Winter is an interesting season. Most people, when asked about exercise during the winter, talk about the gym, treadmills, and staying inside. This has always seemed strange to me, as winter is the best time to be outside for exercise, especially running. I personally think it is truly the best time for a runner.
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| Running in kilts rock! |
Winter brings colder temperatures, later mornings, and earlier nights. Let's talk about the change in temperature first. I am one of those runners that sweats a lot. I also overheat faster then many runners. During the hot and humid summers of Virginia, I tend to run with as little on as possible, but I can only take so much off before it becomes illegal, and unsightly.
When winter comes, this changes. One of the benefits of colder temperatures is being able to layer on clothes. The colder it gets, the more layers you use. As you get warmer during a run, you remove a layer and continue on.
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| The cold never bothered me anyway! |
While technically there is a limit to the amount of clothes you can put on and still run, today's clothing technology gives a runner many options to stay warm, look good, run like a star.
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| Me modeling the newest cold gear |
The temperature is only one reason why I love this time of the year. The second is the terrain. I love running in and on the snow. Unlike a rain shower, a snow shower is an amazing experience for a runner. It is quiet and beautiful, as you run through the white flakes as they fall from the sky.
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| It started snowing, so I went for a run |
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| Difficult Run Bridge, a little icy, earning its name |
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| New fallen snow on a trail. The best time to run! |
The snow is only some of the beauty of the season. Since the sunrise is much later in the day and the sunset is much earlier each day, runners will experience more evening and early morning runs in the dark and twilight. This brings a whole new set of color and beauty that cannot be seen during any other season.
With the amazing dawns...
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| Dawn during a late December run |
And the celebration of the many holidays during this time of the year through lights...
It is hard to match the beauty and wonder seen on just a single run during the winter. It will be cold, it can be slippery (YakTraks fix that), and it may be wet, but you will be in awe as you enjoy that daily run, and wonder why everyone complains about the winter. There is a reason we call it a dreadmill, and unless it is sleeting outside, I recommend that you wrap up, slap on a good set of smartwool socks and sneakers, and head out to the most wonderful time of the year! You will experience the same joy as Abie here.
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| Abie taking in the best time of the year! |
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