Runners can use the wind to their advantage, with a little knowledge
Scott Trappe, Ph.D., Ball State University Human Performance Laboratory • Runner's World
The key to getting the most out of your speed training is staying consistent Credit: Al Bello/Allsport
Running in the wind can be tough. However, you can use the wind to your advantage if you plan ahead. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Always start your run going into the wind on warm days. You'll get some quality speedwork on the way back. Just be content to go slower initially, as the energy cost of running into the wind can be 15 to 25 percent greater than that of running on a calm day. Concentrate on your form and not your pace. Lean forward a little more than usual and lift your knees higher to help plow your way through the wind. Treat the headwind as a warmup for the return trip.
Once you make it to the turnaround point, the real workout begins. Your muscles will be warm and loose, so you can focus on "speed play" on the way home. Do some pickups, or simply run at a pace slightly faster than your usual training pace. Either way, the wind at your back provides an excellent opportunity to run faster than normal. The increased stride length and turnover will help your leg speed.
On chilly training days, there's another reason to head into the wind on the way out: At the beginning of your run you haven't produced much sweat, so you won't feel as cold.
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