Reasons to get out and run in the cold

By Unnu Shukla

One of the hardest parts of staying active in the colder months is physically getting out of the warm comfort of your bed and out the door. Regardless of whether you’re a morning or evening runner, the mental discussion begins: Get out or stay in? Brave the cold or stay in the cozy confines of your apartment?

It’s hard to run during the winter. But as the saying goes: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Winter running can be a true test of your mental capacities, and when you do finish a long run outside, it’s an incredible confidence booster.

1. Minimize your outdoor time. Instead of doing your regular Town Lake run, try doing a quick sprint to Gregory Gym or the RecCenter, and do the bulk of your workout indoors.
2. Register for races during the Spring… *hint hint Longhorn Run.* Not only will this help you have a foreseeable end goal, but it’s bound to keep you motivated until the end of your winter training cycle. (Think of this race as a reward.)
3. Plan Rewards. Prepare some rewards for yourself, both short-term and long-term. Consider including massages, pedicures, manicures, lunches or dinners out, or buying new running clothing as a reward system for completing your running plans. As Tom Haverford from Parks and Rec would say, “treat yo self.”
4. Invest in the right running clothes for your running weather. Having the right gear for any sport is essential, so invest in the appropriate running gear you need for your weather. Plus, having key pieces in your workout wardrobe that you’ve spent money on and enjoy wearing makes you more likely to use them.
5. Recruit a running partner, whether a friend or your dog. Or, join a running group for support. Knowing you are meeting someone gets you out of bed and out the door, and you’re less likely to cancel on someone else. (Note: This only works if your running partner is just as committed as you are!) Joining a running group gives you multiple running partners in the event someone doesn’t show.

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It’s easy to hide the comforts of your blanket with the heat on full blast, but it’s even easier to maintain a consistent workout routine throughout the year, not to mention it’s better for you. So lace up your shoes and let’s get out here!