Running Through Buffalo's Winter Wonderland
When I confidently declare that in Western New York, running is a 12-month activity, I often receive odd looks, eye rolls, and even snickers. With cooler temperatures, late fall into winter is arguably the best time to run in Western NY, especially when runners connect with supportive, like-minded community.
Success with winter running comes when running with others. There are year-round run clubs throughout Western NY. Middle Trail Running Company, a women’s running clothing company, has a weekly Saturday 9AM run that leaves from SPoT Coffee on Hertel Avenue. With them, we do a 3- and 5-mile route through Delaware Park for runners of all abilities, even those just getting started. After the run, the group meets back at SPoT to chat over a well-earned coffee. Throughout Buffalo and all of WNY, there is a range of year-round run clubs open to both active and new runners. But all of these groups know Buffalo’s weather loves to keep us on our toes! They stay on top of it, keeping you in the loop through social media, email, and their websites if a run club needs to be canceled.
Running with a community fosters personal progress as fellow runners cheer each other on, share goals, and encourage one another to push themselves further. The accountability of running with others can be a powerful motivator as well, especially on days when it’s hard to get going. And doing so often gives a shared wealth of knowledge about everything running related–from the most palatable energy gels, to headbands that actually stay put, to routes with the most wow-worthy views, to training plans that truly work. Middle Trail runner, Sara, captures her love of community running when she says, “I love running with a community because it motivates me to get moving while also getting to spend time with other runners and friends.”
It’s important to be smart when running in Western New York’s almost ever-changing winter weather. When the winter weather starts, I pull out the cold weather running pants after months of tank tops and shorts. Dressing appropriately, and not overdressing, is key to a successful cold weather run.
Years ago, a friend of mine explained the 20-degree rule to me: When running, the body feels 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Consequently, a headband rather than a knit hat is often preferable. Layering is key! A dry-fit long sleeve tee under a lined zip-up works well for temperatures just below freezing and into the 30s. Running gloves are a must. My favorite running quarter zip even features built-in gloves so I don’t have to worry about forgetting to bring them on my runs.
Prepping for next spring and summer while connecting with others in the darker months of the year may feel like a long-term goal, but there is a more immediate benefit as those few added pounds from indulging in holiday treats may begin to melt away while running this winter.
Running in Snow or Shine
Buffalo’s Turkey Trot is the oldest turkey trot in the country in its 129th year! It seems to herald the winter running season with the temperature at its 9am start often hovering in the 30s. With 10,000+ participants, this run supports the YMCA while providing a celebratory atmosphere for runners of all abilities and walkers.
As December begins, a number of runs feature a holiday theme such as Niagara Falls’ Festival of Lights 5K. And in Youngstown, the New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day runs at Fort Niagara State Park signal the end and beginning of the year in a healthy way with their back-to-back events.
One of my personal favorite winter events is Mr. Ed’s Super Bowl Run in Middleport. The course winds through country roads, typically marked by picturesque, snowy fields, that lead to the last mile on the Erie Canal path. There is a hill up to the path, but it is definitely doable in February temperatures.
Runners can always look to BuffaloRunners.com for upcoming events. For whatever event runners choose, you support great causes that range from local fire departments to youth and health related community programs. Races end with after parties that further build community among runners with conversation often turning to when they will see each other at the next run club or race.
By staying active and experiencing community during the cold weather months, winter runners are ready to be a part of WNY’s busy spring and summer calendar that includes more ambitious events like the 8K Shamrock Run and the countless 5Ks from May through September.
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