TRICK OR TREAT?
How to motivate yourself for some EPIC autumn running
The night is cold, the air is frosty, it’s already dark at 5pm…and the thought of putting on your runners and heading out into the ibis is just too overwhelming.
OK so here’s the thing, I haven’t been running much of late, a mix of not having a goal, being focussed on other things like moving house and starting a new job…and I just haven’t felt very motivated.
Add to that the fact we are going into darker, colder months, and you’d probably not be surprised if I decided to take a break until the Spring.
No way Jose’
In fact, it is my move to a new location AND the reality that we are now firmly in Autumn that has motivated me to dig out my trainers once more.
So in this Trick or Treat blog I am going to share some ideas for motivating yourself to get out of the door more often over the coming weeks.
You get to decide if it is a TRICK or a TREAT.
Tip 1 – Treat yourself to some New Kit
ALWAYS NEW KIT….seriously though, some fit-for-purpose running kit for the winter months is always going to motivate you to run. Some lovely bright leggings, or new hat or gloves…maybe even some new trainers.
Check out the discount on our TFTR Headbuffs, these are great for the colder months as you can wear them over your mouth to warm up the cold air, round your neck to stop the cold air getting in, or round your wrist as a snot rag yyyuuuckkkkk!!!!
Look out next weekend for a bit of a EVERYTHING MUST GO SALE…I will be getting rid of lots of plus size fitness gear I no longer have space for. Head over to our Facebook Community to take part
Tip 2 – Run during the day instead of leaving it until the evening.
We know that getting 15 minutes of daylight each day is what we need for the right amount of Vitamin D…and it doesn’t need to be sunny for this.
Tip 3 – Have something to look forward to when you get home.
A warm bath, a pot of hot soup on the hob, a cozy night in front of the TV.
I am not a massive fan of the rhetoric of “I run for cake” running and cake are separate entities they can exist irrespective of one another…but if that’s what it takes, knock yourself out.
Get your loved ones to run your bath, or cook you dinner, or even give you a cheeky massage (wink wink)
Tip 4 – Do a bit of parkrun or race tourism.
Generally in the winter months we can get a bit lazy and opt for staying home.
Having some interesting runs to look forward to will ensure you stay motivated.
Remember warm clothes and maybe a flask of something hot for the journey home.
I am doing 5 different parkruns in the Essex/Hertfordshire area over the next few weekends…come and say hi.
Tip 5 Run or walk with others
It can feel scary by yourself out on a run, even in daylight if fewer people are around. So why not organise some meet-ups with friends.
Even if you are not running, a brisk walk in the outdoor cold air will do you the world of good.
I hope this was helpful…oh and Happy Halloween for those that partake….as you can see from the photo, my 9 year old daughter Rose very much likes getting into the “spirit” of things.
I did ask her this morning as she skipped off to her playscheme “Fancy running at parkrun in your costume this weekend?”
Her response….
“Nah, you are alright Mum”
Looking for something fun to keep you moving in the winter months?
Check out our Countdown to Xmas Challenge which starts on the 1st December. More than 1000 women have taken part in this challenge, which is now in it’s 7th year.
You don’t need to be a runner to take part, it is like an advent calender of fun fitness, mental health and wellbeing challenges to keep us all in good spirits over the festive period…we always have a great time.
Register before the end of the month to get an earlybird discount.
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