How To Stay Motivated In The Winter
As it starts to get dark earlier and the weather turns from sunshine to cold and rain, motivation can take a nosedive. We're here with our top tips to stay motivated in the winter so that you can stay strong and get those all-important winter miles in.
Be flexible with your training schedule
If you have a pre-work run scheduled at 5am but getting out of bed is just not happening, give yourself a break and enjoy the extra hour in bed. Instead, you could always do your run at lunchtime or after work – so long as it gets done.
If you're flexible with your schedule, you are less likely to resent your training plan and motivation will come more easily. Don't allow excuses to mean you skip sessions altogether, though, just be realistic.
Dress appropriately
There's nothing worse than suffering an outdoor workout when under-dressed. Numb fingers and getting soaked by an unexpected rain shower can all ruin an otherwise great training session, so make sure you dress appropriately and always go prepared.
A packable water-resistant running jacket will be vital if there's a threat of rain, and if it packs away easily you can store it on your bike for winter rides or carry it in a pocket on a run. A thick insulating hoodie will keep you warm in extreme cold while a thermal Merino base layer will be ideal when the weather is changeable and you don't want to overheat. Touch screen gloves are also a must if you want to still be able to feel your fingers and be able to access your phone when necessary.
If you know that you're going to be comfortable in your fitness clothing it will be much easier to get out the door and get it done.
Be accountable
if you have a buddy to train with this can not only improve your confidence but can also help you to enjoy working out and stay motivated. If you have someone to be accountable to, you are less likely to flake out on your workout for no reason. Having a friend or personal trainer to let down will give you that extra motivation to get out there and go train, even if you don't really feel like it.
Make your workouts fun
It's understandable to dread a long slog in the snow or long ride against bitter headwinds. By mixing it up and making your workouts more fun, you will have something to look forward to and you'll be more motivated. Try something new by taking a new route or giving yourself a challenge to complete such as a certain number of hill climb repetitions.
