Winter is coming.

Yup! It is getting cold, dark, and winter is not even here yet. We are in the middle of that change of season, so the cold days feel colder than what they are! We will acclimatise, we always do. But here’s a few pointers on tackling the elements over the colder months. If you do this right, you’ll get a brilliant block of running into you and by the time spring hits, you’ll be ahead of where you’d be if you hibernate!

1. Set a goal event for mid-late winter, early spring. That’ll prevent you hitting the snooze button once too many times. It’ll make winter go a lot quicker too.

2. Pick an event in warmer climes. GC is loaded with southerners fleeing!

3. Start your warm up inside. Do activation work, stretching, rolling, core work, up the stairs a few times if you have them. It’s a lot easier to open the door if you’re already nice and toasty.

4. Layer up! But not so much that you sweat too early and get chills. Start the run assuming it’s a few degrees warmer than actual, so you don’t have hoodies strewn over your course. High vis gear, a buff, some gloves, a beanie are all light and will keep you warm without over doing it.

5. Be flexible with your paces. Running in poor light will slow you down as much as a strong headwind.

6. Try running into the wind to start, and finish with the wind at your back. When you’re starting to really sweat, you won’t feel the cold as much if the wind is behind you. How good is it to finish with a flourish courtesy of Mother Nature!

7. Change quickly after your run. Have a towel and ample clothes in your car at the ready for when you finish.

8. Stay hydrated! Even though it’s not hot, you’re still working hard.

9. Reward yourself with a warm drink after. This will definitely help you get through some of the tougher moments

10. Run with a group or a friend. It’s safer in the dark, it’s more fun, and it keeps everyone accountable!

Running in colder weather has its challenges, but it makes the season fly. The reward for doing so is a fitter and faster you in the warmer season!

Thanks @kathy.richer for this pic she took on the weekend! Love it!