There are many challenges to winter running, one of them being running in the wind. It can range from annoying to dangerous, and it’s something that most of us deal with at some point or another. While a strong wind in the summer may feel good, windy weather when it’s cold out can make our runs much more challenging. Let’s talk about how to make the most of running in the wind, especially in the cold winter months.
How to Make the Most of Running in the Wind
Safety first when considering running in the wind
Check the weather, and make sure it will actually be safe to run outside. Sometimes my weather app will issue wind warnings, so I definitely don’t run in those. You don’t want to worry about branches falling off trees or other debris flying around that can hurt you.
Adjust your schedule
If possible, try to avoid doing harder workouts or longer runs when it’s windy out. If there is a particular day that will be really windy try to make it a rest day, a cross-training day, or an easy run. You could also run on the treadmill if that is an option for you.
Wear the right clothes
Dressing for a windy run can be so tricky! When the wind is blowing it feels so cold, and then you turn and go in the other direction where it’s calmer and all of a sudden you feel warm! While I usually try to slightly underdress, personally I like to dress a little warmer when it’s windy. (I will dress for how it feels in the wind, not how it feels when the wind stops blowing, if that makes sense.) It’s uncomfortable enough running in the wind, so I don’t want to be freezing while I am out there!
I find that layers work really well. I usually wear a long, tight tank top, a warm long-sleeve shirt, and some sort of jacket. I have a few Brooks jackets that work really well on windy days. They are thin, but still pretty warm. I don’t feel like I’m sweating in them when the wind isn’t blowing but then keep me warm when the gusts start to pick up. Two that I would recommend are the All Altitude Jacket and the Canopy Jacket. (affiliate links)
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Protect your skin in the wind
Windy runs, especially in the winter, can make your skin really dry. Consider using some lotion, vaseline, and/or lip balm. If it’s sunny out make sure you are wearing sunscreen. You might also want to consider wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Plan your route for running in the wind
Usually the wind is the worst in one or two directions and calm in the other directions. Keep in mind that if you do an out and back, and it’s calm on the way out, you are gonna pay for it on the way back. I prefer to do small loops in my neighborhood so that I deal with some wind and then get a little break.
Run with a group on windy days
If you can safely run with a group, take turns blocking the wind from one another. I’ve never actually tried this but I know runners will do it in races sometimes! It may also be a nice distraction to have people to talk to during a windy run.
Run by effort when running into the wind
If you are running into the wind your pace will be slower at the same effort as your usually runs. Allow yourself to slow down and adjust your pace accordingly. Effort is more important than pace, so try not to worry about the numbers.
Reframe your thinking
Running in the wind can make me really frustrated. It feels so much harder and can be extremely uncomfortable. Try to tell yourself that it’s a form of resistance training and that it will make you a stronger runner. Also, you never know what conditions you will get on race day so it’s good to practice running in all conditions.
Enjoy having the wind at your back
Hopefully if you make it through a windy portion of your run you will be rewarded by having the wind at your back. Enjoy the feeling of having a little help pushing you along on your run.
Don’t let the wind ruin your training
Remember that this season won’t last forever. Before we know it we will be back to complaining about the heat and humidity. Make some adjustments, do your best, and try to make the most of your runs.
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How do you feel about running in the wind?
Do you run in very windy weather or opt for the treadmill?
Wind has never been an issue in my running until I came to Cape Town. The strong winds here are incredible and have an enormous impact on running performance.
Like you recommend, I had to reframe my thinking and just accept it as an extra training challenge. And yes, I do enjoy having the wind in my back, haha!
Is the wind seasonal or always there where you live?
The wind here is mostly an issue in the late fall, winter, and early spring. We have a little wind in the warmer months but its not as bad and of course since it’s not cold out it doesn’t feel quite so bad!
I use a lot of the tips you mentioned to manage my runs in the wind. I also remind myself that back when Becky trained me for my pr marathon, she used a parachute-like device on my back to work on resistance training. I hate running in the wind, but it is a good tool for getting stronger and I try to think about it like that. Having a tailwind is always a treat!
Oh yea, its definitely a form of resistance training! It can be hard to stay positive when it’s knocking you over but it really can help you get stronger!
I always say the wind is my nemesis LOL I detest the cold of winter, but I can handle it if the wind plays nice (but that’s quite a rare occurrence in the winter). Somehow, the wind doesn’t feel as menacing in the summer, but it’s been unusually windy here for the past few months (and I’ve been on a bike for most of it). Anyways, I have found I can layer a couple of thermal tops under a “regular” windbreaker, and that often feels pretty comfortable if the temps aren’t too extreme.
We have much less wind in the summer and since its warm out it doesn’t feel as bad. I bet it’s really tricky dealing with wind on a bike!
I have done some really windy halfs. I’ve actually done well in them too — so there’s that, training in wind can help you in a windy race. But yes, it’s SO tiring.
Adding lotion because it dries out the skin — that’s a great tip!
That’s a good reason to practice running in the wind- you never know when you will have to race in the wind!
We seem to encounter a lot of wind on the trail we run on. On super windy days we do run into the wind first and it helps us warm up. The way back is always much nicer especially when it is accompanied by a down hill 🙂
Oh that’s perfect! I feel like the wind often changes directions here and I can’t always count on it being better on the way back.
How appropriate!! it seems that every run lately is windy.
If it is a run, I always end with the wind at my back (if possible).
I wear sunglasses (even if it cloudy) because the wind dries out my contacts.
It’s definitely nice to end with the wind at your back if possible! Sometimes I try to plan it that way and it doesn’t always work out.
Great tips! I follow most of these for running in the wind. We get winds for most of fall/winter/spring here since we aren’t far from Lake Michigan. I will run outside in them until the gusts get above 35-40mph or so.
I’m not sure that I have a cutoff but that sounds probably similar to what I do. Unless I’m running with the stroller, then my threshold is much lower.
It was really windy on my last run and I wasn’t expecting it at all! It’s challenging for sure and I do my best to focus on effort over pace. Totally agree about having those layers – it can be deceptively warm when the wind’s not blowing! I will need to check out those Brooks jackets – I am due for an upgrade!
Oh that’s so tough when it’s windy and you didn’t expect it!
We do get a lot of wind around here, year-round, but it usually isn’t really cold. So it’s just annoying lol.
That’s how I feel about wind in the summer here. It’s less frequent and a little annoying, but not a big deal. Its the strong, cold wind in the winter that really gets me!
You know, wind isn’t something we deal with too often here. Yes, sometimes we will have tropical storms and that comes with lots of wind, but it’s manageable until it’s unsafe. And when it’s cold, it’s not generally so windy that it’s hard to run. Not complaining, mind you!
I think the hardest part about running in the wind is when it’s cold and windy, so that would make sense that it’s not as big of an issue there. I know that even though we have some windy days in the summer here that usually they aren’t a problem for running.
I was doing intervals on the promenade by the Atlantic ocean on Monday. The wind was blowing and it had an impact of about 15 seconds on my 350m splits. That’s 45 seconds for a kilometre and even more for a mile.
I did enjoy the tailwind, though!
The wind has been crazy lately! We change our route sometimes in order to try to minimize it. I think of it as strength training
Great minds thinks alike! We both had weather today!
This morning, it was in the 30s (which for us is freezing and awful). In the sun, running one way, I was actually feeling overdressed and about to strip off my fleece. And then I turned and hit shade and wind and thought it was the end for me.
I am definitely not a fan of running in the wind. Last week I was meeting a client to run and it was blowing so hard I kept hoping she’d cancel. 🙂 She didn’t and it actually calmed down for our run so all was good.