So, as the nights draw in and we gradually find ourselves in winter, here are some tips to keep yo going
1. Train with a community
This one has many benefits, from both a safety and commitment point of view. It is easy to bin a run in the rain when you’re are approaching things solo. Every now and then that is fine, but i can be a slippery slope and before you know it you have missed a week or two of training. Knowing that you are meeting a crew of other runners certainly helps with commitment and motivation. Even just arranging a run with one other person helps to create the sense of that shared suffering and community
Furthermore, running in the dark (morning or evening) is of course a lot safer when you are with others.
2. Run to RPE instead of Pace
Similarly to when we try and run in the heat, sometimes we need to adjust running sessions to RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) as opposed to pace when it’s cold. Depending on the temperature, the body can feel more fatigued whilst running, and may take longer to warm-up. Keeping some sessions on RPE means that you can still hit quality running without the stress of trying to attain exact paces when the body is not primed.
3. Plan your schedule
Having a plan for the week is key. But also being flexible with your timings is recommended. Fo example, can you move some of your runs/outdoor sessions to the warmest part of the day, like your lunch break or the weekends? The way this looks will of course change depending on your work schedule and other life commitments. Lastly remember that training should be fun, so if the current way in which you are training is not hitting your enjoyment box, start moving things about.
Written by Steph Humphrey, Instagram here.
