For those of you living in the northern hemisphere, it’s winter! So, for those of us who run, that means we need warmer clothing, shoes that grip, and we need to be more careful out there. Running in the cold can be quite exhilarating, it is actually one of my favourite time to run.
One tip is to be warm just enough when running outside in the winter, you don’t want to be sweating too much and be too cold, so warming up a bit inside before leaving is good, to get your heart rate going, and not over-dressing. I usually have 3 layers on top: my sport tank-top, my long-sleeve mid-layer and lined jacket (not insulated). I also have a pair of winter leggings (thicker than regular). Something to put over your head, or at least your ears is important, and last but not least a pair of thin gloves or something to put over your hands is a must.
You want to have shoes that are warm enough but also that won’t get wet quickly and won’t be slipping on the ice.
Since the beginning of the year, I only ran once or twice (short runs) because we’ve been having such frigid temperatures! My limit is -20 Celsius, including the wind chill, and there hasn’t been a lot of days where it was warmer than that. So, yes, I’ve been lazy and staying inside more than I should. I find it too cold to even think about going snowboarding. I really should because I didn’t go at all last year. I have this great snowboard not being used! 🙁
I did start taking a women boxing class though (i.e., indoors!). I only took one class so far, but it was great, I look forward to going back. But I miss jogging! I haven’t decided yet for sure, but I’m thinking of running a (full) marathon next January. I’ve heard of a couple of marathons in New Orleans that are completely flat (no hills) and that is very appealing for a first full marathon! haha I am planning on running my 3rd half-marathon this year, although I haven chosen which one yet.
I know not everyone understands the desire to run and participate in race events, but I find it very motivating. It gives me a specific goal with a specific date. When I think about when I first started running, almost on a dare from a friend, I was a couch potato and I had such a hard time running a minute, it’s hard to think that I trained and ran 2 half marathons in the past two years. A lot of runners obviously run more than that, but for me, it’s a big accomplishment and I am very proud of it! If I can do it, so can anyone! It’s not complicated but only you can decide to get up and do it. I was never an active-type of person, I hated going to the gym or doing much, but I was willing to try, and that’s what got me into trying yoga and eventually hot yoga, then running and snowboarding. All kinds of activities that I ended-up loving. And I’ve started in my 30s. Now I realize it’s not old, but not everyone tries a new sport like learning to snowboard at 33. haha I remember running in the beginning with a running group and this old man was running beside my friend and I, giving us words of encouragement, he talked about all the marathons that he had run and the joy he got from it, and while talking we learned that he had not been a runner all his life, but he had started running in his late 50s! I’ve also read stories of this older lady who started running in her late 70s, and she ran several marathons!
My point here is this: we all need to be more active, but we have to find an activity that we enjoy, that is key, otherwise it’ll just be another failed attempt at being active. It doesn’t matter what activity you prefer or how old you are: it’s never too late or too early to start! Yoga, biking, running, skiing, snowboarding, horse-shoeing, hiking, rock climbing, rollerblading, or simply walking, there are many options out there; the choice is yours! Find something you love!
What do you like to do? Or what would you like to do to stay active?
ECP
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