Going for a long run in the winter poses several unique challenges. But first, why do a long run in the winter? Well, if you have a spring race on the calendar, you obviously need to train. And pretty much anything over a 10k requires several weeks of long runs to get to the finish line! But the treadmill? For some people, the treadmill is a great option. I’ve never been a big fan of running on the treadmill, even for shorter runs. I’ve tried all the tricks and it just isn’t for me. Plus I love being outside and when the sun is shining it feels extra wonderful!

Challenge #1 – What to wear so you can run safely! Cold weather running poses challenges for gear. I adhere to the age-old saying that there is no bad weather, just bad gear. But it can be tricky to find the happy medium of being overdressed and sweating like it’s summer and being a popsicle because you aren’t wearing enough clothes. On one of my first runs in MN, I didn’t check the wind chill and froze! Each runner manages the temperatures differently and my Tuesday running buddies always wear an extra layer than me! I would also include in this things like yak-trax to help with traction. Which leads to the next challenge…

Challenge # 2 – Tricky ground conditions! Snow and ice can make walking a challenge. It can really vary between sidewalks, running paths, different cities, and obviously paved vs dirt paths. Honestly, I find that non-paved surfaces tend to be great for running, as other runners, walkers, and bikers often trample down a solid trail, especially after a snowfall. They can be dicey if it has turned into ice, though. Sidewalks and paved trails can be a mismatch of clear pavement, solid ice, and crunchy snow that rolls your ankle! Slipping, rolling your ankle, and inconsistent stride length are all troubles to behold on the sidewalks.

Challenge #3 – Frozen Hydration and Nutrition! For longer runs in below-freezing weather, it can be hard to keep a water bottle and nutrition from freezing! The best way to keep this from happening is to have them close to your body, but even then, they can still get frosty! There is nothing worse than going for a drink and there is slush in the bottle, or worse, the valve or spout is frozen shut! This leads us to the next challenge…

Challenge #4 – Infrastructure is closed! In the winter,w vital running infrastructure is closed. These vital stops include water fountains and restrooms! The water fountains are closed for obvious reasons. In Minneapolis, at least, many smaller standalone bathrooms are locked up as there isn’t heat available to them. Sadly, the number of porta-potties also tends to decrease in the winter months. This can lead to some significant issues and poor choices during a run – if you know what I mean!

Challenge #5 – Shorter Daylight Hours! It stays dark, dark forever in the morning, and the sun goes down sooo early. Lots of people don’t feel comfortable running in the dark, even with a head lamp or other lights. Daytime workers suffer from going to work in the dark and driving home in the dark for a month or so every winter. Not fun! And running for too long with a headlamp starts to give you tunnel vision!

Did I overlook any other challenges of going on a long run during the winter?