Why running in bad weather can be good for your health
If you’re part of the Outdoor Girl community and receive my newsletters you’ll know I’ve recently had a tendency to go running just as a storm is arriving 🤷♀️
Yep, I know! Most people prefer to hunker down and wait for the better weather. But the wild weather seems to call to me. I’m not even someone who runs regularly, only when the mood takes me.
Trail running adventures
I bought a swanky pair of trail running shoes after walking the West Highland Way in late spring. I’d had a craving for moving faster through the hills for a while, just never did it often enough to enjoy it. But walking nearly 120 miles in a week left me feeling both physically and mentally stronger. I had a much better appreciation of what my body could do.
Over the summer months, I did the odd short run here and there. But the pièce de résistance was a whopping 10-miler when we had a mini getaway in the North York Moors in late August. That was a hot, sweaty day but an amazing achievement.
Avoiding Storm Agnes
A month later, we were in Dumfries and Galloway, with Storm Agnes on her way. The forecast was not good and strong winds were blowing in. It would have been easy to light the fire and curl up with a good book.
But no, I had a restless energy which needed burning off. So we donned our trainers and headed out for a 5-mile run.
Running near Portpatrick before Storm Agnes
We came across a few other crazy people with a similar mindset. One group was squeezing in a wet and windy game of golf before Agnes really made her mark.
Meanwhile, our own intrepid adventure was filling me with energy - the good sort, not the restless sort.
Half way into our run, the rain started. But we were lucky and the proper soaking only came in the last half mile or so. Wet and windswept, with big smiles, we left everything in the porch to dry and warmed up with a hot shower.
Beating Storm Babet
For a whole load of reasons, it was another month before my running shoes came back out. And guess what, it was when Storm Babet was arriving!
I woke early with a fire in my belly to have a run. And with the forecast set to get worse throughout the day, grabbed my waterproofs and head torch.
Running through a river (lane) before Storm Babet took hold
I was surprised to see just how much water had already come down overnight. Our tiny streams were raging torrents. The hard pack paths and tracks had become rivers. And the fields were like lakes. Within the first 5 minutes, my shoes were soaking wet (although my feet were toasty warm thanks to my Sealskinz socks).
But again, the wild weather energised me. Like a crazy lady, I laughed, shouted and jumped for joy in a field.
So what the heck is going on? Especially when I tell you that I hate winter and get properly frustrated with bad weather.
Why embracing bad weather is good for our souls
First, and most importantly, I’m not going out in the middle of bad storms. If the Met Office warns of risk to life, I heed what they’re saying.
But I’ve been looking into bad weather exercise.
The Dutch practice something called uitwaaien.
It means walking or running in the wind, especially in winter. They do it to relieve stress and boost health, knowing they’ll come back feeling invigorated.
Hmmm, maybe there’s something to this urge I have to get outside before a storm!
There are lots more health benefits too.
10 reasons why bad weather can be good for our health
Natural daylight raises serotonin levels and lifts mood.
Our vitamin D levels (used for bone health, immune function, and serotonin levels) fall in the winter months, so the daylight gives us a much needed top up.
It’s more exhilarating to exercise outdoors than in a stuffy room, improving mood and reducing stress.
Battling through the elements helps us feel a sense of accomplishment, building grit, strength, and fitness.
Windy or blustery weather helps blow away our cobwebs.
Being outdoors in daylight can help with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) symptoms.
Trees and plants release phytoncides into the air which have a beneficial health effect on humans -> read why trees are good for you
We breathe cleaner air when it’s raining as the raindrops attract particles of pollutants, pulling them down to the ground.
Getting outside during the winter months helps us stay connected to nature, which is good for energy and balance.
Rainfall can be meditative, calming our active minds (think about how many meditation sleep soundtracks include rainfall).
Athletes also cite cite that exercising in the cold helps build their immune system, reduce inflammation in the joints, and is good for their heart.
I often find that getting outdoors in wet and windy weather is easier than the really cold months. But some of the most difficult weather for me is when there’s lingering fog with no breeze. My mood often reflects those days, and I feel lethargic and unmotivated.
I guess those are the days when I would really benefit from a little Norwegian friluftsliv (open-air living).
The Scandinavians seem to have it sorted
Final thoughts…..
If you’re heading out in bad weather, check the forecast for your area first. And make sure you have the right kit to stay warm and dry.
Here are some of the things I’ve been wearing:
Rab kinetic alpine waterproof trousers (lightweight trousers bought for walking)
Rab kinetic alpine waterproof jacket or ION waterproof softshell
Sealskinz waterproof socks
Buff (for neck warmth)
Lightweight gloves
Outdoor Research running cap (helps keep the rain out of my eyes)
Rab Veil 2L running vest
Note: No I’m not sponsored by Rab (but happy to chat if you’re reading this 😉 )
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Outdoor-Girl is run by Jacquie Budd, an outdoor adventure and marketing content writer for brands that care about their impact on people and the planet.
