|
Subject:
Staying Motivated During the Winter/Cold Months
|
| Author |
Message
|
melolympia
Joined: 10/07/06
Outdoorzy Adventurer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 77
|
Posted: 11/27/07 8:12pm |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
Now since it is cold, I dread running in the cold as well as the dark after work. I tend to run on the treadmill during the cold months, but that gets boring after a while. I haven't been dedicated to running for the past two years. I want to change that mentality. My goal is to run the triple crown and mini-marathon this year in Louisville. Any suggestions on how to beat the cold weather?
|
|
Wade
Joined: 07/23/06
Outdoorzy Original
Bowling Green, KY
Posts: 822
|
|
Posted: 11/27/07 8:43pm |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
Put some fake trees around your treadmill and play some outdoor sounds... loons and crickets... etc. 
I hate winter too. I need suggestions. Gloooooooooomy!
I'm a lover, not a racer... --Wade
|
|
abenson
Joined: 10/09/06
Outdoorzy Adventurer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 158
|
|
Posted: 11/27/07 9:09pm |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
These short cold days are getting me down a little also. Obviously, you have to take full advantage of your weekends. Since you really don't have to start seriously running until about January to meet your goals, I would attend at least one spin class a week for cross-training and to just mix it up a little. Also, do things you don't normally do. Maybe do some eliptical and a few weights one or two days a week. Before you know it, it will be January and the tread mill can fill in the gap between weekends.
My secret training weapon is I go to the bookstore and also peruse websites for motivation. Just reading about other peoples accomplishments gives me the feeling like I'm not doing enough.
* This message was edited 11/27/07 10:12pm *
|
|
gonzobeer
Joined: 02/08/07
Outdoorzy Maniac
Louisville, KY
Posts: 242
|
|
Posted: 11/27/07 10:24pm |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
You could always buy a puppy. That'll keep ya running around for a few months.
While I'm not a runner by nature ( I go on that mentalilty of 'You Run? For Fun? What the hell kinda FUN is that?) But I do understand the notion of keeping motivated to stay healthy and all that crap *cough* But at the same time I'm a bit of a winternut. I grew up in the north and know full well the insulating capabilities of Patagonia's base layers. I've always been able to run longer and feel better about it when it's pushing 25degrees or so.
Sadly I'm realizing that not everyone is like me. So, You really don't need to solidly run 365 days a year to keep in shape, or to call yourself a runner. If you can't find time for a jog due to weather or daylight (since there's only 3/12 hours of it now) you might try holding off on the regular running and supplement it with other, maybe more intense cardio to keep fit and jog when you have the time.
Hey, Gold's Gym has one of those 'Cardio-Theatres' that you can jump on a treadmill and watch a movie....on a HUGE screen.
Last time I went I ran(walked) to 'The Incredibles' *whoa*
Licentia Haud Vestigium
|
|
wkumtrider
Joined: 10/02/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Da Ville, KY
Posts: 332
|
|
Posted: 11/28/07 8:39am |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
Don't tell here to get a puppy! She already has a crazy dog at home.
Clothing is the key. Get some good base layers and a jacket that stops the wind. A decent pair of gloves, something to cover the head, and some toasty socks and your good to go.
The spin class is a good idea too. I've done a few of them this year. They can be pretty intense(if you want it to be) and will break the monotny of running.
* This message was edited 11/28/07 2:14pm *
|
|
|
|
wdew23
Joined: 10/30/06
Outdoorzy Adventurer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 93
|
|
Posted: 11/28/07 10:02am |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
Quote:
My secret training weapon is I go to the bookstore and also peruse websites for motivation. Just reading about other peoples accomplishments gives me the feeling like I'm not doing enough.
My method exactly, the consumate blog lurker.
Really though, has it gotten cold yet?
|
|
letskungfu
Joined: 06/21/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Vail, CO
Posts: 29
|
|
Posted: 11/28/07 10:55am |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
Add a layer,, stay fly player.... or be a player. Still workin on that one.
set a goal for the end of the cold season, like signing up for a race in the spring (Dirt Sweat Gears in Tenn) should keep you motivated to stay active.
Try everything your gym has to keep you moving. learn squash, play racquetball, or shoot some hoops to break up the monotony. Go to an aerobics / tai bo/ ski conditioning class / hip hop.... Guys, these are usually full of hot chicks, and not wanting to look like a soft bumbling oaf will keep you motivated.
If you live in the snow, try nordic skiing. Most places with access to nordic trails can get you on trial/rental equipment cheap. (just don't let your friends see you. This goes for snowshoeing and tandem scooter riding too)
I personally like spin, (the reverse time machine as I like to call it) but there can be one problem. Are you spinning to be a champion spinner, or building base? Most spin workouts want to go hard everyday... great if you only care about staying fit for spin. But if you are interested in getting some rest, building base, being fast on a real bike in the spring,,, remember to take it kind of easy. Use a heart rate monitor to stay on target.
If you don't belong to a gym, I recommend buying a neon wind-breaker suit and some New Balance sneakers and joining the ranks of senior citizens dedicated to Mall Walking. For intervals, mix in the 25 cent horsey and spaceship rides near the arcade.
|
|
Mike
Joined: 07/06/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
Vail, CO
Posts: 1
|
|
wdew23
Joined: 10/30/06
Outdoorzy Adventurer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 93
|
|
JmacTN
Joined: 10/08/06
Outdoorzy Maniac
Nashville, TN
Posts: 221
|
|
Posted: 11/28/07 12:40pm |
Reply |
Quote |
Print
|
I think what you really need is a trip out west (Cooper Mountian, Vail) to do some snowboarding/skiing. Who is with me? We should go in January or February.
|
|
