Winter Woes

Photo by Joy Stamp on Unsplash

Sigh, yes, it’s that time of year.

It seems like it is rainy, windy and cold for every run and with less than 9 hours of what passes for daylight at this time of year, it’s hard to get out there. So, what better time than to talk about some of the best ways to make it bearable?

Here are some of our tips and tricks to still getting those workouts in.

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There is no bad weather only bad gear

Right? If you are dressed for the weather it does make it better and right now everyone wonders what works best for rainy and windy weather. We particularly like running vests. Vests are minimal yet provide wind protection and warmth while still making sure we don’t overheat when out for a run. One of the problems this time of year is people tend to overdress when going out on a run. Then they are wet from the inside out and this is what will leads to getting cold. Think about layers and think about venting.

Sure, if it’s bucketing down, we’ll grab our lightweight running shell. The best ones are just that, a shell that will hopefully not cause you to overheat. They'll keep the worst of the water off and protect you from wind. They are very lightweight and often have clever ways to be carried if you need to strip them off mid run.

Expect to be a little cold to start.

That’s ok!! You will warm up. Wearing a hat or headband and gloves can help keep that cozy feel to at least get you started. If you are like us, you’ll soon be stripping those off too but gloves and a headband are much easier to carry.

Be Flexible!

Check that forecast for the week and see if there is one day that is better than others that might be good for that key workout of the week. There are definitely times when it’s ok to be battling the elements during a workout.  You just never know what race day will bring and it helps if you have trained for good weather and bad. We want to be used to running in anything and not really have it phase us. However, sometimes to get in the quality of a workout that is needed it can be helpful to adjust a bit for the weather. Make sure to chat with coach about moving your workouts around.

If you are a morning runner and the weather promises to be atrocious the next morning, consider moving your workout to lunchtime or evening. Or, if the weather the day after tomorrow is clearly going to be better and will give you a safer environment for a better run think about moving it. Changing up the routine is never a bad thing and you’ll appreciate those better weather days even more. 

Explore Your Options

This is a great time of year to try some new cross training activities. We get it. Running or walking are easy workouts to plan and execute and for many of us the most fun! That being said, it can be a great mental and physical exercise to move your run to the elliptical, try a spin class or other indoor class. We are happy to use our bike trainer at this time of year. Load up with some favorite tv programs and start sweating.

It is also a great time of year to explore some even more different options only available at this time of year. Get out and enjoy the snow with snow shoeing or cross country skiing. Never done these activities? This is a perfect time to try something new and it could make a great holiday present for anyone (and a friend!). 

Be Kind and Play!

This should apply all the time but especially during this busy time of year, be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to miss a workout or to change it up. There is nothing wrong with a few lower volume weeks or as some call it “maintenance mode." Scale back all workouts and deliberately take a couple of really easy weeks. Maybe only go out when you feel like it and rest and enjoy family, friends and the holidays the rest of the time.

You’ll head into the new year fresh and ready to go with increased motivation and by that time, we’ll all be used to a little weather!