Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
Now let's get started by once again talking about winter running. After all, it’s not only cold but the first day of winter will be here in 10 days, which means it’s only going to get colder. And while that may fill a lot of runners with so much dread that they’re running for the treadmill, you can be ready to get out the door by putting on your "game face.”
Now while a game face can be defined as a serious or determined expression that a person puts on when they are going to try to win or achieve something and can usually be conjured up by visions of them reaching their goal, a winter running game face might be a little harder to don for various reasons. Listed below are the top three reasons I've seen in my many years of coaching that runners were hesitant to head out the door the minute the mercury dropped to an uncomfortable level.
1. With very few winter races, it's hard to see the value in embracing the harsh conditions since the race you might be training for is held in the Spring when the temperatures will rise and the conditions will be idyllic. And while I get the reasoning behind this, opting for the treadmill all winter will keep you from enjoying the feeling of accomplishment you'll get from embracing the season and getting out there despite the cold. This will also add to your gratefulness when the warm air eventually returns.
To get your game face on in this instance, sign up for a virtual race or set a personal goal that requires going outside and fits into your training plan. Then get serious about making it happen by envisioning yourself completing such a difficult and daunting task.
To get on your game face, check the forecast and lay your clothes out the night before. Begin envisioning your run the moment you get up (or before heading out if you run later in the day) and begin reciting some winter mantra such as...
"There's no bad weather when you have the right clothing," or "If you wait for the perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done."
3. The treadmill is much safer. For the most part, this is very true if you vary up the inclines to avoid overworking your muscles. And this is especially true if there's snow or ice on the ground. But running outside introduces irregular terrain and natural inclines and declines, which can prevent overworking your muscles and provide an extra challenge which can potentially improve your fitness more than the treadmill can.
To get on your game face, put on a pair of traction cleats and simply slow down your run. Prepare mentally by picturing yourself breathing in all the winter smells and using the slower pace to practice mindfulness and gratitude. Think about all the ways this run will give you grit. This will make you a better runner in every season!
Now that we’ve covered the reasons you can and should take your runs outside (at least part of the time), treadmill running most definitely has its place too. Which means, in the end, declaring one option as definitively better than the other would overlook the unique advantages each brings. Outdoor running stimulates the senses, while treadmill running offers control, convenience and consistency. If you’re training for an outdoor race, you should probably do at least some of your training outside, but both types of running are valuable. Variations in training goals, weather conditions, time constraints and personal preferences should dictate the choice between outdoor or treadmill running.
So, no matter where you choose to run, remember that this season won’t last forever and the important thing is to remain consistent so you’ll be ready for those spring races. As a winter running lover, all I can say is “Bring it on! I’m ready and I hope you are too!” Happy Running!
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