Is anyone else anxious about winter?

[nickinocki]

What do we wear? How will we keep motivation going when it's freezing, wet and windy? I'm worried that I'll get to 5k & won't be able to maintain or build on it over the winter months. Any suggestions or advice from more experienced runners gratefully recieved!

[DontBeBlueBeARainbow Graduate]

I started in wintery April and was wearing leggings, long sleeve wicking top with a body warmer over the top. As I got warm, I would unzip the body warmer to let air flow, keeping the toggles done up so it didn't jangle. It worked quite well, so I didn't dread the cold.

More motivational posts from others on here really helped, and if you're postgrad then having a god plan or something to aim for should help get you out there

[gdeann Graduate]

I'm anxious too. I think I will dress in layers and also invest in a nice pair of wicking wool socks. I'm not a treadmill type person, so I'm hoping we have enough halfway decent days mixed in with the snow/ice. After making it this far and hoping to complete the program, I have high hopes to keep it up.

[Hezzabelle Graduate]

I am very worried about winter. If I keep to this program, I'm looking to graduate in November.

I'm not used to going out of the house in winter months without umpteen layers and a massive coat, scarf, hat and gloves etc... I know I'll warm up when running but I expect it'll be quite a shock to my system.

I'm hoping once I graduate that I can still keep up 3 x 30 min runs per week. I know it will be a challenge.

I'm also aware it'll be getting on towards Christmas; the season of eating, drinking and overindulging.

But I really don't want to put all this work and effort into this program just to let it slide as soon as I get somewhere.

At the moment I'm full of good intentions but I know how lazy I can be when its cold and dark.

If I complete this and graduate then getting through winter may be just as big a challenge as actually beginning the c25k in the first place.

Only then will I maybe consider myself as a "runner".

[sfb350 Graduate]

Ooh, I'm looking forward to winter ! I think layers are the key, plus a hat and gloves when it is really cold. Perhaps joining a running club would keep you motivated - plus you have company when running in the dark.

[Hidden]

I ran through last winter, which was fairly dry, but cold. Ice was the worst thing, and layering worked. I think I was wearing a running vest with long sleeves and a fleece. I always had to tie the fleece around my waist early on. I wore long running tights, and on very cold days thermals underneath. I didn't bother was special socks. A hat made me too hot, but running gloves were invaluable.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I strongly agree about running gloves!!!! yes, I heat up as I run, but my hands always stayed cold. Gloves are a total necessity.

[TJFlute]

Winter is my favourite month to run. You go out with layers on and then slowly strip off; it's amzing how hot you get and there's nothing like running in the cool, frosty air feeling all cosy and warm on the inside. You'll still come home red and sweaty!

Gloves are good. You can buy running gloves, but I just used my usual ones at the start.

[Gridlet Graduate]

I hate the cold and wet but looking back, my best runs were in the worst weather! You feel much more invigorated when you have braved the hailstones and Baltic wind! You run faster too!

Aagh! I am trying to be positive about it but I must confess I'm rather anxious too!

[redsheep Graduate]

I'm anxious about winter too. More from a safety point of view though, as I'm not sure if I'll be able to find a well lit route I can use. I always run in the evening after work, except at the weekend. Worst case I guess I'll just do and Sat & Sun run.

[Vitty Graduate]

I'm anxious too. I'm thinking about joining a running group to keep me going and considering using the running macine in the gym. It's mainly the dark that's concerning me as I live in he countryside. I work in a city so today tried running around work rather than home as it is better lit and I can start earlier as I don't have to drive home beforehand.

[sbhoa]

I'm a bit more concerned about getting too hot part way than I am about being cold at the start. It's hard enough getting it right just doing normal walking down the road. I have a thin running jacket. not sure about needing to get a long sleeved shirt. May try capri length running tights as I can't imagine wanting full length after warm up even if it's really cold..... will have to see.