“Blow winds, and crack your cheeks! Rage, blow!” So says King Lear, and we’ve all had runs like that!
If you’re planning on running in the wind, we’ve put together seven top tips to help you safely enjoy the experience. Featuring the hard-earned wisdom of our trail and mountain running athletes, this is a must-read if it’s looking a bit blowy out.
1. Wear clothing that blocks the wind
Make sure you dress appropriately for the conditions. That means layering a base layer next to the skin, a warm mid layer if needed, and then an outer windproof jacket. The windproof jacket will stop the wind getting through and making you cold.
“Wear a windproof jacket and then put the waterproof over the top for extra protection.”
Nicky Spinks
“For windy days, if it is very cold, I take a piece of thin plastic that I put between my body and clothes.”
Emmanuel Gault
2. Run against the wind on the way out
This one was the most popular tip from our athletes. The majority agreed that you should check the direction of the wind before you head out, then run into the wind on the first part of your circuit or out-and-back. That way, you do the hardest bit out of the way in the first part of your run, and get the benefit of the wind behind you in the latter part.
“Check the wind direction and plan your run so that you'll have the wind behind you on the way back.”
Sarah Perry
“Plan your run so that you are heading into the wind on the way out, and then enjoy the wind on your back all the way home/to the car.”
Andy Berry
“I always try to run into the wind on the way out and get a helping hand on the way home.”
Tom Roger Adams
3. Cover your neck, head and hands
Depending on how cold it is, you should consider covering your neck, ears, head and hands. This can be as simple as pulling the hood up on your jacket, or wearing a hat/headband, snood and/or gloves to keep you warm.
“When it's windy, your neck needs to be protected. A snood will keep your neck and ears warm on those longer runs.”
Luzia Buehler
“Balaclavas are great when it’s very windy and blowing rain or hail.”
Nicky Spinks
Image credit: Stephen Wilson (Grand Day Out Photography)
4. Tuck in behind another runner
There’s a distinction here between training and racing. In racing, it’s perfectly fine to draft behind other runners – although you might want to share that work depending on the event.
For regular training runs, be mindful of startling or scaring the runner you are drafting off – particularly if you’re wearing a balaclava as Nicky suggests above!
“Tuck in behind the people you are racing. Do not run in front and work harder than you need to. Draft as much as you can and take turns drafting if running with club or teammates.”
Nicholas Turco
“Run behind another runner and use their slipstream.”
Damian Hall
5. Don't worry about pace
Pace goes out of the window on a windy day. Chances are GPS will too!
Windy days are an opportunity to work on effort, not pace. You will be slower than usual, so enjoy the run for what it is: character-building!
“Don't worry about your pace when its super windy, into it you will be super slow, with it you will be unrecognisably fast. Just ignore the data and enjoy you run!”
Andy Berry
6. Be safe
It goes without saying that if it’s really windy, then running outside might not be the best idea. Cross training, a treadmill workout, or some strength and conditioning work can be a great way to still do something productive if the conditions aren’t great.
If you do decide to go out, be shrewd about your route choice.
“I really enjoy running in extreme windy conditions but avoid woods and higher ground if possible.”
Tom Roger Adams
“Stay off the hill tops, there's plenty of stunning low-level routes to explore that won't result in you potentially blowing away.”
Sarah Perry
7. Get into the zone
When it comes to running in the wind, there are two types of runner: those who like to go full King Lear, and those who like to block it out.
A windy day is the perfect opportunity to practice getting into “the zone” – whether that zone is enjoying the wildness of the conditions, or blasting through your run listening to heavy metal.
“Just enjoy, it's proof that you're alive!”
Elise Delannoy
“Hood up, headphones on - I call it getting into my office. If you can’t feel the wind on your face or hear it, it's not there!”
Allie Bailey