Sign up for a winter race like, Ottawa’s Winterman Marathon which takes place during Winterlude in mid-Feburary.
Winter’s here in full force. In Canada, winter’s unrelenting wrath is for real but it doesn’t have to kick your winter running to the curb. What’s the best way to put the boots to all the cold-weather complaining? Make a list of all the reasons why winter running is pretty darn cool. Trust us it is! Here are seven to get you started.
1) Build your core strength. Navigating the icy sidewalks and plowing through snowy streets is a killer core workout. Think of it like running on a beach and on a bright and sunny winter’s day you just might feel the sand between your toes; well, alright, maybe not.
2) Chocolate milk is an excellent post-run beverage. But hot chocolate? Even better! Pass the marshmallows please.
3) It toughens you up. Not only do you look like a bad-ass rocking the roads when most people are couch surfing (or sleeping) but winter running will make those spring races feel like a breeze. Who knows, you might even score a PB.
4) Sweat-free running. Okay, that’s not entirely true, or at all true really. But it will take you a whole lot longer to feel the effects of your hard-core running, making you more inclined to run a little farther, a little faster even.
5) You’ll feel happier. Taking your running outside, especially on chilly but sunny days gives you a daily dose of vitamin D, a vital nutrient that’s in short supply during this time of year.
6) Enjoy the scenery. Whether you’re in the country or the city, winter running offers a completely different land and cityscape. From the icicles hanging from a barn roof to the frost crystallizing on storefront windows, there is a certain beauty that can be found, unexpectedly, even on your regular route.
7) Winter races. You don’t have to wait until warmer weather hits, registering for a winter event is a great way to keep motivated to hit the road on those cold, dark and early mornings. Plus, most events typically have a mid-morning start time, which means you don’t have to be an early weekend riser to make it to the start line.
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I’ve been running for years, but started winter running this year. Mid-run my ankles started hurting from running on snowy pavement. Any suggestions to alleviate this problem?
Remember, winter running isn’t about speed or distance, it is more about time. Used to have much the same, ankles and calves felt sore during the run, slowed down a bit and cut the distance for a while to build the. Strength in those muscles that hadn’t been used. Happy running!!