Winter Rain

Before I went out for my run this morning I was feeling quite unmotivated as it was raining quite hard. It is now a winter rain where it makes me feel much colder. The need to dress in layers is needed and the key is to keep warm and dry. So how did I motivate myself to get out there and start running? I just said to myself let's try to run for at least five minutes and so I did. I ended up running for about 40 minutes and it was great. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I did my workout in the pouring rain and I also did appreciate that hot chocolate afterwards.
I know that after every run I will feel better no matter the circumstances in how tired I feel after work, the poor weather conditions, too much to do and not enough time. When I don't feel I have the time to do the run I remind myself that I have an appointment with myself. That feeling of being committed to my workout helps me do the workout.

How to stay motivated during the cold season

I enjoy running in all seasons, but sometimes when the snow hits and there is a strong wind it can be more difficult to get a good workout in and especially when the roads are slippery. On Monday evening, it was quite cold and icy but we tried to venture out in the poor weather conditions. We were going to do hill repeats, but ended up doing a brief workout and decided to end the run for safety reasons. I find it refreshing running in the winter time like today while I was running snowflakes were coming down while I ran. The trees look so pretty with snow on them. Despite the weather conditions I always feel good after my run.

Winter Running

Now that winter is upon us I find it a little more difficult to get out there and run as it is colder and gets darker early now. I try to motivate myself by making sure I am dressed warmly and also by rewarding myself at the end of my runs. I treat myself sometimes to a hot chocolate or buying something that will make me feel better. I also try to think that I am fortunate enough to be able to run while some of my friends are injuried right now and just can't.
I do enjoy running in the colder months and I try to snowshoe if I can. Snowshoeing is good for cross training.

Here are my winter tips for running:

Dress in layers to keep warm
Reward yourself after the workout
Change your routes to keep it interesting
Run with a buddy to keep yourself motivated
Look for inspiration from magazines such as Runner's World, Canadian Running and my monthly running column in the Richmond News
Have a goal perhaps join a Sun Run group
Have fun!

TheThunderbird.ca » The Long Run: Sisters in training

TheThunderbird.ca » The Long Run: Sisters in training

Running in such beautiful November weather

Running in yesterday's weather was such a pleasure as it was so warm. For November 3rd it was just such a treat! I took the opportunity to run for about 40 minutes and then went out and walked. I really enjoy the outdoors and especially when the weather has been so nice. I do enjoy the cold weather as well if you are dressed properly. Every season is great and makes me appreciate it more when like yesterday when the warm weather hits. It will be another great day to be out there running. I am looking forward to be running later.