Adjusting to the winter

[mclovin]

Does anyone else have a problem adjusting to the winter running? I t now the evenings are dark and wet and cold and I always have about a month where I struggle to get out the door. Like this week, I have avoided running because it's been crap weather until today. Today it's crap too but I forced myself out and had a great run. It was lovely.

Eventually I'll get my winter head on and it'll be fine but I do find it hard to get out during the first weeks of winter

[Wino]

I have been wearing a base layer when it started to get cooler last week, but found its still too warm once you get going so just have to brave the first mile for now. Took my woolly hat too lastnight on the LSR as it was almost freezing here but again after the first couple of miles I got too warm but after 9 miles it decided to piss it down so the hat came in handy and by the time I got home I was drenched, thanks Gareth

[jaynee]

It was cold yesterday and pouring with rain. Stupidly, I decided to leave my jacket at home because I was convinced it would stop...it didn't and two hours later I was absolutely soaked and freezing. Lesson learnt, I think.

[jeanette]

I find it takes me a few runs to adjust but once I've got into the swing of things I prefer running in the winter. I overheat really easily and would much rather be cold than hot.

[mclovin]

I know I prefer running in the cooler weather but it's sooo less inviting. I look out at a sunny summers day and I'm off out and then think "Sod me it's a bit hot". Come the winter I'm much less willing to go outside even though I know I'll enjoy it more when I'm out there.

[MartinD]

The big difference that I find as it gets later in the year is that I start having a lot less choice in the routes I can use for my runs - I keep to the areas with streetlights when it's dark for the most part, which basically means that the route for any long run has to go towards Edinburgh, and that means using the coast road between Prestonpans and Musselburgh...

It can be a challenge to pick out the right clothing for running at this time of year - trying to find the right balance between wearing enough to stay warm and overheating through wearing too much is tricky. I definitely know where people are coming from when they say that it's hard to take that first step out of the door - that can often be the hardest part of the run.

I find that having running club training nights to go to really helps at this time of year - even if it's dark and the weather is awful, it helps to know that there's an organised session with other people (even if the only real benefit is having other people to complain about the weather to!)

[Jelly]

I love the cold winter nights for running, I think it stems from when I trained for my first 1/2 marathon that was all started in the winter and every time it comes around I enjoy it, there is something enveloping about running in the dark I feel like no one can see me and I have the streets to myself, I mostly dress in black so it has that ninja feel to it.

[wightvixen]

I don't mind the cold per se, after that initial shock of walking out the door, but I found last winter, and I think it's going to be the same this year, that it knocks my speed back somewhat. Not sure why that is, but I can probably kiss goodbye any idea of another parkrun PB until spring.

[daffodil]

I did my first ever Winter run on saturday - it was 6 degrees and sunny with tiny bit of rain at one point. I had my hat, scarf and gloves on with long sleeved top and tights and after about 20 mins I took my gloves off and I felt fine. I'm quite proud of myself for going out and enjoying it very much :-) I normally will never venture out between oct and feb.

[grant]

My running generally goes down the tubes during November and December, just as the SAD/depression kicks in. Making the effort this year to keep training and keep my mood up.