PUBLISHED 11/20/2007
Even if you live somewhere with no chance of snow, winter's shorter days can make the season the most challenging time of year to keep running. The best way to stay moving is to develop a strategy. Knowing how you are going to tackle a problem beforehand is a powerful motivator, and instead of worrying about the cold or the dark, you'll be halfway out the door. Use my three-step guide to create your battle-the-winter plan.
Step 1: Identify your challenge(s).
What's your highest hurdle? Heading out when it's dark, dealing with the cold, or running into the wind? All of the above? (Let's hope not.)
Step 2: Create an action plan.
Formulating specific responses increases your chances of following through because they give you something concrete to do. If you're struggling with early morning darkness, buy yourself a headlamp, or better yet, commit to a standing running date since being accountable to others helps us deliver on our promises. If cold is your issue, go ahead and overdress. Just wear multiple layers, so you can take them off as you heat up. The best way to handle wind is to start by running into it so that you'll have the wind at your back upon your return. Or run with the wind for two minutes, then into it for two minutes, and repeat as many times as you like.
Step 3: Rehearse it.
Picture yourself carrying out your plan. You can do this anytime, anywhere: On the drive home, as you're making the kids' lunches, when you brush your teeth before bed. Write it down if that helps. Keep replaying the scenario in your mind so that when it comes time to run, you'll follow through again and again.
