This morning I went for a great run – my first, I’ll admit, in a month – and took full advantage of the sunny weather and relatively warm temperatures in Toronto. Unfortunately, there’s not going to be many more days like this, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be hanging up my shoes. For the second year in a row, I’ve registered to run Around the Bay, a 30-km road race in Hamilton that takes place each year at the end of March. (There’s also walk and relay options.) I want to do ATB again for two reasons: it’s an awesome course that winds around the Hamilton harbour, and, it’s the only thing that kept me running last December, January and February.
This article from yesterday’s New York Times – forwarded to me by my colleague Rachel – talks about a few studies that have, unsurprisingly, confirmed that we tend to work out less in the winter months. But the writer, Gina Kolata, focusses on the upside of conquering the outdoors during the bleak months to come:
“Those of us who exercise in all sorts of weather will attest that there is a certain thrill that can come from terrible conditions.”
I agree. When I took a half-marathon course at the Running Room, my coach, Erin (who blogs at My Running Shorts) maintained that once we were out there, we’d never regret it. And while there is once blizzard run that I do regret – largely because I gave up near the end and took a cab home – to this day it reminds me that if I could run 8 km in that kind of weather, I can run in pretty much anything. Purpose served.
If you’re looking for a run or walk to motivate you through the long winter months, check out the cross-Canada event listings at RunningRoom.com. And for more motivational tips, plus fitness advice and healthy meal suggestions, visit Chatelaine Walks.
2 Responses to “ What keeps me running during the winter months ”
Our winters are far too long to spend wishing for better weather to get outside and run. Some of my best runs were in sub-zero temperatures with wind chill, black ice, knee deep snow and heavy grey skys. After the first ten minutes of warm-up, there are just as many beautiful sights and personal challenges out there as on a warm sunny day. You just have to look for them. And the feeling of accomplishment and well-being (and the heady feeling of being connected to your inner crazy child) is worth any initial discomfort. Training for ATB is a terrific way to embrace the winter half of our lives! Go for it….
By Sandie Orlando on Nov 18, 2009
I think I remember that blizzard run … I definitely remember running in knee deep snow. Tough, but magical. I’m running ATB too. The external motivation will help when the windchill drives me under my duvet.
By Runshorts on Nov 20, 2009