I confess: I did not run outside yesterday, solely due to the wind. Generally speaking, I’m not a fair weather runner. As one of my friends always says “There’s no such thing as bad weather. There are only poor clothing choices.” While I may not agree to that 100%, I do usually put on my big girl panties and go out for a run in most weather. So, here are my tips for running in the wind, even if I didn’t follow them this week.
- Dress appropriately. There’s a reason that the weatherman always mentions wind chill – wind makes it feel colder if the temps are at all cool. I tend to dress appropriately for the “feels like” weather, but I make sure I always have a zipper top. Why? Because I never run a straight out and back and I find myself constantly zipping and unzipping to keep from overheating.
- Protect your eyes. Wind can do some nasty things to your eyes. It’s very drying. It can also pick up dirt and leaves and other debris and push them into your face.
- Be aware of your surroundings. I live in a neighborhood filled with 100s of years old trees. While I’ve never had a tree come down when I’m running, there have been plenty of small branches raining down during a windy run. If your route has lots of trees, you might want to rethink it if the wind gusts are intense. Running in the wind should not put you in danger!
- Run by effort. The resistance is real! You aren’t going to go as fast into the wind as you will when the wind is at your back. We’ve all had that run where we felt like we were running in place as we headed into the wind. Don’t let that discourage you!
- Use running in the wind to your advantage. Doing a straight up out and back? Run into the wind so it helps push you home. Working on intervals? Get an extra workout by running into the wind during the fast intervals. Running hills? Run up a hill into the wind (and get the bonus wind at your back for the downhill!)
Wind doesn’t have to be a running deal breaker. It won’t be your easiest run and it may be darn cold, but training on windy days will make you stronger and better able to handle races like last year’s Cherry Blossom where they couldn’t put up signs or tents because of the crazy wind.
I’m linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for Friday 2.0. Today’s actual topic is running hacks. I’ve written about using running items in real life and hacks to make running better, so I’m pretty much out of hacks.
The wind around here can get a little crazy! So may branches blow around you have to be aware for sure.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…February Report Card-Month in review
This is so timely! It was so windy yesterday. I didn’t run outside, but it’s good to know these tips for the future!
Kimberly G recently posted…Try These Five Running Hacks!
Great tips, Erika! I have done a LOT of windy runs lately. Today I’m not going to deal with the wind AND cold.
So what do you do when it seems like it’s windy both ways, LOL?
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…5 Ways to Streamline Running
That’s what I tell myself. The wind will make me stronger. Plus if you see it on race day (hello NYCM 14) you’ll know you can handle it. I have a friend who has her husband drive her out so she can run it in with the wind at her back. How’s that for service?
Marcia recently posted…Coffee with some Prana Love
I always wear sunglasses, but love them even more on windy runs. My allergies can kick up on days like that, and my sunglasses prevent my eyes from looking bloodshot.
Yup, agree with all of these! The resistance IS real and it’s so hard to run into a strong headwind.
Rachel recently posted…5 Running Hacks: Use These Tips and Tricks for Your Next Run!
i live in NYC and I can either run in Central Park (hilly) or run on the river (windy). in the summer, river all the way. but i went recently and was blown away
great tips! Running in the wind does take a lot of effort- I feel like I am going nowhere fast 🙂 I dress for the feel like temp to!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Coffee and a little Florida love!
Tip 6) Don’t wear a hat! It well make for quite an annoying run… or you’re just flat out lose it haha
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Prana Spring 2017 Collection
Great post! It’s good timing too as today was incredibly windy here in Maine and I forgot the eye protection on my run, which was no fun! Pinning this for a reminder 🙂
Windbreaker vests are my go to! Although I’ve only faced horrible wind a few times.
Smitha @ FauxRunner recently posted…February Spotlight – Meet Miss. FauxRunner
What a timely post! I did a short run yesterday (almost skipped it because of the wind) and it felt like I was running into a brick wall!
I usually go out into the wind so that when I come home, I have the wind at my back. It’s a good system. Negative splits.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Coffee Talk
It’s a treadmill run for me when the weather forecasts wind conditions. When I ran NYC in 2014, the winds were incredible up to 30+mph gusts – I was blown sideways on top of the bridges. Regardless, it was still one of the best races I’ve ran.
This wind this week was no joke. We had some damage to houses and trees in our area. There are some days I will skip my run due to the wind. These are great tips!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…5 Ways for Runners to Save Time
I feel like I do a lot of wind running. It’s one of the main reasons why I wear sunglasses when I run, not just the bright sun! Running against the wind is by far the worst!
Anna @ Pipers Run recently posted…February Mileage & March Goals
Wind can be tough. We’ve been dealing with it for the past couple of weeks, and I’m trying to embrace it because I know it’s adding serious value to my workouts.
Jenn recently posted…friday five 2.0: 5 hacks to get through the long run
I always feel like I’m running in slow motion when the wind picks up against me. That resistance is no joke when the wind is strong. All you can do is laugh because it takes so much effort to move your body any distance.
Cassandra recently posted…Make Your Mouth Water: Low Carb
I too pay more attention to the feels like temperature than the actual temperature. And boy did it feel really cold this weekend!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Five Bucket List Rock ‘n’ Roll Races
Just ran an insanely windy half. I keep telling myself that it is windy for everyone and what doesn’t kill you makes your stronger. Still it was tough!
Darlene recently posted…TOLT: Weather, Training, Racing, etc.
I really don’t like when it’s windy and the weather blows directly into my face. But, these are some great tips and make everything seem so easy, Erika!