Is it worth running in winter?

​

For many people, winter is a time that is associated with the complete cessation of physical activity outside or only and exclusively with winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Often, even advanced runners, for those few frosty months move to the roofs of gyms or fitness rooms.

In that case, is running in winter bad?

I'm sure it's difficult. Definitely harder than spring or summer. Especially in inexperienced runners, who do not yet have the habit of systematic training in their blood, a lot of problems can cause. Low temperature, cold wind, falling snow or rain and slippery, frozen ground can undoubtedly demotivate you. It is definitely more comfortable and more comfortable to stay at home, on a sofa, under a warm blanket, with a remote control for TV in your hand. But is sport about being comfortable? No, it's about tackling weaknesses, overcoming one's own borders and setting new standards for oneself. Take care of your body and condition, while drawing from it joy and satisfaction, which is not dependent on current weather conditions.

So why should you run in winter?

Because this is the same training as any other time of year. Only systematic approach allows us to achieve measurable results of our efforts. If we give up running for a few winter months, our form will be in a terrible condition in spring. Even if we spent the rest of the year building it, we will have to start from scratch with the end of winter. However, if the frost and snow do not discourage us, after a solid winter training, we have a chance to achieve really good results in spring, which usually abounds in various types of marathons and half-marathons. Winter is a good time to extend your distance and practice your endurance at a calm pace. Remember that you don't have to run fast to improve your condition, and in difficult conditions high speed can become dangerous.

It is also worth remembering that in winter it is easier to gain weight. The low temperature and less exercise in the open air makes us eat more, so we can "get rich" a few extra kilograms faster. If you add to this a lot of feasting opportunities - Christmas, New Year's Eve, carnival - it will be good to plan an effective way to keep your weight in check. And what will allow fat to burn faster than running?

In addition, regular physical activity in the open air, in winter, allows the body to harden. It supports the immune system, thanks to which we are less frequently ill and better prepared to cope with both unfavourable weather conditions and viruses attacking us. However, you should remember to wear an appropriate outfit, adjusted to the temperature, which will protect you from the cold and at the same time prevent sweating and good footwear.

Thanks to systematic training we maintain good physical condition, which turns out to be very useful also during seasonal sports. This will allow us, for example, to enjoy skiing without being disturbed by the starters that are likely to occur in people who do not practice regularly.

Running in winter has one more advantage - it allows us to get to know the terrain in which we probably ran more than once, in a completely different way, and also teaches us how to move on a different type of surface. This gives us the chance to become more attentive, experienced runners who can cope with obstacles much greater than the unevenness of the sidewalk. However, it should be remembered that running in a flooded or snow-covered area can be a cause of injury - the most important thing is caution.

Finally, I would like to mention something that will be obvious to running enthusiasts. Running makes you happy. No matter the weather, time of day or year. It has been scientifically proven that after 40 minutes of training, endorphin, i.e. the hormone of happiness, starts to release in the human body. In addition, outdoor movement helps to oxygenate the brain, which also has a positive effect on our well-being and concentration. If - as a large percentage of people - we assume that winter is the most depressing season of the year, it seems natural that precisely during its duration we should pay special attention to maintaining not only physical but also mental health. After all, as the proverb says, in a healthy body, a healthy spirit!