You know that you’ll feel better when it’s done. You understand that the challenges of shorter days, darker evenings, tough weather and even safety considerations all help to make you a stronger and more resilient runner. But it can still feel hard to motivate yourself to go out the door when it’s dark, cold, wet and windy and your friends and family are curling up on the couch watching Netflix. In case you needed reminding, winter is a fantastic time to get outside and do what you love. Embracing the elements, living your healthy life when others are hibernating reaps so many rewards – here’s our complete guide to loving, and getting the most from, your winter running.
You don’t need willpower. Just be prepared!
Resorting to willpower is not the way to get out and run in winter. “Willpower is the energy version of baked beans,” says professor Ian Taylor. “It sits at the back of the cupboard and is used in emergency situations, when you’ve run out of other food,” he explains. “Instead of tapping into willpower, try to fi nd the easiest solution. Running in the dark is hard work and not everyone likes it. If that includes you, try to fi t runs in during the day,” he suggests.