Cold Weather: Will It Improve My Workout?
Florida has been nearly unrecognizable this winter with significantly colder temperatures than we usually experience at this time of year. There was even snow on the beach in the panhandle a few months back. We tend to get excited in the Sunshine State when the weather cools down for us. But will cooler weather improve my performance during a workout? Let’s break down the benefits of cooler-weather workouts.
5 Benefits of Running in Cooler Weather
- Less Sweating – In cold weather, you will sweat less, but this doesn’t mean you stop sweating completely, so moisture-wicking materials and hydrating are still essential.
- Faster Pace – As a general rule, you will be able to increase your pace in the colder weather. The opposite is also true. Your body’s potential for overheating in the summer means that a slower pace can help prevent heat stroke and other complications from hot weather.
- Increase in Endurance – Stamina tends to increase in cooler weather because of the lower chances of overheating. That means you might find yourself able to run longer distances in the cooler weather than you can in the dead heat of summer, for example.
- Mood Boost – Cooler weather can provide a mood boost during a run. General running in any weather causes the body to release endorphins, and that’s where the mood boost comes from. However, hot-weather running can drain one’s mood as the heat rises, which is not an issue in cooler weather. The mental health benefits of running continue to be beneficial in hot and cold weather.
- Calorie Burn Increases – This one is debatable, but the thinking behind it is that because you’re running faster and longer during cooler weather, you’ll inevitably burn more calories!
5 Misconceptions of Running in Cooler Weather
A few misconceptions do float around from time to time about running in cooler weather. We’ve got some counterpoints to share that will help you prepare appropriately for the drop in temps.
- Stay inside – When it’s cooler outside, you don’t have to stay inside! Get outside and enjoy those lower temps while they last (which isn’t long in Florida).
- Stop carrying water – Don’t be fooled by the decrease in sweating! Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean you will stop sweating during a run. Hydration is still important at any time of year. If you prefer not to carry water, it’s still essential to plan your route with water fountains along the way so that you can hydrate.
- Run Faster Every Time – When the weather is cooler, you might be tempted to speed up your pace for every run because it feels so good to be out in the lower temperatures. However, we want to train smarter, not harder. Vary your running routine. Keep those tempo runs, but also incorporate slower jogs.
- No need to stretch – A dynamic warm-up is a key element of any run in any weather. If it’s hot or cold outside, be sure to do dynamic stretching first to reduce your risk of injury.
- Wear lots of cotton for warmth – Instead of cotton, which soaks up sweat and keeps you damp and uncomfortable, get tech running gear, including socks, with moisture-wicking materials that will keep you warm and dry. This is why we say, “Cotton is rotten” for running.
Group Runs Now in the Morning and the Evenings
We’re kicking off morning Group Runs twice a week at our second location, St Pete Running and Coffee. Come out and enjoy the benefits of a running group!
Tuesday and Saturday Morning Group Run Details
Where: St Pete Running and Coffee, 2601 Dr MLK Jr Street N, St Pete, FL 33704
When: Tuesdays at 7 AM and Saturdays at 7:30 AM
Who: You! All paces and all levels of walkers and joggers are welcome to join us.
Distance: We have out and back 5K and a 10K route options from our shop to Coffee Pot Blvd along the waterfront.
Monday and Thursday Evening Group Run Details
Where: St Pete Running Company, 6986 22nd Ave N, St Pete, FL 33710
When: Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM
Who: You! All paces and all levels of walkers and joggers are welcome to join us.
Distance: We do a 5K route which goes out and back along the Pinellas Trail. When the time changes, we have a route from our store to Azalea park loop.
Do you still have questions about the benefits of running in cooler weather? We can help! Call us at 727-800-5043 or come into the store where our shoe experts are ready to provide the high-quality customer service you expect from a Top 50 Running Store in America.
