Running is an exercise which can comfortably get you the results you need in not very much time at all, whether you’re looking to improve overall fitness, lose some weight, or just get a bit healthier.
When you take your runs outdoors, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of the fresh air and vitamin D laden sunshine which is ‘oh so good’ for mind, body and soul. But when the weather gets so much colder as it has recently, it’s ‘oh so tempting’ to stay warm and snuggly under a blanket indoors.
Regular fitness and a healthy diet is the key to good health, and unfortunately there’s no helping the British weather, so if you’re having to head outside for a run on one of the less pleasant winter days, how can you make it more appealing?
Give yourself a great view
If you’re lucky enough to live by the seaside or near to some areas of natural beauty, then make sure your runs make the most of it. If not, try running as the sun is coming up or setting. Having an attractive view is a great way to distract you, making you push yourself further and feel good while you’re doing it.
Take a mate with you
Not only does running with a friend mean you’ll have some company when you’re out in the winter chill, but you’ll be able to pace each other and give each other more of a challenge. As a result there’s less chance of giving up halfway through and again, the distraction of having someone else there may well mean you’ll do more.
Go running with a pet
Probably not a guinea pig, or your pet cat even, but dogs are great companions to go running with and nine times out of ten you’re guaranteed to get tired out before they do!
Give yourself a challenge
Getting outside in the dreary winter weather for a run takes a bit of motivation and if the thought of being fitter and healthier isn’t quite enough, how about giving yourself a challenge to train for, such as a half marathon, 10k, local fun run or Tough Mudder? There’s even more incentive to be at your best then! Many runs are in aid of some really worthwhile charities, so, in addition to improving your fitness, quite often, the better you do, the more you’ll raise.
In addition, most human beings love a good personal challenge, so why not download a GPS app and time your runs over the same distance? You can give yourself a target to beat, which again is a great incentive.
Whack on some feel good tunes
Listening to music is a great way to make you feel good at any time of the day or night. And depending on what you choose to listen to, it can give you some added get up and go on top of that.
So, try downloading a workout playlist to your phone, with all the kind of tunes that will spur you on and stick the headphones in while you go for a run. This definitely has to be the best way to have some fun on your winter run!