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.

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!