Top tips for running motivation in the Winter
Are you finding it difficult to motivate yourself for training when the weather is cold an wintry? Fear not, here are some top tips on how to make winter training enjoyable.
First of all, warm up indoors. Run on the spot for 5 to 10 minutes and then do a few light stretches for hips, legs and buttocks before you head out. This makes it less uncomfortable heading out into the winter cold.
Make sure you layer up so you’re warm enough when you start out but also able to strip off a layer or two if you get to warm during your run.
Make sure you run in shoes which are suitable for winter running, the rubber should be slightly softer than on your summer shoes and also have a more defined sole. Off road shoes could be perfect.
If it’s snow outside wear sunscreen as the snow reflects light.
Because the body uses extra energy to keep warm in cold weather conditions make sure you fuel up both before and during your run. And energy bar or gel like Maxim strawberry is advisable if you run for more than one hour.
Run during the warmest period of the day- which usually is late afternoon. If it’s windy wear a wind proof jacket and plan your run so you’ve got the wind in the back on your homeward journey.
Be creative. If the snow is making your normal running routes inaccessible and you don’t have access to indoor facilities why not do interval training at a supermarket car park?
And if you do run in the snow reduce your stride and flex your knees a bit so that gravity is lowered. This will increase your grip.
Bryan is a freelance journalist and is currently researching running stores
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