How To Make Running in the Wind Easier

Ah, running—the perfect way to clear your mind, stay fit, and feel the wind in your hair. But what happens when that wind turns from a gentle breeze to a fierce adversary? Running in the wind can feel like a battle against nature itself, but fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore why running in the wind is challenging and unveil five training strategies to help you conquer the gusts with ease. So, if you’ve ever found yourself struggling to stay on track during a windy run, read on to discover how to make running in the wind easier.

 

Why Running In The Wind is Hard

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why running in the wind can be so tough. First and foremost, wind increases air resistance, making it harder for you to maintain your desired pace. A study published in the “Journal of Applied Physiology” found that a strong headwind can significantly decrease your running speed and increase your heart rate, making your workout more demanding. Additionally, wind can disrupt your running form, leading to inefficient movement patterns and potential injuries.

Moreover, battling the wind can be mentally draining. The constant resistance and unpredictable gusts can make you feel like you’re not making any progress, which can be demotivating. It’s like running on a never-ending treadmill with the added challenge of Mother Nature’s resistance training program.

5 Training Strategies For Running In The Wind

1. Embrace the Elements in Your Training
To become a wind-whisperer, you need to train in windy conditions. Don’t shy away from running on windy days; instead, see them as opportunities for growth. Incorporate windy runs into your training regimen, gradually increasing the duration and intensity as you become more comfortable. This will help condition your body and mind to handle the challenges of running in the wind.

2. Strengthen Your Core and Upper Body
A strong core and upper body can be your secret weapons against the wind. Engage in regular strength training exercises that target your abdominal muscles, back, and shoulders. A stronger core and upper body will help you maintain proper running form, even when the wind tries to push you off course.

3. Adjust Your Running Form
Speaking of form, when it’s windy, focus on running with a slightly forward lean to reduce wind resistance. Shorten your stride and increase your cadence, which can help you maintain your pace more efficiently. Imagine you’re slicing through the wind like a streamlined arrow.

4. Choose Wind-Resistant Routes
Plan your running routes strategically. Try to start your run into the wind so that you’ll have it at your back on your way home. This way, you can enjoy a bit of a tailwind when you might be feeling fatigued. Additionally, consider running in areas with natural windbreaks, like wooded trails or buildings, which can offer some protection from the wind.

How To Pace Yourself When It’s Windy

Running in windy conditions can throw even the most experienced runners off their game. The gusts of wind can make maintaining a consistent pace a real challenge. But fear not, we’re here to share some tips on how to pace yourself effectively when the wind is against you.

1. Start Slower Than Usual
When you know you’ll be facing strong winds during your run, it’s essential to begin at a slightly slower pace than your typical starting speed. This conservative approach helps you conserve energy for when you’ll need it the most—when running directly into the wind. Starting too fast in windy conditions can lead to early fatigue and make the entire run feel like an uphill battle.

2. Use a Perceived Effort Approach
Instead of solely relying on your usual pace metrics, such as minutes per mile or kilometers per hour, consider using a perceived effort approach. Pay close attention to how hard you’re working relative to your comfort zone. On windy days, your pace might naturally be slower, but you can still maintain a consistent effort level. This approach ensures you don’t push too hard against the resistance of the wind and burn out prematurely.

3. Go by Heart Rate
If you have a heart rate monitor, windy days are an excellent time to use it. Set a heart rate zone that aligns with your training goals and stick to it. When the wind is pushing against you, your heart rate might rise even if your pace remains the same. Adjust your effort to stay within your target heart rate zone, which helps you maintain an appropriate level of intensity throughout your run.

4. Take Advantage of Tailwinds
One of the silver linings of running in the wind is the occasional tailwind. When you have the wind at your back, take advantage of it and allow yourself to naturally pick up the pace. Enjoy the sensation of effortless running and use this time to recover and recharge. But remember, this is also an opportunity to make up for any time lost when you were running against the wind.

5. Break Your Run into Segments
Mentally breaking your run into segments can make pacing easier in windy conditions. For example, if you’re running a loop course, divide it into quarters. Tell yourself that you’ll maintain a steady pace for the first two quarters, then pick it up a bit with the tailwind during the third quarter, and give it your all in the final stretch.

Final Words – How To Make Running in the Wind Easier

Running in the wind may be challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can conquer it. Remember, embrace the elements in your training, strengthen your core and upper body, adjust your running form, and choose wind-resistant routes. Pacing yourself is also key to a successful windy run.

So, the next time the wind howls and challenges you to a race, you’ll be ready. Instead of dreading windy days, you might even come to appreciate them as opportunities to become a stronger, more resilient runner.