Top 10 reasons to run outside this winter

If you live in a snowbelt like I do, some winters can be a fresh wintery hell of daily slush and ice or fluffy, powdery snow. I’ll admit that on the really bad days, I will resign myself to run indoors on the ‘dreadmill’, and other times when I’d rather just curl up on the sofa with my book or watch a good movie. For the most part though, I’d much rather be outside.

Here are my top 10 reasons to run outside this winter.

1. Get some fresh air. In the northern latitudes, during the winter months we spend a lot of time indoors. My mom always used to tell me to, “Get outside and get the stink blown off you.” While running may actually add to the stink, getting outside for some fresh air will do your lungs good, plus help clear your mind – especially during the busy holiday season, or if you’re fighting a case of the blues in February.

2. Take in the sights. At any other time of year, I’m an early morning runner. In the last couple of week though, I’ve changed it up to evening runs (it’s dark before 5 p.m. now – is that considered afternoon or evening?). On Sunday, I ran late afternoon, and came across some local wild turkeys and a couple of white-tailed deer. Plus, I’ll admit that I love looking in the houses I’m running by for decorating or paint ideas. Yes, I’m one of THOSE people.

3. I love Christmas lights and decorations. And since they only last for a month or so, I try to soak up the beauty of the season as much as possible.

4. Cooler temperatures. It’s proven that runners perform better in cooler temps than warm ones. While it ain’t much fun running when it’s -17ºC with a -30ºC windchill (yes, I’ve done it – see my FB profile pic for the attire one sports in conditions like that), I’d trade running in hot, sticky weather for colder temps any day. The added plus: slightly less chafing.

5. Different kind of workout. Running on snow gives you a different kind of workout than running on bare asphalt. It’s a little like running on sand (or underwater), depending on the day and type of snow on the ground. Great for strengthening ankles and stabilizing muscle groups!

6. Builds camaraderie. If you run with others in nasty weather, you quickly build the bond of “we’re all nuts to be out here, but in it together”. It’s true, misery really does love company.

7. Trade in the shorts for tights. Being of the ‘whooee, that stings!’ crowd, I welcome the opportunity to wear something that won’t chafe every time I go out.

8. Slower going. While it sucks if you’re training for an early spring race with a PB in mind, winter running usually gives you no choice but to take it slow. If you want tempo runs or speedwork, that’ll mean you’re relegated to the treadmill unless you have bare roads. At least it’s only a few times a week.

9. Keeps the holiday and hibernation pounds off. While others are running around worrying about New Year’s resolutions to lose the turkey and Christmas crap they’ve overindulged in over the holidays, you know you won’t have to dig out your ‘fat pants’ to survive January.

10. Post-run hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows. ‘Nuff said!

Of course, the winter months bring other challenges besides snowy roads and bitter cold. The short, dark days mean we need to be extra-vigilant to ensure we’re visible to drivers. Wear hi-viz and reflective clothing when you can, especially when visibility is cut by blowing snow or nasty weather, and use flashing lights. And remember to always, always, ALWAYS run or walk facing traffic if you can’t use sidewalks – it’s better to see what’s coming at you so you can try to get out of the way, than to never have a clue.

Do you have reasons of your own to add to the list? Share them in the comments below or on FB.

Be safe, and get out there!