By Hannah McKimm
Are you finding it a little harder to get outside for your runs now that we are officially in winter? You are not alone! As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it can become less and less appealing to pop your runners on and get out there. As someone who has run for pretty much my whole life, I have a few tips to help get you through the next few months without completely losing your running routine.
1. Check the forecast and plan to run with the least chance of rain.
If you have any flexibility through your week, try and plan to run when the weather looks the most dry. If you can find 2-3 days per week to get out for a run, this is enough to maintain your fitness and your routine. Sometimes the reality is that you will end up running in the rain. On these days, I just remind myself that it’s not the end of the world if I get a little wet and how good I will feel when that run is over.
2. Get some running gloves - these are a game changer.
My hands get so cold when I run, so I’ve been using gloves for years and they have made such a difference for me. They are not expensive and make things just that little bit more comfortable while you run - highly recommended for winter!
3. Wear the right clothing to keep you warm and dry but comfortable.
There is a great quote from someone - ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing’ and this is so true when it comes to outdoor exercise. If you have the right clothing, a good quality long sleeve running top, cap and light spray jacket, you will have much less of a battle with yourself to get out there. I like to layer, so I’ll always have a singlet underneath and make sure whatever is on top can tie comfortably around my waist.
4. Find a time to run during daylight hours, or find access to a treadmill.
Unfortunately, this is more important than ever lately, but please don’t go running in the dark. If this means swapping your morning run for the afternoon or even your lunch break, then find a way to make it work. Alternatively, if you can find access to a treadmill, either at home or a gym, this is another great option to keep up your consistency. If you are running outside, stick to busy areas that are well lit, or run with a friend (see below).
5. Find a buddy to run with, either in person or separately to keep you motivated and accountable.
Roping someone else in on your running journey can really boost the motivation when it comes to getting out of bed to an early alarm. You don’t need to physically run together, but try and set the same goals and keep each other accountable.
6. Put your runners somewhere visible and lay out your outfit the night before.
Sticking to a routine is all about reducing the friction points and nothing to do with will power. So make it as easy as possible to get up and running. Seeing your runners and clothing ready to go will make it that little bit easier to go for your run.
7. Be ok with it not always going to plan.
If the weather is particularly bad one week or you end up getting sick, be ok with not following your exact routine every time. You may swap your short and long runs around, or you may even need to miss a week altogether. This is ok and will not affect your fitness as long as you get back on track as soon as you can.
8. Plug your phone in away from your bed.
If you’re addicted to the snooze button, this is for you. Plug your phone in far enough away from your bed that you have to physically get up to turn it off. Once you’re up you’re up and the hardest part is done.
9. Set some mini goals to get you through the next few months - speed, distance, frequency, anything you can tick off and give yourself a little serotonin boost will really help.
Mini goals are a great way to stay motivated and help keep you ticking along towards your bigger goal. Sometimes our main goal feels a little far away or open ended. So coming up with short-term, easy to tick off goals helps give you the satisfaction of progress and the inspiration to keep going.
10. Remind yourself why you love to run and just get out there - you never regret a run!
Why do you run? To clear your head, improve your mood, feel fit and strong, boost your energy, all of the above? Whatever your ‘why’ is, remind yourself of this and compare the way you feel on days you do run with the days you don’t. This will help to keep you on track when your motivation starts to dip and the snooze button calls your name.
I hope these tips help to keep you motivated and excited to run through winter. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to @ourpilates or hello@ourpilates.com.au.
Han x