Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

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5535 Views 21 Replies Latest reply: Dec 23, 2010 10:16 PM by Bwanna

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Jasonhomey

236 posts since
Jul 19, 2004

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Dec 8, 2010 5:35 AM

Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

Maybe it is mental, but why is it harder to get my breath running in colder weather sometimes? It seems like i don't have the same kick or same amount of oxygen that I would normally have during 45+ degree weather.

Do or do not, there is no try. - Yoda

PR's-

Marathon - 3:24:47 10/17/10 Columbus Marathon

1/2 Marathon - 1:34:26 09/07/03 Columbus Half Marathon

30 K - 2:22:36 09/28/03 Heritage Rails to Trails

10 Mile - 1:12:20 08/17/03 Alum Creek 10 Miler

4 Mile - 25:43 11/26/09 Pilgrim Progress

5 Mile - 34:43 05/26/2003 Upper Arlington 5 Miler

5K - 18:55 05/22/11 Physicians Free Clinin 5K Fun Run

10K - 40:50 02/27/11 Last Chance for Boston

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RunningErika
39 posts since
Nov 4, 2009

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1. Dec 8, 2010 6:42 AM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

I feel the same way. I do not like the way it feels to breathe in the cold air. I prefer 45+ as well. I do most of my running on the treadmill when it gets cold outside. I am also planning on joining a gym with a track for the winter months.

Erika

www.running5kraces.com

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middleagedrunner
12 posts since
Apr 13, 2010

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2. Dec 8, 2010 1:25 PM (in response to RunningErika)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

It has been freezing around here too- high of about 23 today. I really dislike heading out in this shiznit... I long for fall or springlike weather!

http://www.middle-agedrunner.blogspot.com

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flamomof 4
1,916 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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3. Dec 8, 2010 6:12 PM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

I don't like that my nose starts to run, I'm thinking I'll need to bring a snot rag with me

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skypilot77
1,050 posts since
Dec 16, 2009

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4. Dec 8, 2010 7:32 PM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

Come on folks -- take it as a challenge. The first day of winter has not even arrived yet.

You can do this!

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vcackerman
340 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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5. Dec 8, 2010 7:48 PM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

Got out a few times this week in the teens. Slow it down a touch to not hurt the lungs and you will be fine. It's like the extreme heat - move into it slowly and you will be fine. Dress right, cover your head and mouth (balaclavas are great) if need be.

PRs:

5K: 27:54 (Roselle Run for the Roses, June 2011)

4M: 37:51 (Elmhurst 4 on the 4th, July 2011)

8K: 46:46 Chicago Shamrock Shuffle (April 2011)

10K: 60:16 (Lisle Spring Spint Mar 2011)

HM: 2:10:03 (Great Western HM May 2011)

Upcoming:

7/23/2011 Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10 Miler

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LemonaidLucy
332 posts since
Sep 19, 2010

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6. Dec 8, 2010 10:57 PM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

A good advise would be slowing down, at least to 1 min/km slower than you usually run. Another tip is for when it's really very cold weather is a ski mask or a gaitor you can put over your mouth and nose. And last one: breath through your nose. I have been running here in temps around 2-10 F with no problem:-)

Lucie

PB 5k (training): 25:32, PB 10K (training): 56:05, PB 20k: 1:55:13, PB half marathon: 2:01:32

4/2/2011 Prague International Half Marathon 2:03:37

6/04/2011 Silva Nortica Trail Half Marathon 2:14:54

6/18/2011 Olomouc Half Marathon

8/14/2011 Zebrak 25K

Not faster, but farther. Not catch up, but hunt down.

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Surfing_Vol
848 posts since
Nov 6, 2007

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7. Dec 9, 2010 5:51 AM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

Cold air can cause your breathing passageways to constrict, which may explain why some people complain of exercise induced asthma only when it's cold outside.

I ran the other morning when it was between 13 and 18 degrees (do you believe the official weather or the TV weather). I wore a Nike balaclava (ninja mask) at the beginning of the run, but pulled it away from my mouth and nose after about a mile. You can find them at stores like runningwarehouse.com.

Plus, you can save 10% when you go to runningwarehouse.com through runnblogger's website: runblogger.com.

Surfing Vol

"Victory through attrition!"

