It’s cold, its dark and the urge to press snooze and doze at least until the sun comes up is overwhelming. So how do we keep training as the days get shorter and the chill sets in? Here are some tips and tricks:
1. Get organised

Write your schedule up on the weekend so that you know what the week ahead looks like. That way you don’t have to think too much when the alarm goes off. Get prepared the night before- clothes out, shoes out, body glide out the same as you would for a race. Again it takes the thinking away so you are focussed on simply having the strength to get out of bed.

 2. Meet a friend

It is so much easier to run with a friend in winter. You are committed and can’t let them down so you have more incentive to get out of bed. The number of times I have thought- gee the kids woke me up one too many times last night but then I think of Christina, Amanda or Cass standing there in the dark and cold waiting for me. I am pretty quick to stop complaining and get moving so I don’t let them down. Thanks girls!

 3. Run the first 1-2km near home

Often on our weekend runs we run a 1-2km loop near home so we can dump the jumpers once we are warm. Inevitably you will get hot if you are doing a long run so plan ahead. Pick a route that you can find a “dump the jumper” spot.

 4. Treat yourself

Treat yourself to some winter active wear. It doesn’t need to break the bank. Kmart has excellent active wear for winter. Make it a reward- if you stick to your schedule two weeks in a row go out and reward yourself. The better you look, the better you feel and the more likely you are to jump out of bed to wear your new gear!

 5. Follow someone on social media that motivates you

We are so spoilt here at RMA with some incredible ambassadors. If you are not motivated by the likes of Jodie, Emma, Anna or Nicole to jump out of bed and run I’m not sure what else will. Every time I see a post from these girls I want to run.

It’s not easy and there will be days where the motivation is not there- don’t beat yourself up because tomorrow is another day. If you have any tips and tricks you want to share- we would love to hear from you!

by Ana Croger