Winter Running: the Best Times to Run
While it’s more common to see people running when the weather is warm, many people practice winter running despite the cold. In this article, we’ll tell you about the best times to practice winter running. Take note and map out your routine accordingly!
Benefits of winter running
If you’re the kind of person who only exercises in spring and summer, we’re here to explain the main benefits of working out in fall and winter. This will make it easier to go running in cold weather!
The main excuse people use to avoid winter exercise is that the temperature is too low. The cold does, in fact, reduce your heart rate by up to six percent, so it’s likely that you will perform better in the summer.
While the prospect of heading out into the cold may sap your enthusiasm, your body will thank you once you get started. You’ll recover both the body heat and energy you lose due to an overall lack of movement.
In addition, you’ll burn more fat in winter than in summer. Despite what you might think, fat “melts” more easily in the cold than it does in the heat. High temperatures may make you sweat more, making you think you’re burning calories. The truth is that you’re losing liquids (recovered by drinking water) and toxins.
Another benefit of winter running has to do with your ability to eat more and treat yourself without worry. Carbohydrates and sugars are absorbed better when it’s cold. As a result, you can allow yourself a more calorie-rich meal once you’ve finished working out.
Finally, but equally important, exercise and running in winter reinforces your immune system. By exercising during this time of year, you can go the entire winter without so much as a single cold. So, if you’ve been putting off winter exercise for fear of getting sick, that’s one less excuse!
What are the best times for running in winter?
So far, everything may sound good in theory. However, in practice, it’s not so easy to set your alarm to go out and run. It’s not the best idea to go running in the evening either. The visibility is lower and the temperature tends to drop significantly.
Many people who are new to running ask about the best times to run in winter, as weather is obviously a highly important factor.
The best time to go running will depend on your particular taste and, of course, the weather. In the winter, it’s a good idea to go during the midday period – between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This is when the temperature is higher and there’s a bit of sun.
Of course, sometimes work won’t allow you to take an hour off during the day. However, you can combine a workout with your lunch break, getting in some exercise before eating.
Some runners practice indoor sports in winter, eliminating rain, wind, snow, and sub-zero temperatures and impediments to working out. This way, they can stick to their routines without too much disturbance.
The best times to go running in winter can vary depending on whether we’re working out outdoors or at the gym. In the latter case, you can go early in the morning or late at night because you’ll be protected from the elements.
Conclusion
What you need to keep in mind is that running in the morning and running at night are not the same. It requires willpower to wake up extra early to exercise before breakfast and work or to sacrifice after-office socializing with friends. But you need to make a choice in order to feel better and stay in optimal shape year round!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Zaragoza-Casterad, J., Serra-Puyal, J. R., Serrano-Ostariz, E., Generelo-Lanaspa, E., Julián-Clemente, J. A., & Ceballos-Gurrola, O. (2006). Los Factores Ambientales y su Influencia en los Patrones de Actividad Física en Adolescentes. RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias Del Deporte. https://doi.org/10.5232/ricyde2006.00401
