I am not a winter person. I have a hard time getting out the house, let alone going for a run in freezing temperatures in the wee hours of the morning. And now that ADHM is also done, I have truly run out of reasons to brave the cold and the wind.
But I have already taken a week off since ADHM and now I have to get back into the groove. I could run in a cosy gym on a treadmill but I would much rather watch Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (no not really). This is usually the time when I start cursing myself for registering for the Mumbai full. So, long runs mean 4am alarms and pushing myself through the supremely powerful cosy comforters and talking to motivating myself to go out there and give it my all.
Here are some things I try telling myself:
Run at any time of the day – In winters I run whenever I feel like it. It doesn’t have to be early morning or late evening. A lot of times I drop my son to school, finish my assignments and set out to run at 12 in the afternoon.
Gratitude – I remind myself there are so many people who want to do this and be in my place but can’t. It’s my way of being thankful for a healthy body.
Right gear – The right winter gear which keeps me sufficiently warm in order to take that first step out of the house is key. On particularly gloomy days, brighter the better. And I prefer running in shorter loops in case I need to get rid of or add layers.
ultra light jacket
Running with friends – That’s the only way I can do it during peak winters. People in the North know what I’m talking about.
To binge guilt free – I eat moderately for most part of the year but winters I want that levy to have that cup of hot chocolate with cream at Starbucks and the paranthas laden with the very salty amul butter!
I’m badass – Not too many have the guts and determination to do it. And ‘You are totally mad’ sounds sweeter when you finish your run in freezing cold temperatures.
By signing up for shorter runs – I couldn’t have thought of this 2 years back but now we have enough and more short runs (5k & 10k) to choose from. The idea is to stay active.
Post run chai tastes really like really good.
If you have any tips to tackle running or staying active in winters, do pour in your suggestion 🙂
10 Comments
Really few suggesstions take away for me. first winter for me in jaipur!
I love winters for the fact that you can run or cycle long distances without having to worry about the heat and dehydration. I usually run in the evenings on weekdays and cycle early morning on weekends.
Another thing that works for me is that I generally feel less cold than most of my friends so am able to go out without too many layers. Trick is to warm up a bit before going out. Then you can hit the ground running without too many layers.
On waking up, I put on an annoying ringtone for the alarm and keep it sufficiently away so that I have to get out of the bed to turn it off. Remember not to keep it so far that you don’t hear anything in your sleep.
Now, this is one I don’t connect with…
I love winters and running in winters is simply awesome… No wonder all our races are packed into these 4 months even though one may argue is a sure recipie for injury. Guess if that makes me a winter person then, then here I am… . Having said that I’m more of a runner and it’s running that loves cold more than me… The best weather condition to run is 4°-12°C scientifically….
From now onwards for a month it is going to get progressively colder and what that is essentially going to mean is probably an additional thin but full sleeve layer, a pair of gloves and probably a nice snug thin cap to pull over ure ears. However start ure run and 20 mins into a decent effort all the extra layers are gonna go and then u feel free running at a clip that keeps u fresh and warm and if one has it you get a nice 3-4 hours to do a lovely long run in the morning.
Compare this with summers… And the thought is scary.. Loaded with bottles, and an ever spiking heart rate and the heat scorching up anything beyond 0645 am…
Winter running for me…. For keeps….
Sharing this post at http://on.fb.me/1NS1IsS, thank you:)
Hey Anu… I have been in the USA for the last two weeks n have’nt braved the cold yet… I think ur post will get me running
Well now that you have tagged LWG one of the ways is to join in on one of the walks – sure way of beating winter blues with lotsa warmth of fun , people and of course our own scenic Gurgaon
And look forward to Vivek’s company
I always keeps in mind the fit n healthy look of mine due to regular running, that keeps me going. Time of running is kept flexible though 🙂
Cold weather running can be extremely exciting as long as you are not doing zero terrain running .. Do periodic short distance sprints manipulating the terrain .. So that you stimulate different muscles during your run n not stressing the same muscle like on the zero terrain flat surface .. Bio diversity has different gradients so try out this winters .. Besides you will get to train yourself with pace … I see Manik Dodhi following a great regime with his running & weight training … Keep running stay fit
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