6 Reasons Your Chilly-Weather Runs Are Better Than Scorching Summer Ones
These reader-sourced tips prove that frosty equals fast.
While winter is still a calendar month away, the cold temperatures are already here. But based on previous responses to an Instagram post asking for cold-weather-running tips, we had a theory—people actually prefer running in freezing temps to scorching ones. So we polled our readers via Instagram post, and the results are (overwhelmingly) in favor of running on a cold day.
If you’re not a believer, here are some reasons that nearly 3,000 readers submitted. And let’s face it, in most of the country your only choice now is to layer up, so you might as well enjoy it. Here are 33 reasons layering up for a chilly run is better than sweating it out during summer.
Seems like the cold never bothered these runners, anyway.
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You Won’t Overheat
“Running in the cold the best. It’s quiet, you don’t feel like you’re being cooked alive, and at least for me, you can go faster!”—gregganor
“It’s a whole different level of experience running in the cold, feeling the cool air, barely sweating, but it’s worth it at the end.”—tonii358
“Winter running is my favorite!!! I would run in the winter over the humidity of the summer any day!!!”—lindseyclayton23
“Give me the cold any day!! You cant always cool down in the summer heat but you can wear the right gear (and run fast/long enough) and you will warm up to a perfect temp in the winter.”—_keepshowingup_
“There are only so many layers you can take off in the summer until you have to suffer with the heat. In the winter you can wear ALL the layers you need to feel comfortable enough!”—liz_huggins
“I hate being hot. When it’s hot outside, there are only so many layers you can take off, plus I start to feel like I’m overheating. Although hard to start out in, 20° feels like 40° and is a godsend”—taradiseonetwo
“Getting dressed in cold-weather running gear inside a warm house to walking outside in freezing temps...it feels refreshing! No better way to get some fresh air in the winter than a run that also loosens your legs and lets you enjoy the outdoors.”—katrinajhall
It’s an Excuse to Buy More Gear
“Love running in the cold, you just have to take the extra steps to dress properly. If you do, you’ll be just as comfortable when you warm up as during more fair weather. Just takes a little more prep. Nothing like running at dusk while it’s lightly snowing.”—mke12
“I totally prefer the cold for several reasons: 1) spring marathons rock, 2) layers mean more cute running items 3) snow acts like a cushion, 4) less people out gets you better running selfies.”—thefitwanderluster
“Cold weather running rules! The right gear on your hands makes all of the difference!”—mollytrexler31
You Have Your Own Winter Wonderland
“Running in the cold means you get amazing winter paths and views to yourself. Plus it’s an excuse to buy toasty new kit. But the best bit is arriving home and rehydrating with a cup of tea :)”—lorienfee_bethan
“I love running in the cooler months because it’s my way of staying in touch with nature and my body. Being outside is one of the best ways to catch sunlight and a satisfying way to feel connected with my community.”—icreatenow
“As soon as the temps drop I become Buddy the Elf. The chilly air keeps the crowds away from the best routes, and my heart rate is a bit lower. Plus the hot shower afterwards is just the best.”—lilikurdz
“Cold and snowy weather is my favorite!! As someone who seems to overheat easily, winter is my time to shine lol! Then snow just adds a fun new challenge to every run! Plus it’s super pretty and peaceful to watch snow fall while you run!”—therunningrebel91
“I live in Minnesota! We have some of the best plowed paths around our parks and lakes! I recently donated a kidney and look forward to being able to get back next month in the height of darkness season with no humidity! What’s NOT to love about winter miles!?”—missjd73
“Honestly, the world looks so different covered in ice and snow than it does when it’s warm, and most of the time we spend our winter months cozied up inside by a fire and we miss out on embracing Mother Nature and her limitless winter beauty! Running allows for you to get out there, get your workout done, and appreciate nature during a season that a lot of people will overlook or avoid!”—feeney_carl
“I love running in the cold. There’s something about being out there when no one else is around. The beauty of a winter wonderland is unparalleled. The crunch of the snow, the cool air, everything white covering the dirt...it’s magical.”—ultrat7
The Trails Are Less Crowded
“I love cold weather running especially when it snowed or is snowing! It’s so peaceful! I love having the trail to myself.”—laura.runs.co
“Honestly the best reason is that there just are fewer people out there. More of the world is yours the lower the temp drops.”— lionhart05
“Cold weather running is the best! Everything is so still and full of winter magic. Plus the trails are usually quieter because everyone is too scared of the cold!”—saraaaa_84
“Love winter running! Snowflakes, empty trails, quiet woods, and solitude!”—lifewithdr.laura
You Feel Like a Total Badass
“Love, love, love running in winter—makes you feel alive.”—running.with.sparkles
“Winter is my favorite running season! Every time I take a breath, I feel like I’m taking a cold sip of water. I could run forever.”—jandyleee
“I love winter running. Braving the freezing weather makes me feel invincible, especially when I'm running in the snow on a running blade. If I don't face-plant, then that’s a good thing.”— ncrunnerjacky
“I just got back from a 20-degree run. I like it because I feel like I’m out there when most people start to turn to treadmills and indoor tracks. I feel like it makes me a hardier runner.”—bojo20
“Nothing says “I’m fully alive!” like braving the elements and putting one foot in front of the other against a biting wind, lungs filled with cold mountain air and icicles on your eyelashes, right? I’ll take chilled ’n’ rosy cheeks over heat stroke any day!”—kimberleymcmullen
“Cold weather dog runner here. Saw cold weather running as torture as a kid, but the dogs motivate me. On some of the coldest days, the oldest dogs I handle have renewed energy that I wasn’t seeing in any other season. They motivate me and keep my spirits up when my hands and nose are turning to icicles.”—queenofthefoxes
Training Feels Easier
“I’ve marathon trained through summer for autumn races and through winter for a spring races and without question, I find the winter training much easier. Nothing like a cold blue sky day.”—mellymolloy
“100 percent enjoy running more in the cold! I am much faster (science says you perform better in colder temps) and much prefer fresh, crisp air to humidity. Wear a good scarf and mittens/gloves and you’ll be fine. Then again, I was born and raised in Canada so maybe it’s in my blood.”—mrsfattedad
“I totally prefer the cold! Going out on a frosty day makes me more awake and alert than slogging through the heat. Maybe it’s my body’s response to the cold, but I end up with faster splits in colder weather than in the heat! Perhaps because my body wants to go back inside ASAP.”—ellieshein
“Frosty, fresh and fast! Cold weather is better than sluggish, sweaty, summer. There’s nothing more exhilarating to freshen the soul and body.”—fancynancysan
“Summer heat brings on PRs in the breezy cold weather! I feel all of my training in the hot and sweaty summer days prepares me for these colder days. I feel faster, stronger, and more alive. There’s nothing like running with a fresh blanket of snow beneath your feet—peace, quiet, serenity, and scenic views down a trail. One of the things that helps me personally is that I wear a hijab...so that definitely keeps me snug and warm!”—mayaghandour
“I prefer the cold because the humidity slows me down. This morning I ran in 12 degrees and had a mile PR!”—865running
Jordan Smith is a freelance writer, editor, and author with 10 years of experience reporting on health and fitness news and trends. She's also an ISSA certified running coach, and is passionate about making fitness accessible to all. You can find her work in publications including Runner's World, SELF, Prose, Vital Proteins, and more. The Philadelphia-based writer has yet to meet a workout class she doesn't like and can be found exploring the robust Philly food scene, hiking with her three dogs, and chronicling her attempt at tackling her endless TBR.
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