Charleston Half-Marathon 1/15/2011 -- 1:52:03

The Scream! Half-Marathon 7/16/2011 -- 1:56:00

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SnackerChris
163 posts since
Dec 8, 2010

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8. Dec 9, 2010 5:54 AM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

Here in North Texas the weather could be one thing when you wake up and 10-20 different in a short period! My biggest issue with the cold is knowing just what is enough to wear and what is too much! My favorite and most effective clothing piece is a 1/4 zip fleece pullover. When its a cold start I zip it all the way up and breathe through the fleece. As I warm up I start to zip down and eventually usually I have it all the way down or have taken it off altogether and wrapped it around my waist. To me having a versatile piece like that is key! I also wear light gloves and these pullovers have slightly gathered cuffs so when I get warm enough to take them off I just shove them into my sleeve.

FLIP THE SWITCH! If I can lose 130 pounds in a year without pills or surgeries or food programs, so can you!

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Began 2010 @ 325lbs - Never even ran to dinner EVER before!

Started C25K Sept/2010 (239 lbs) - Graduated Nov/2010 (216 lbs)

First Official 5K - Frosty 5K 12/11/2010 - 25:57.8 (211 lbs)

Living for Zachary Heart Run 5K - 10/22/2011 - 22:34 (202 lbs) PR

Salute American Heroes 10K - 11/12/2011 - 47:48 (202 lbs) PR

Dallas White Rock Half Marathon - 12/4/2011 - 1:57:39 (202 lbs)

Leaping Leprechauns 15K - 3/10/2012 - 1:15:35 (210 lbs) PR

Big D Half Martahon - 4/15/2012 - 1:57:51 (215 lbs - felt it) PR

Cooper Summer Sprint Triathalon - 7/21/2012 - 25:18 on the 5K run piece (209 lbs)

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flamomof 4
1,916 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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9. Dec 9, 2010 4:15 PM (in response to Surfing_Vol)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

I was wondering about a mask, Thanks

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jojo7
27 posts since
May 9, 2008

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10. Dec 9, 2010 6:58 PM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

I totally agree. My coach always said that abouy 50 degrees is optimal running weather for your body so anything below that or above it can hinder your performance and how you feel. Breathing gets tricky with running in really cold temperatures...i have actually had serious coughs and chest pains for days after marathons I have done in 32 degree weather. so be careful. Perhaps on really cold days resort to the treadmill. Good luck

Happy Running!

JoJo

www.MyRaceRagZ.com

JoJo

www.MyRaceRagZ.com

"What will you WEAR on your next RACE DAY???"

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jillgun
6 posts since
Nov 8, 2010

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11. Dec 12, 2010 6:55 PM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

I am the opposite. I actually prefer to run in the cold! 35-40 degrees is perfect. I feel like I can breathe easier and do not get over heated(obviously). I wear a head wrap, a couple log sleeve tshirts and a vest that is fleece on the inside and windbreaker on the outside. The vest also has little pockets to hold your tissues and chapstick, a must, and an ipod pocket. I love it. Sometimes I wear gloves but most of the time they come off. I feel like I can run forever in the cold. And the snow covered surroundings are beautiful.

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Paissven
2 posts since
Jan 14, 2010

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12. Dec 16, 2010 7:15 AM (in response to Jasonhomey)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

That's an interesting question, being that I actually prefer to run in the cold. It feels much more difficult to run when it gets hot out. I tell people that I am a "winter runner"...
I went out in the sun with no wind the other day and ran 7 miles in 7 degrees. It felt awesome!

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dad2seven
3 posts since
May 17, 2010

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13. Dec 16, 2010 5:34 PM (in response to Paissven)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

I run better in cold weather as well. In winter the dew points are much lower which means every breath contains a higher concentration of oxygen since it contains less moisture. Additionally, heat hinders performance (see http://drmirkin.blogspot.com/2010/08/cold-drinks-improve-sports-performance.html) so theoretically you can run better when it's cold. This would make an interesting poll question.

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RunningErika
39 posts since
Nov 4, 2009

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14. Dec 18, 2010 4:35 AM (in response to Surfing_Vol)
Re: Why is it tougher to run in cold weather?

Thank you for this advice! I went out and bought winter running gear. I suited myself, and ran outside in the cold/snow/ice. It was surprisingly wonderful! Thanks again!

Erika

www.running5kraces.com

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