m looking forward to trying it out- ambient temperature, leaves underfoot and nice smells!

wmw1973 profile image
wmw1973Graduate

I feel exactly the same. When we had that few days of warm weather the other week my Saturday run was awful !

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply towmw1973

Here’s hoping it gets easier once we acclimatise!

Mand102 profile image
Mand102Graduate

I am one of those people that detests winter. However, having started running in February during the cold snap I think I got acclimatised to the cold, the runs on those few warm days were so much harder! I hate the rain but love how alive I feel running in it bizarrely too.

JulieG49 profile image
JulieG49Graduate

I also prefer the colder weather, I’m finding the warmer runs tough!

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toJulieG49

Me too- although the last couple of days have been ‘wonderfully’ wet and windy, so it’s all ok for now....

Katyh86 profile image
Katyh86

I totally agree with you! I much prefer running in the winter! ☺️

Juhe profile image
Juhe

I only started at the end of Jan and thought it would be great starting to run on those warm early summer mornings. I imagined myself skipping along in soft focus, flowers wafting in a gentle breeze...... Well the obvious reality is that I definitely do not float gracefully along (😂) and actually a sunny spring morning, about 5 degrees, is perfect! Those warmer mornings last week meant I couldn't take my 4 legged running buddy with me either. She's been there from week 1 and I felt bad leaving her - she waited by the door until I got back! But it was too warm for her. Maybe I'll change my mind when we get there but for now, Spring sun gets my vote!

Cola65 profile image
Cola65Graduate

Hey Sarararara!!! No you aren't alone sweetie, I'm still struggling to get my final run done, I've had some real poor practice runs just lately in the heat!! Worst was 10 mins, best 25 mins, can't seem to get to that goal of 30 mins, though I know I can do it, after all I've done it twice!!! I'm waiting for a cold, wet, windy day and I'll be there. Well done on Graduating tho' it's an amazing achievement.

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toCola65

C’mon you, your grad badge is waiting and you know you can do it! You’re so nearly there!

Cola65 profile image
Cola65Graduate in reply toSarararara

Hi Sarararara, I decided not to reply until I had done it!! Guess what!!! Yiiiipppppeeee, I've done it!!! XXX. Thanks for your support sweetie.

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toCola65

Yay! Well done and welcome to the very special club!

MrsLis profile image
MrsLisGraduate

Spring and Autumn are my favourites. I don't like ice and snow whatever I'm doing and that includes running. When the Summer comes though I get up earlier and earlier in the morning to have time for a reasonably cool run.

Perhaps if I was slim and didn't have any bulges, I wouldn't mind quite so much because I could wear just shorts and vest but for now I'll make the most of the longer days and go out early

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate

I feel the same as you, Sara! Yet, I love sunny, hot weather but running in the cold and rain is fantastic and is a complete discovery (I never thought I would enjoy running in such conditions when I started the programme). I find it much more difficult to cope with warmer temperatures and as this will be my first summer running, I'm not too sure how I'll deal with it, probably getting up earlier and going for a run before 9.00 am.

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toAnthie

I fear it may be necessary to go out at about dawn to avoid the sunny warmth- I’m sure it’s lovely then but I’m more of a night owl.

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate in reply toSarararara

Maybe we'll be lucky to get some nice refreshing breeze on hot days ;-) Mind you today, it was a really nice November day!

AnnaRC profile image
AnnaRC

I started C25K in March, so only just appreciating 'summer' running. Love the flora and the sunshine. Today, for the first time, the sun was behind me and my shadow made me look like a genuine runner. I might have felt half-dead and as if my pace was barely above walking but my faithful shadow showed I was very much alive and moving faster than I thought.

I've run in fairly heavy rain too. Don't mind it (reminds me of cross country running at school - all those puddles!) but wearing specs is a bit of a drag. Think I need to invest in a waterproof cap.

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toAnnaRC

Caps are great- as soon as I put mine on I feel like a proper runner!

JoP61 profile image
JoP61Graduate

I'm totally with you - I started C25K in the deep dark cold and wet of mid-January, and have been running in the cold/wet/snow/ice ever since. I love it! I hate getting hot, and I can't imagine running in summer temperatures.

I've been going out at 6.30am and I think that might get earlier as the temperature increases.

Best of luck with your running! 😀👍

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate in reply toJoP61

Ditto with the start date! I wish I was more of a morning person but I do like chilling out after a run rather than doing a full day’s work. Summer running is the new post-grad challenge (if the sun returns!)

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Wonderful, so you would like the beast from the east to be with us most of the time, yes, I think you are in a minority liking to run in wet and cold weather, however, that's your choice, best of luck.

I have just finished Round 2 run 3, I did that run along the coast, not where I live, lovely day here in Scotland.

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