3 ms·

I regularly run in sub-zero temperatures, and I've never experienced this. My coldest run this year was around -10 F, for an hour. I couldn't tell any differe

I regularly run in sub-zero temperatures, and I've never experienced this. My coldest run this year was around -10 F, for an hour. I couldn't tell any difference the next day. I'm guessing there must be physiological differences that make some people's lungs more or less vulnerable to the cold.

matsemann 6y ago
It's something building after prolonged/multiple times. And runners are often not outside nearly as long as XC skiers. My runs are seldom much longer than an hour, and they start outside my door. XC sessions in the weekend are 30+ KMs and for me also includes long times outside getting to the tracks. Edit: also humidity probably plays a big role.
opportune 6y ago
I think that must be it. Personally I get these symptoms even when I run in the 50s or low 60s, and am previously diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma (as a kid. Now I only very rarely get symptoms except in the cold.)
mns 6y ago
I’m running for around 14 years already and I never experienced this. My limit is around -20C, which is probably around -10F. Could be also that if you live in an area with harsher winters, somehow you gradually get used to the climate. It does seem weird, because years ago when I tried running with a scarf, it was seen like a bad thing for your health in the running community as all the humidity and whatever else accumulated in the cloth can be bad for you. How things change...
loeg 6y ago
Also, elite nordic skiers have amazing VO2max (even in comparison with elite athletes in other sports). They can't be doing that much damage to their lungs. (I've also run in somewhat cold conditions -- maybe 15-20F -- and while there is some acclimatization needed, it was fine.)