5 Tips To Help You Get Out For A Run In Winter If You’d Rather Sit On A Cactus & Cough

I have always been one of those people that sees someone running and wishes I was them. I’d love to be able to run for longer than 60 seconds and make it look effortless. But I won’t lie to you, I tried running last summer and did it a few times, then got injured and had to stop.

Well, I didn’t have to stop forever, but I accidentally did. Don’t be like me.

But if you’re keen to get out in the cold and run like Rocky, here are some tips to get you going, even when you’d prefer to be snuggled up in bed or in front of the TV.

1. Wear the right shoes

Asics GEL Kayano 28 Womens Running Shoes

If you haven’t bought new running shoes in years, you probably shouldn’t attempt even one run without updating those bad boys.

Instead, you’ll want to head to Rebel and find a shoe that supports you and keeps your foot stable, like the ASICS Gel-Kayano 28, which has been updated to increase comfort. Talk to literally any runner and you’ll likely find they’re recommending ASICS shoes. You can’t go wrong. These shoes, which are available in a range of colours including some which are exclusive to Rebel, offer great comfort and stability thanks to features like their Dynamic DUOMAX TM and GUIDANCE TRUSSTIC TM technology. 

Thanks to the GELTM cushioning, you’ll find your transitions are super smooth and they’ll absorb shock in high impact areas, which means nice soft landings.

Not only that, but they are really lightweight, making you feel even faster! You know these shoes are great because everyone raves about them – plus the new ASICS Gel-Kayano 28 have been updated for increased support and stability.

2. Get organised

Reese Witherspoon

If you’re looking for motivation and wondering when it’ll turn up, you’re going to be waiting a long time, and that’s not your fault.

Apparently, motivation doesn’t really exist.

If you want to get things done and be a runner, you need to just go out and do it. To make things easier for you, one of the best things you could do is get organised. This could be roping in a friend and setting a time and place to meet. Or, if you’re planning on running solo in the morning, plan out your running route and have your running gear ready to go by your bed.

This way, when you wake up, you just have to get up, get dressed and get out the door. Even better, put the days you plan on running into your diary with the time and place you plan on running. You’re much more likely to stick with it this way!

3. Warm-up inside

Wait! Before you do head out the door, you’re going to want to do a really thorough warm-up inside first. Because it’s so cold outside, you’ll want to do some stretching so your muscles and joints are loose and your body temperature is already a little higher so that when you get outside, it won’t feel so cold.

Make it around 15 minutes, and you’ll thank yourself later (and probably won’t injure yourself like me).

4. Make sure your outfit’s on point

Lizzo working out

No, I don’t mean making sure you’re looking fly AF (though I don’t know what gets me into the gym faster than new workout gear), but you need to make sure you’re wearing the right kind of gear. Now that you’ve got your shoes, it’s time to consider your clothing. A base layer that’s light and wicks away moisture is great because it’ll be super warm when you’re starting your run but then breathable when things start getting hot. This could be a long-sleeved tee and leggings.

When you’re getting ready, look at the weather and pretend it’s between 10 to 20 degrees higher outside because once you get going, you will be, and you don’t want to be wearing a huge jumper that overheats you! Instead, choose a jacket that’s windproof in front and breathable in the back, so you’re still protected but you won’t overheat.

Oh, and if it’s dark, make sure you’re visible. If you can’t run on footpaths, make sure drivers can clearly see you to ensure your safety. You could do this by wearing clothing with reflective panels or wearing bright colours.

5. Reward yourself

Treat yourself

I don’t know about you, but if I’m getting up early in winter to go for a run, I’m expecting some kind of reward at the end of it that’s not just ‘you did something good for your health’. Boring! Lure yourself out the door by promising yourself a reward or some self-care afterwards.

Maybe after the run, you can grab brunch with a friend, or maybe you can get a massage or do an at-home spa day with sheet masks and a relaxing bubble bath! Or, it could be as simple as telling yourself you don’t have to get outside at all for the rest of the day and you can be as lazy as you want!

Choose something that works for you.

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