The discussion centers on the challenges of running in cold weather, particularly the impact on performance and breathing. Participants agree that cold air can make running significantly harder due to the increased effort required to maintain body temperature and the harsh effects on the lungs. A user shared their experience of running a mile in 12 minutes and 50 seconds in freezing conditions, highlighting the difficulty of the task. Recommendations include dressing appropriately for cold weather, understanding heart rate zones, and gradually building up endurance through a combination of walking and jogging.
PREREQUISITESAthletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals looking to improve their running performance, especially in cold weather conditions.
hamster143 said:You're getting some benefit ... just not a lot. If you're going to spend 10 minutes twice a week running, and 2 out of 10 minutes are mostly anaerobic activity, your lungs receive 16 minutes of workout per week. If you up that to 30 minutes twice a week, that's going to bring any results you want to achieve a lot faster.
Ultimately, the limiting factor in long-distance running (one mile and up) is the ability of your heart and lungs to supply oxygen to skeletal muscles. The idea is to keep your heart and lungs operating under high load for as long as you can.