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- Event (s) — if there’s a huge time span between now and your next event, let’s say next summer as we approach this year’s winter, then it seems reasonable that you really don’t have to go out this evening in the dark and rain if you don’t want to! However, if you were only a few weeks out from your next event you want to be in the best shape possible for the upcoming race — so even if you don’t fancy it, you get out the door. If you, like most runners I coach, find motivation in upcoming races then perhaps book something for winter or early spring to help keep you running.
Note; if you are an ultra runner, it does not have to be an ultra distance event! Potentially a 10k or half marathon would better suit to work on speed for a few weeks as opposed to constant endurance work. Even a free 5k parkrun is a great motivator to some. Also adding a ‘Time Trial’ training session into the plan (often 3k — 1/2M distance) is something I sometimes use for those I coach. This is basically like a race just for you, so not only do you get to place it in the calendar to suit your block of training, but you also always win!
2. Accountability partner — perhaps no better time of the year to use the power of others or groups! For some, running clubs provide this, whilst for others it’s just a friend to meet up with to run together. It won’t work for everyone in these busy times to arrange to run at a set time but when you don’t feel like running you are more likely to still make it happen if you’re meeting someone — as you don’t want to let them down — you’re committed as if to an appointment. It’s worth mentioning online communities or virtual events, especially big distances tackled over several months, offer some runners motivation, hence that could suit you to add accountability without the rigid time commitment. Runners use coaches for accountability too of course.
3. A training plan — exercise is great, no doubt about that. But exercise is a random activity done ad-hoc and performed to feel. Training is structured. An exerciser doesn’t get behind on a schedule, so can cut things short or take a day off if it’s a bit cold outside and they don’t fancy it. Granted training should be flexible, but no way near so loose as to not run because it is a little chilly! A plan will hold you accountable just like a training buddy does. You will take less days off with a plan to adhere to your running, not to mention a progressive structure incentivising you not to miss workouts.
4. Be organised — I’ll let you into a secret, years ago when I would often run at 4am, I’d sleep in my running kit! My trainers were by the door and my running vest laid on them. All I had to do was get up and I was pretty much ready. I don’t do this anymore — not often anyway, I save it for special occasions! But my point is that if when the 3:30am alarm sounded I thought I had to get my kit ready, it would have felt like the perfect reason to not get up — too much hassle. I’ve known many go to the gym or run straight from work as they know if they go home they won’t want to go out again — that takes organisation to have all the kit ready with your work gear for the day — same applies for trips away. Getting your kit ready sets your intentions ‘I’m going to run later’. That intention can really be the difference in getting out if it looks grim outside, you don’t want to let yourself down!
5. Keep exploring! For obvious reasons summer is the time that screams adventure; holidays, nice warm weather and long daylight hours. The opposite can be said for winter! However, such all or nothing thinking is not healthy and it certainly won’t aid running motivation. Sure, it often requires more planning and more kit but to get out in the hills on a sunny winter’s day, when gloves yet sunglasses are required — well that truly is a winning combination. If you’re a little weird like me, then perhaps you really enjoy inclement weather, but in that case you don’t need to be reading this! For those that don’t enjoy harsh weather, please don’t give up. Still plan those trips to new running locations, vary your local running routes and even take a mini running holiday if possible. There’s glory to be had in winter, keep exploring not to miss it!
I hope that helps a little. I’m sure there are many more tips others use too!
Some of my favourite running memories are of winter adventures. I know I’m not alone in that…
Thank you.
Keep Roaming…
Ronnie
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