Minnetonka’s Coldest New Club: Winter Running

Scenic Winter views can almost make you forget about the cold... Almost.

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Scenic Winter views can almost make you forget about the cold… Almost.

Matt Wilkinson, Staff Writer

If you haven’t seen us around in our “yoga pants” (as the outsiders like to call them), you might be wondering what exactly us runners do when it’s too cold to run outside. Well, for one thing, it never really is too cold to run outside. Also, this is an activity that isn’t just for runners.
It’s Minnetonka’s hottest new club: Winter Running. This club is for those who don’t have a winter sport and are looking to stay in shape during the harsh Minnesota coldness. Now, if you aren’t in cross country or track, I can understand why running in sub-zero temperatures isn’t exactly “appealing.” The endurance associated with running can be a challenge for some. In addition, running in the cold can make it much harder.

Founders Matt Wilkinson and Patrick Brady, ’17, recently started the club this Fall, but have been running winterly for years prior.

Well, Winter Running is more than that. We have an experienced running coach who provides us with motivation and a running plan to stay in the best possible shape. Additionally, winter runners play soccer for around 30 minutes before going on runs as a warm up. We love to find new ways to stay active at practice. Not to mention that I kind of exaggerated when I said that it was never too cold to run outside.
We will often meet up in the aerobic center as a substitute for running outdoors when the cold seems unbearable. We’ve collectively decided that -9 degrees Fahrenheit is our limit for running outside.
The point is that Winter Running Club provides a variety of options to stay in shape during the winter, whether for a spring sport, general training, or a love for running. All levels of runners are welcomed and encouraged, so everyone should consider joining winter running.