Eye On Weather: Extreme Conditions Can Benefit Boston Marathon Training

BOSTON (CBS) – Running a marathon is hard enough. But training for it in a New England winter? Yikes!

Read: Eye On Weather Special Reports

From the extreme conditions to the snow banks, ice and slush, there are several obstacles for runners to overcome.

Chris Troyanos, the medical coordinator for the Boston Marathon, knows how serious the elements can be.

"Weather plays a major factor," he told WBZ-TV. "When we look at our injury rates or potential for injury, weather is the key determination of what it is."

Terrence Mahon coaches many of the elite runners, but he offers training programs for all skill levels.

Read: Boston Marathon Training Plan

"The most difficult thing is just the monotony of doing the same runs over and over," he said.

What about the bitter cold?

Not a problem, he told us, as long as you wear the proper clothing.

And the wind?

"That can get a little nasty," Mahon said, "so all we tried to do in those cases is you know, run with the tail wind and bring your T card so you can ride home!"

Both Troyanos and Mahon agree that running isn't the only way to prepare.

"Without a doubt for me, cross training plays a bigger role than in any other time of the year," Mahon said.

"Mix up that cardiovascular workout – snow shoes, elliptical, getting in the pool – you know all those things are going to pay dividends as far as getting you ready to run."

Race director Dave McGillivray believes training in bad weather can actually be a good thing.

"If you can prepare yourself in the worst conditions, then no matter what Mother Nature brings on race day, you're prepared for it. The element of surprise is gone," he said.

With the proper training and ability to adapt to whatever the weather has in store, you'll most likely have a successful marathon day, from the starting gun to that glorious moment of crossing the finish line 26.2 miles later.

The 120th Boston Marathon will be on Monday, April 18, 2016.

You can watch it live on WBZ-TV and CBSBoston.com.