Embrace the cold
Sure it's hard, but cold weather running offers robust defense for winter malaise
It’s one of life’s cruel ironies that right when you need running the most, it becomes harder to do on a consistent basis. During the cold weather months, which I start counting after we turn the clocks back, days are shorter, nights are longer, and motivation can drop right along with the temperature.
That’s if you stay healthy by avoiding the worst effects of cold/flu seasons. Take it from me, the guy who had to take more sick days in the past week than he did during the rest of the year combined, few things can derail your will to run like a prolonged illness.
The winter can turn even the heartiest of souls into a hibernating bear. Not only are we in danger of losing fitness if our mileage drops, we’re also leaving ourselves open to mental health issues, such as seasonal depression.
For many of us, and I include myself in this category, running is a first-line defense for maintaining mental health. That battle becomes an unfair fight when we take ourselves out of the game.
Put it all together and cold weather running requires a level of commitment not found during the spring, summer, and early fall. Anyone can get out there on a beautiful 60-degree day, but real ones know that maintaining a consistent running schedule through colder months can act as a powerful antidote to the winter blues.
From motivation to gear to illness, here are a few ways to get out of bed and embrace the cold.
