Running in the cold and dark!

[TheseAreTheGoodOldDays]

Morning all!

Been lurking on these boards a while now but only very recently joined, hoping you can all give me some motivational tips..

I got into running last summer/autumn, quite enjoyed it, but as soon as the dark nights and cold weather turned up I stopped going out. Been meaning to start again since the New Year but so far, no!

How do you all find the motivation to go out when it's cold and dark? I don't have time on a morning due to DP starting time at work and having to take DSD to school before I go to work myself. I usually feel fairly motivated at lunch time at work, decide that 'tonight is the night' for the first run of the year, but when I leave work and it's dark and cold I just can't think of anything worse.

Going on holiday in a few months so had hoped that would be inspiration enough but hasn't managed to get me out so far. I love running to music but feel quite nervous about running in the dark with my headphones in, even though I'm just on the streets in my area and there's usually a few cars about (although there are some quieter streets I tend to use too).

How do you all go about it? Any warmer clothing you could recommend? Or is it just a case of giving myself a kick up the bum and getting this first run over and done with?!

[CwtchMeQuick]

I actually really enjoy running in the evenings when it's cold and dark. Make sure you have a decent running jacket (I've got a lovely warm one from karrimor but it doesn't make me too hot) and gloves are a must. The thought of running on a winters evening is much worse than the actual run. I've been really unmotivated recently too but I just know that I need to push myself to get out and I'll remember how much I enjoy it.

[Bipbopbee]

I've moved to using the running machine at the gym when it's cold outside and too dark!

[TheseAreTheGoodOldDays]

CwtchMeQuick thanks for the reply! I guess I do just need to get on with it - I did enjoy getting into it last year, and I just need to see this is a different 'running experience' and try to enjoy it. Will definitely look into a new jacket I can wear I figured I've still got a few months to wait for some light nights and decent weather and I don't want to wait that long, feeling very lethargic these days due to lack of exercise.

Bipbopbee I know a few people who rely more on the gym this time of year. I cancelled my membership last year after realising that I'd been paying for it for 6 months and hadn't been once I decided then that if I wanted to work out then I'd do it myself at home and stop wasting the money (clearly that's not working so well for me now the winter is here...)

[randomsabreuse]

Running club or buddy. Running clubs can be really friendly and there's all standards from couch to 5k upwards!

[hareagain]

Get changed at work and go as soon as you park up at home?

[TheseAreTheGoodOldDays]

Some great tips here!

Randomsabreuse I've tried to rope friends in a few times but to no avail! My two closes friends work unsociable hours sometimes which doesn't help! A running club could be a good idea though, I'll have to have a look and see what's going on in my area

hareagain great idea - why have I not thought of that before?! Think that could actually work for me... It's the getting in the house/getting changed/getting out that I often struggle with. I'll get in, see lots of housework that needs doing and then talk myself out of going back out! I'll definitely give that a go, I've got no excuse when I'm already changed and I could be back home in 30 mins if needs be.

Thank you all very much for the motivation! I have no excuse not to run tonight do I?

[CwtchMeQuick]

Getting changed at work is a good idea. If I want to run in the afternoon on my days off I always put my running stuff on in the morning when I get dressed rather than having to get changed later. It always makes me go.

[hareagain]

Works for me every time, or sometimes it's straight to the gym. I always used to struggle but for the last two years, I'm a three/four times a week girl. Hope it works for you!

[hareagain]

I do the getting dressing in gear in a morning trick as well when I'm off work.

[weasle]

Definitely don't go home as if anything like me, there's no chance of going out again. I'd suggest running home from work then run back in next morning and get train / bus the other way.
Definitely gloves and I like a head band over my ears too.

I've just in the last fortnight got back into running after a winter gap and feel much less lethargic. Go for it!

[Tightarseinleggings]

I was you last winter. Then i joineda brand new just set up running club. The best thing i ever did. And ive started running with another club too. Great way tomeet others and we all like a curry and a pint!

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

I agree with joining a running club. It's a huge motivator to go out.

[RobsAKnob]

A agree - either get up and put your running stuff on or put it in before you leave work. I also sometimes tell myself I'm only going out for 10 minutes but once I'm out, I'm fine and just keep going.

I hate wearing jackets but I've got a good fleece-lined hi-viz MoreMile top with lots of reflecting bits on it and a big pocket at the back that I can stuff my (Lidl) gloves in when my hands get hot, and I also safety-pin those flashing LED lights that you hang on dog collars - much brighter and cheaper than the running ones you can buy. I also generally wear a decent base layer.

I always seem to get a cold bum when I run in the winter even if the rest of me is warm, so I generally wear two pairs of huge microfibre knickers.

I look very attractive .