The long dark evenings are here (I run in the evenings) and the trails that I used to run in summer are not lit. I do have a head-torch, but still would feel hesitant to go on my own in complete darkness...
This lack of motivation has caused me to give up running in winter 2021 and 2022. Last year was the first winter I did not stop and ran through all autumn/ winter. But running on a pavement/ tarmac started to cause some tensions in muscles and joints. I am anxious about this season as I can see my motivation and distances diminishing... My town run is only 3K, while my trail run in summer used to be 5 - 8 K...
I would like to find a running buddy. There is no local runing club (I searched; too small area). But there are people running! Is there any way to see people running in my area on Strava?
I only have a basic (free) subscription (my mode is not Private). But I could do 1 month Free Trial, if it would help to see people who run trails in my area.
I would not have a problem to write/ approach somebody who is running at a similar pace in the evenings/ similar time. But how do I 'find' them in a fairly small town?
Last year I literally stopped two ladies on their runs, but it did not quite work to 'make plans' (they were too fast or had no interest to run together).
I am sure I will get some wise suggestions here. Thank you in advance to the most supportive group ever!
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Just-Breath
Graduate10
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Lovely to see you back! Winter can come with challenges….
Sadly I’m not a strava user so I don’t know anything about finding a run buddy that way. Have you tried This Woman Runs? Even if there’s not a group run near you, there might be individual runners who may want to meet up? That’s worked for me in the past.
It’s not as much fun, but I occasionally use a treadmill at the gym when the weather is really bad.
I also go out to listen to podcasts where that’s the primary motivation. I’ll often do a 3km out and back two or three times. It’s definitely not the most interesting way to run, but in the dark you can’t see much anyway! The main thing that’s helping me with winter motivation is having a challenging event booked for April. Every time I’m tempted to skip a run, I remind myself that I will be on the start line and I don’t want to feel like I didn’t train my best. I’ll also book a couple of other events along the way. There’s something about knowing there will be a specific day in the future where I’ll have to run 26.2 miles that helps a lot on dark, rainy days!! I think that’s a marmite one-I know it just makes some people feel really stressed!
When I saw a physio, he recommended that runners have a real focus on strength over the winter-cut the volume of runs a bit but replace it with strength and conditioning work. Women’s running podcast have talked about doing something similar. When you start running more again, you feel like you e got turbo legs! That doesn’t help with keeping running but it could be a way to make peace with your distance dropping.
Wishing you all the best with finding a buddy or a way to keep going through winter.
Thank you so much for this! I will look into This Woman Runs.
A reminder of the strength training is also very helpful and timely! Do you have any links to any measured/ consistent program at home? I have so many 'bookmarks' on Instagram or Youtube, but somehow don't really do them. Something what is 'measured' and 'recorded' works best for me.
On Strava, the only thing I can think of is to go to GROUPS and search for the name of your locality. Often groups or clubs create a Strava group, and you might be able to find one of those.
If you have a subscription, you might be able to find runners via segments, but I don’t remember as I don’t have a paid subscription.
If you are in the UK, going to the closest Parkruns might also be an option.
An obvious alternative, and it sounds like you may have done this already, is to search which groups exist on Facebook in your area. If you search for various local geographic names, you might find walking and running groups.
Not sure any of this helps and you might have tried all of these already. But thought I’d post and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Thank you. Yes, I have done most of it, but I appreciate your time. I would have to drive to the closest running group - not ideal. I was looking for somebody more local (there is a reasonable community, but no running group). I was hoping to find individuals who run in my area.
Strava has a function called Flybys. It's off by default I think but if Strava users switch it on, they can see where they cross paths or are nearby. I know you said there is no local running group but has your search included a Hash House Harriers group? They are a social trail running group and usually have weekly sessions often starting and finishing at a pub. There may be a group near enough for you to run with them occasionally and that could enable you to run off-road with lots of other people. They're great fun! Also, if you use Facebook & have a local community group, you could add a post there asking for a running buddy. Good luck!
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Wet feet 😫💧🦆
These dark evenings; how can you stay safe?
Advice, please, regarding my scheduling HMs for next year.
I’ve rejoined my running club
