Why Winter Running

Sunday, January 14, 2018 · Mike Davis

Good morning!

With winter crushing much of the Eastern seaboard, running has been quite challenging. Frigid temperatures, no sidewalks, and poor footing, are just a few of the detractors of lacing up those running shoes. How can we be runners during winter?

In my running life, I have had a few winters when I came out of winter a better runner than I when into it. The ironic thing about that, is that those winters were some of the worst weather wise. One would think, that the best winter running would be the result of a mild winter or running south of the Mason-Dixon line. I recall one winter when we did not get much (if any) snow before ringing in the New Year, but then we had storm followed by storm and the remainder of winter and early spring were covered with snow. That winter I averaged over 30 miles per week running.

Treadmills are universally hated, but as a running coach, I embrace their value, while acknowledging the misery of running in place. Spending a winter on a treadmill is not for me, so my best winter of running was mostly outside. There were mornings I was up at 5am and on the streets of Dover 30 minutes later. Thankfully technology had designed winter running clothes that made running in frigid temperatures possible. My only mistake was being too stubborn to wear something such as Yaktrax to help with the slippery footing. The most difficult part of those early morning winter runs, was getting up and out the door, but once I was on the road, I found much joy in all that surrounded me. The quiet streets, the smell of wood burning and peacefulness of it all.

Many of my miles that winter were also run with a running group. Kathy and I really became runners, when we joined a training group. The accountability and enjoyment of group running, helps immensely with getting you out on a cold winter night or early on Saturday morning. Runners Alley, Coastal and NFLR all offer winter running groups that are a lot of fun! (www.nofinishlinerunning.com)

Those winters that I enjoyed running, solo, with Kathy and as a part of a group, it also motivated me to run on a treadmill when I had no other options. Feeling good about your running, will get you in your running shoes, no matter the surface beneath you. A snow street by yourself, or with a group, a treadmill, or maybe around a gym. Winter running, is not only possible, but can be enjoyable!

Come run with the NFLR “Winter Pacers,” Wednesday night from the 7th Settlement Brewery (6pm) or Saturday morning (8:30), from Bagel Grounds in downtown Dover. This group is free and lots of fun!

Have a great week and get out and move!

God Bless!

Mike

Coach Mikes Tip:

Roads and sidewalks can be deceiving because of black ice. Use something such as Yaktrax to safely run outside.