Typically before a run workout a wise runner might warm up with some walking or light jogging before hitting the start button on their watch. After the workout, a cool-down might also be utilized to bring the heartrate down and get the body temperature to be less hot.
I was never much for either a warm-up or cool-down. In my younger running days, I would walk about a third of a mile before and after a run thinking I was a smart runner. In races, I almost always did a jog/run with some up-tempo strides prior to the race just to get the juices flowing. And then followed it up with a short easy cool-down back out on the course, which was probably a total jerk move, and looking back I can’t believe I used to do that. I never warmed up or cooled down before/after a marathon. The warm-up was done in the first 3-5 miles, and the cool-down was done as a shuffle heading back to the car or hotel.
Today I ran outside and nearly froze myself. Early December is here, and it wasn’t quite freezing, but the wind chill was brutal. I had planned to run eight miles, but the sun had taken a pass on the rest of the day, and the “warm-up” walk around the block with the dog made me question any run outside. I swapped a windbreaker for a running jacket, and out I went thinking maybe five miles was more in line with my current comfort level. I got to the two-mile mark and decided to turn around.
Upon getting home I had the realization that I was in need of both a warm-up and a cool-down, as I was still freezing but I was also sweaty and tired from the quicker pace due to the stupid temperature that I ran in. That was a new one for me. By mid-February, I will probably be out there on a similar day wearing much less running gear. Until then, I’m picking my outdoor running battles and hoping to avoid the warm-up/cool-down.
an amazing run 