Do you find running harder in the cold?

[Nix1970]

This may be a daft question, but do you find it harder running in the cold? I find I tense up more and my muscles ache. Maybe it doesn't help that on we mornings the footpaths are like skating rinks!

Just wondered if anyone else finds this?

[Caz9 Graduate]

No, in fact I prefer running in the cooler weather. The warm weather makes me run a lot slower and I 'glow' more! In cold weather obviously you have to be aware of any ice or frost, but I do prefer it because I need to run faster to get warm! So my times improve in the colder weather. Last winter I was out running at 6.30am and sometimes it was around -4C!

[mrqwest Graduate in reply to Caz9]

wow, -4C? A bit chilly then

[mrqwest Graduate]

I like running in the cooler weather, like Caz9 said, in the warmth, it's harder to run as it feels like there's less oxygen in the air, you get too warm too quick and you do slow down.

Admittedly, I started running in April so I've not experienced 'cold' weather although it was a little fresh at 5am during April & May but can well imagine it'll be quite difficult to adapt to come the winter months.

[Nix1970]

Must be just me, I don't mix well with minus temps!

[AliB1 Graduate]

I started in January and some mornings it was very cold (-4 / -8) but I found that easier than the heat...you can wrap up against the cold (hat / gloves etc)

[Nix1970]

I just find it harder for some reason. The wind coming off the mountains has a real bite to it. Even wrapped up you can feel it, then end up too hot and sweaty! I'm in NZ (originally from UK) and find the cold 'different' here.

[Deryn61 Graduate]

I did my first outside runs (in week 8 )in minus temperatures in February this year, and i find cooler weather much much nicer for running (maybe not minus temperatures but I do like it cool!), I have struggled running on the warmer days we have had since (thankfully not frequent) )

[Nix1970]

I run at 5am, so the summer temp is wonderful at that time in the morning. In winter I find I get out of breath quicker. I went for a bike ride yesterday lunchtime and it was bright and sunny, but there was still frost on the ground and ice on the roads. Brrrrrrrr!