When big weather blows up, it can be tempting to stay inside and wait it out. Don’t! Running in windy conditions might not sound appealing but there are a lot of benefits. There’s also a few ways you can adapt your runs to get the most out of the change in the weather.
Increased stamina – Some professional running coaches strap parachutes to their runners in order to create drag. It’s called resistance training. You can get the same effect by running into a headwind. You’ll expend more energy to cover the same ground as usual, giving your muscles a tougher workout.
Adapt your running gear – Make sure your running gear is as streamlined as possible. The looser your clothes are, the more surface area the wind has to catch you and slow you down. It can also flap causing a bit of extra irritation. The wind can be cold, too, so dress warmly and wear a windproof outer to keep the chill off your chest.
Map your run to the wind – If you want to push yourself, map an out-and-back run so you are running into the wind for the first half. This will tire you, and you’ll find sweet relief when you turn around and have the tailwind helping to push you home. On the other hand, if you’re training yourself to finish strongly, map the headwind for your second half. You’ll need to draw on mental reserves to push through the last miles. This mental toughness will help on race day.
Have fun – Don’t feel like you need to take on the extra physical load of running into the wind every time you step out of the house. Have a bit of fun and ride a tailwind for an entire run. See what it does to your times and enjoy feeling like you’ve found a secret superpower!
Take care – Lastly, if the winds are gusty, take it easy. Wind speeds over about 35 miles per hour can start to really push you around. Combine this with wet or slippery surfaces and you have a good reason to stay inside. Running by windy cliffs or on roads with heavy traffic can increase the risk beyond any training benefit. Save your run for another day or head to the gym.
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Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site
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