5 Tips on Conquering Winter Training!

 I have always tried to enjoy every season of the year. I find that the change of weather can challenge and motivate your training. Although many people struggle to train in the winter, I for one thrive during it. With that said, there are lots of new runners every year who simply do not know where to start when it comes to preparing for these conditions. Enjoy my tips on how to train happy and healthy in the winter!  Tip #1 Have a plan! One thing I remind myself of often of is that the weather always looks worse on your weather app than the actual feel outside. The trick to getting out the door to train in the cold and dark months is to have a strategy in place! The night before you run, either lay out your clothes and gear on the floor, If you are an after work runner, pack your clothes in your bag the night before so you have no excuse to miss your run when work lets out. Having your clothes prepped puts you in a better position to not blow off your run.  Tip #2 Be open to making adjustments! This tip can be applicable to any season of the year! However, in most states the winter can cause challenges for training. Snow, ice, wind, all test our physical and mental spirit. The advice I give my runners is to run by effort and not worry about times or paces. If there is black ice or snow, be open to modifying your workout indoors or switching the run to another day. Staying consistent is important but being safe should be your top priority.  Tip #3 Wear the correct amount of layers! So often runners and walkers struggle in the cold weather because they aren’t wearing enough. Not only does not wearing enough have an effect on your physical state but it will also impact your performance too. When you run, if you are layered correctly your body will run 10 degrees warmer than the temps outside. On the colder days, layer up from head to toe. The worst thing that may happen to you is that you will need to shed a layer. You can always shed a layer but you can never regain a layer you never wore. Visit a local running specialty store and learn more about what gear you need for training in the winter!  Tip #4 Have some type of accountability! The hardest days to run are the days where the weather is not favorable to train in. With that said, it’s a heck of a lot easier to train when you know someone is waiting for you. Having a training partner can make the world’s difference. It’s easy to have negative thoughts on your own but when someone is training by your side, you have a better chance of staying positive and motivated. Outside of having people to train with, having a plan and a coach can give you a sense of purpose for why you need to be training on the tough days.  Tip #5 Don’t take yourself too seriously….it’s our hobby! Running is our hobby not our job. The best thing we can do is take every run in stride. Whether you are running in perfect weather or 20 degree temps, we need to find ways to enjoy ourselves. If you know your WHY, it will be a lot easier for you to train consistently year round. Good luck!  *Spewak Training coaches are accepting new clients. Please feel free to reach out to us contact@spewaktraining.com to learn more about our training services.*