Autumn is great — pumpkin spice everything, cosy knits, steaming hot bowls of soup — but when it’s drizzly and cold out, it can be really hard to keep up the motivation to workout. Likelihood is there are less beach holidays or occasions to set targets for as well, so you’re going to have to dig a little deeper to find that “I got this!” drive. But, on the plus side, summer can be a real distraction (I doubt even Mo Farah wants to go running when it’s 30-degrees out and there’s a picnic in the park he’s missing!) so now, the change of seasons, is a really great time to set new goals, new focuses and new regimes. You’ve GOT THIS! So in this post, I’m going to be sharing my top tips for staying active through the colder months, from braving (and embracing!) the winter running conditions to indoor home workout ideas, and how to get up and running at all.
How to get started running when it's cold
No-one likes going out in the cold but you don’t want to let it break your good habits so here are some tips on how to make a winter run as enjoyable and successful as possible, AND how to overcome the voice in your head telling you “no”…
Do it in the morning to get it over and done with
Everyone is different when it comes to preferred times to exercise but if you get it done in the morning, you’re less likely to bail later in the day. Get up, get it done, get on with your day. Then you don’t have it hanging over you all day!
Set your intentions and remind yourself of your goals
Get your head in the right place. When the voice in your head is saying ‘no, it’s too cold’, override it and remind yourself why you’re doing and what you’re going to achieve.
Stretch properly
When it’s cold out, it’s extra important to warm up. Do a few simple calf stretches, ankle raises and some rolling the ankles so your muscles feel warm and comfortable before you hit the road.
Alter your breathing
When it’s cold out, you can sometimes get that uncomfortable sensation in your chest when you breathe deeply. Try and alter it so you’re inhaling through your nose and you should find it goes away.
Get good socks
It’s always your extremities that get cold so if you’re someone who does feel the cold, make sure you get good socks. Try dhB Classic Thermal Socks
Long layers
What you wear to regulate your temperature is vital for good running experience. Don’t forget, you will get a lot warmer once you’re running so maybe leave the scarf and puffer jacket at home. You can get some great thermal running leggings if you are someone who really feels the cold. A headband to cover your ears is always a good idea too. Running gilets are also very effective as they keep your core nice and warm. Try Nike Aeroloft Gilet
Zone out
Distract yourself from the cold and the task in hand! Try listening to a podcast - for me, it’s the ultimate way to zone out. I love, How I Built This.
Take it steady
Your natural instinct when it’s cold is to run as fast as possible to get it over quicker, but, if you’re not used to speed running, you’re going to have to stop to walk, and that’s when you will get cold. The best thing to do is take it at a steady pace you can keep up, that way you’ll always keep yourself warm.
Reward yourself with a little TLC
Finally, when you’re back home and you’ve conquered the task you set out to do, give yourself a little TLC - a hot bubble bath and you’ll forget you ever stepped out in the cold!