freezeroo_14Most people would have a hard time running long distances in good weather, let alone through the cold, snowy, icy winter. For those in Rochester, however, running routines don’t necessarily change with the weather.

Not only do die-hard Rochester runners continue to run outdoors over the winter — they continue to race, as well. The 36th annual Freezeroo race series kicks off this weekend with the Don Curran Memorial 5k on Saturday December 6, encouraging runners to stick to their outdoor routines despite the cold.

The series is sponsored by the Greater Rochester Track Club and is made up of six races throughout the winter season. Runners earn points for each race based on their results, and at the end of the series the totals are calculated to crown a male and female champion.

The Freezeroo series is a great deal for runners who want to continue competing throughout the winter. It costs only $40 for all six races for Greater Rochester Track Club members, and $60 for non-members. Last year’s male and female winners, Kenny Goodfellow and Jen Davenport Malik, also say that the winter road series is a great way to keep up training for spring marathons.

“I know if I went into a marathon in spring and had no racing (in the winter months), I would mentally feel fatigued. So these races help keep the mental stamina and the race focus going,’ said Goodfellow, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. After all, they do say that running is 90 percent mental.

It’s tempting to move indoors when the cold weather hits, replacing the road with a treadmill, but many Rochester runners who stay outdoors despite the cold and the snow find that winter running is actually an enjoyable experience.

“You can definitely overdress which is surprising, but stay safe, stay warm, stay where it’s lit and paved and just enjoy it. It’s the most beautiful time of year to run,’ said Malik.

For those toughing it out through the cold Rochester winter, finding the right mix of warm-weather running apparel can be a challenge, but once they figure it out they are bound to experience the joys of running in a winter wonderland.