I just want to put in a plug for running through the snow, regardless of (and maybe even because of) how much it slows you down.
It has been a sloppy, wet, snowy couple of days here in Minnesota, and while I understand the need to occasionally retreat to the treadmill, I just want to put in a plug for running through the snow, regardless of (and maybe even because of) how much it slows you down. Apologies to those of you who are not blessed with our wintry weather, but I imagine you can all find your own equivalent of an environmental condition (mud, wind, etc.) beyond your control that will force you to slow your running down from time to time.
Here in Minnesota, we have an extraordinary history of producing great distance runners. While that may come as a surprise to some given our cold winters and challenging conditions, I think it makes perfect sense when you think about the fundamental demands of distance running. The most important determinant of success from a physiological standpoint is the ability to generate energy aerobically. And the most important determinant mentally is a dogged determination to continue despite the difficulty you encounter.
Physiologically, running in the snow, especially if it’s fresh and not packed down (and if you are wearing added layers, etc), dramatically increases the energy cost of running. What this means is your muscles cells are challenged to produce more energy to run the same speed, or you have to slow down. Depending on conditions and pace, you may runner slower and still spend more energy. This is all stimulating your ability to produce energy aerobically, with relatively little biomechanical stress and strain on the body. We take it for granted that running on soft surfaces and trails can be beneficial for this reason, but few people discuss this particular benefit of running in the snow.
While I am a believer in the physiological benefits of snow running, I would argue that the psychological benefits are even greater. There’s the obvious “mental toughness” argument that if you can train through the snow and whatever other adverse conditions, you will be ready for anything on race day. But there’s also the importance of feeling connected to your environment, and actually finding enjoyment in the outdoors during all seasons. Personally, I relish the relative quiet that I find out on the city trails in the winter, and the beauty of freshly fallen snow. The darkness of an early morning can seem cold and foreboding from the confines of home, but it rarely if ever feels like that midway through a run. In a world where our environment is tightly controlled and regulated, it’s great to have that window of connection where we can see that we are just a tiny part of a greater world. The fact that we have the ability to run through it in all these different conditions feels pretty amazing sometimes. Or maybe that’s just the endorphins talking! Have a great holiday season, and we will be back in the New Year.
Chris Lundstrom is the head coach of Minnesota Distance Elite – formerly Team USA Minnesota – which includes some of the top distance runners in the USA, including Annie Frisbie, Dakota Lindwurm and Joel Reichow.
