Run For The Steam
Irritated lungs, cold legs, and watery eyes don't sound like the epitome of good running, but fall and winter running are two of the best seasons to run. Yes, spring and summer have their perks: Sunshine and warm temperatures. It's great. The colder seasons, however, take the cake for me.
The first thing I always notice about fall is the crisp air. The first few strides always make my lungs feel like they're full. Like the air is actually clean. It's something you're hard-pressed to find in warmer temperatures. 55°F is my sweet spot of crispy. If I'm on the road, I'd like a side of sunshine to go with the crisp air, but I'll settle for just cooler air.
As the temperatures drop the daylight hours fade, and nighttime running is almost unavoidable. No problem. There's something calming about striding out for miles beneath a star soaked sky. You can go fast, or slow, or mix it up and the result is the same: focused running. You lose the distractions of everything you're running past. Plus, seeing your labored breath in the orange glow of a distant streetlamp on a lonely road is empowering.
And then there's snow. When cold air and moisture do the sky dance and produce weightless six-sided crystals the terrain morphs into a soft white blanket. Snow reshapes every single route. Trail or road, it doesn't matter. The monotony of your go-to route is broken and reset. Plus, the echo of crunching footsteps against a cold, unilluminated mountainside creates a symphony of expression while you're running.
Still not a fan of cold weather running? Be for real. A hot shower will never feel better than after a run outside in frosty weather:
