Running on a Windy Day

Summer time is the prime season for running and racing. Warm weather, early sun rises, and clear skies create perfect running conditions. Unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Many of the best running routes are subject to high summer time winds, causing runners to second think going out for a run.

Wind doesn’t have to ruin your daily run. Not only is it possible to enjoy a good workout in high wind, running against the wind can improve your running capabilities. Here’s how to make your blustery runs tolerable and worthwhile.

Run In The Morning

In many places, the wind is at its strongest in the afternoon. Often, the mornings are still. If your goal is to face as little weather resistance as possible, morning runs give you more of a chance to miss windy conditions.

Start Running Into The Wind

Beginning your run into the wind allows you to expend more energy during the difficult part of the run. Don’t hold yourself to your regular pace. Running slightly slower will still tax your body just as much as if there were no wind.

Lean Into the Wind

This helps lower your profile as well as shift your center of gravity into a more appropriate position. Though a straight running posture is ergonomically more efficient, the wind counteracts that efficiency. Remain relaxed, just as you should when running in normal weather.

Block The Wind If Possible

Run along a concrete wall or barrier that will reduce the amount of wind you must fight. You can use more than walls. Lines of trees or cars along a street work as barriers. If you’re running or racing with other people, you can use the drafting technique. Let the other runners be your wind barriers.

Use The Wind For Speed Workouts

Running into the wind is no fun, but with the right attitude, wind will help improve your physical conditioning as well as give you more of a mental edge. Do tempo runs, intervals, or hills facing the wind, and recover running with the wind. Your mental strength will shoot through the roof.

Savor The Rewards

The wind provides a pleasant cooling factor. Sweat quickly dissipates, cooling you off quickly.

For an out and back running route, remember the payoff. Every mile you run into the wind is a mile you get to run with the wind. If you can’t bear the thought of running into the wind, cheat. Have somebody drop you off at the top of your route and run the entire thing with the wind. Especially useful on days you just don’t want to get out, the opportunity to run with the wind the entire way is a great motivator.

Windy Weather is No Fun

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