Cold. Wind. Fog. Rain. Dark. Not exactly what you’d call
inspiration for maintaining your fitness. So while we sit in the lull between
the fall and spring race seasons, how do we stay inspired to run and resist staying
in bad or sitting on the couch?
Set goals
Some of us are readily willing to slip on the running shoes
and emerge into the world, ready to run just for the fun of it, whatever the
weather. Some of us are not.
It’s healthy to establish reachable goals in life, and it
works with running, too. Find a target event, something that gets you pumped
up, and keep your eye on that prize. Then you’ll have something to look forward
to, knowing there’s work to be done and miles to be run.
Make an intention, go
public
In this day and age of social media, our society is
generally very willing (for better or worse) to let the world know about our
lives. But how about making public your intention to run a race?
Doing that would let everyone know what you plan to do, and
down the road you might benefit from the added encouragement. That can also
give you the chance to take dozens of selfies.
Get your group on
For all of the talk about the loneliness of a long distance
runner, running sure can be a social event. And running with more people does
more than just get you moving.
Planning runs with others keeps you accountable (think
“positive peer pressure”), keeps you motivated and can turn the bluest of moods
into the brightest of moments. And who knows, you might just learn a little about
yourself running in less-than-perfect weather. Running with a training group can also help.
Be different
Some days it takes a lot to roll out the front door and
brave the elements. Some days it’s darn near impossible. But don’t let that
stop you.
Think about all of those who opted to hit the snooze button
(or simply turn the alarm off) and turn over in their warm beds. Then think
about how you’re shrugging off the urge to stay in bed and instead working out and
starting your day in a very healthy way.
Get it out of the way
early
Studies show that morning workouts “rev up your metabolism,
jump start your energy levels and accelerate your ability to burn up calories,”
according to an article on Active.com.
Rather than thinking about it for the entire day, exercise
before it even starts. Maintain a morning workout schedule will help set you up
well for the rest of the day, while also setting the table for the spring and
summer.
*****
Let’s face it: It hardly takes any motivation to run in nice
weather. Making it a habit to run in winter weather (with every excuse not to
run) can make you a stronger, more disciplined runner, not to mention provide a
sense of pride.
