Not enjoying winter running!

[Evol]

I'm really struggling to run at the moment. I was up to 8.5k a few months ago. After an accident, holiday, etc. I'm struggling to get back into it. I was running up to 3 times a week but only managing once now. I'm put off by the dark and rain. When I get home from work it is just too dark to go out and definitely not on my usual route along the canal. I'm a bit accident prone so would probably end up swimming! I'm thinking joining a gym might be the way forward. Do others loose motivation at this time of year?

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I find I can breathe better and I enjoy rainy running. The heat is the worst! I know what you mean about being accident prone - I’ve tripped over twice lately. I’m tending to go out more often with my club now it’s dark - safety in numbers! For running, single digit temperatures are my favourite. Also I like being hidden in the dark - rather anonymous. Could you join a club? Do parkrun? Run in the morning? Buy a cheap head torch 👍🏽

[xx2000 Graduate]

I cant give you any advise ... Just say that i share your feelings and that you are not alone 😉. Hate rain and I dont like cold. I run three times per week when the weather was fine ... Now i am happy if i go to run once!!! ... But if you find a way to motivate or any tip please share !! 😅

[mrrun Graduate]

I'm one of those weirdos who enjoys very hot weather and goes on holidays where hot is a norm. And then l run there. Me, snakes and mosquitos. However, cooler weather such as this is much kinder on your body, allowing you to breathe and feel better generally. I get that dark and wet is not a cosy option and some of us are limited in where we can run. I'm one of those weirdos who runs central London streets and zig-zags the Thames bridges wearing loud NBA tops, so I've got lots of options at any time but if you feel for your safety and feel demotivated by the elements then there's nothing wrong with a gym and a treadmill. Running is running after all.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Forget the gym...save your money.... just head across to the Strength and Flex forum to get some ideas for a regime for rest days Get those happy hormones moving again.

Then...early running? Head torch... the right gear...short runs in the working week and a longer daylight run at weekends.

Plan your route...( Not the canal... ) travel a bit further a the weekend maybe?

Set everything out the night before... get up and go... once you get in a routine that routine will become a wonderful habit again.

Winter running is so good for us!

It can....

Burn More Calories. ...

Strengthen Your Heart. ...

Build Mental Strength. ...

Improve Your Physical Endurance. ...

Place Less Heat Stress on the Body. ..

Just make you feel awesome... x

[Evol Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks oldfloss, plan, get the routine back! I will give it a go

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Evol]

Go..go. go xxx

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Great response. I also hate the dark but run in the morning so it’s getting lighter as I run. I also prefer the colder weather, it’s perfect apart from the rain!

I agree about laying everything out the night before.

[RunningMigster Graduate]

I only started this 6 weeks ago, so I dont know any difference.

I was enjoying early morning runs. I love running in the dark. Cold and rain isn't fun to start with, but once I'm out there, I'm actually ok with it (almost enjoy it. I said almost!).

Struggling to get up so early on a morning now, but I suspect that will change once spring comes around.

[Evol Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

I'm always awake early in the summer but don't want to get out of bed in the winter. Hibernation is for me!

[Hidden]

Go for it, the gym will get you going again, you can try other things in it while you are there. Do it until spring then you can go outdoors again.

Best of luck to you.

[Debston Graduate]

I hear you! It's solid drizzle here and I am trying to summon up some enthusiasm for heading out for a run. I think if you could get used to a treadmill, then go for it at the gym. Most gyms offer a free trial, don't they? So if you hate it, you wouldn't be out of pocket.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I find this time of year, the thought of running is worse than actually doing it. I've been out before breakfast the last two Saturdays. It was raining this week and I nearly didn't bother. However, once I got out and round the nature reserve, I found I was having quite good fun. I definitely felt smug when I got home.

I am lucky enough not to have to run in the dark. I don't think I would like that much.