Uh-oh! It’s winter and you may have lost your motivation for
running! Perhaps you began running in the summer and adjusting to the colder
temps is proving quite a challenge. The wicking t-shirts and capri running
tights you obtained to help you look and feel like a runner aren’t going to
help when the thermometer dips below your comfort zone! The winter holiday
celebrations are sure to present their own challenges with piles of goodies,
not to mention the crunch they present on your discretionary time.
How are you going to stay motivated? How will you stay warm
enough to run? How will you find the time to run while your To-Do list
continues to grow? Here are some Dos and Don’ts that might help.
Don’t panic …
Running, like everything in life, has its seasons. Consider
winter the maintenance season. Unless you live in the tropics, you won’t find
many marathons to join in the winter months. Stick with a lighter schedule
logging fewer miles and perhaps 2 – 3 running workouts per week. Remember, the
weather will warm again and race season will be in full swing! You’ll get back
in shape.
Do participate in a Fun Run on occasion …
Remember, it’s a “fun” run. Join your friends in a local holiday
walk/run, gather for lunch or hot cocoa and cookies after (Yeah, you earned it),
exchange gifts, and knock that task off your To-Do list. You may have to be the
encourager here, but I promise it is a rewarding role.
Do join a group …
Running clubs, running buddies, even virtual groups can be
effective in keeping you honest and accountable. Find a local group or create
one of your own. Mark Zuckerberg did it and so did I! Check out A Mile for MyHeart on Facebook and feel free to join me.
Do dress in layers …
Don’t forget to be seen!
Shorter days present a real challenge for runners,
especially if you work an 8 to 5 job. If you are going to run outside, invest
in some affordable reflective gear. A head lamp might look and feel goofy, but
it will keep you visible and light up those pesky potholes. Be safe out there!
Last of all …
Don’t feel guilty!
You’ve got a lot of living to do and running might help you
buy some extra days or years. Be sure to enjoy every one!
Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!
Happy Running!
Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green
Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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