Winter Motivation
Nikki Gillingham // February 8, 2013
If you’re like me, then the thought of putting in long mileage on the treadmill will terrify you. For the last couple winters, while I was living in Halifax, I was able to run outside throughout the winter without any issues. Of course, there are days when it is just too cold, but for the most part there were no long-lasting cold spells that couldn’t be run in.
Ottawa is not like that.
Since I’ve been here I’ve discovered just how much I actually hate the cold. Being cold all day and then finally coming home to a house that’s also cold (we’ve recently discovered a problem with our thermostat) makes it incredibly hard to get myself motivated to go back outside. That said, it’s important not to let the cold get you down.
Winter may not be everyone’s favourite season, but there are plenty of fun outdoor activities you can do to get your heart rate up and burn some extra calories. It’s up to you to choose that activity – be it skiing, snowboarding, skating, running, or just walking your dog through snow-covered trails – if you prepare yourself accordingly, the cold shouldn’t be an excuse to stay inside.
The first thing you want to do is make sure you’re on track with your nutrition. It can be easy to indulge in empty carbs on the couch while wrapped in a blanket, but if you’re filling your body with unhealthy, heavy, starchy or salty foods, you won’t only have to fight the cold, you’ll also have to fight yourself. What you put into your body will directly affect how you feel. If your body feels great and you have energy, you’ve already won half the battle of finding motivation.
Second, you should invest in some winter-appropriate workout clothing. Companies like Under Armour and Nike make athletic apparel designed to keep you warm in extremely cold temperatures. You may feel like it’s a waste of money to spend anywhere from $70 to $100 on a hoodie, or $50 for a pair of running tights when you can get something that looks similar for much cheaper, but if you’re serious about your fitness and getting outdoors in the winter months, it’s an investment you won’t regret. As a bonus, these high-tech pieces of clothing are lightweight, so you can add layers as needed without feeling like a marshmallow. Winter workout apparel is often advertised as being ‘for’ running, or ‘for’ another specific sport, but these items can be worn for anything. Running tights are great under snow pants if you’re planning on hitting the slopes.
Once you’ve gotten your hands on some winter-appropriate apparel, remember that there are different levels of ‘cold’. I start wearing my running tights when temperatures hover just above zero. In -25, the same outfit probably won’t cut it. During last night’s run, I wore knee high socks and three-quarter length pants underneath my tights for the extra layer. My Under Armour Cold Gear hoodie is great in negative temperatures, but last night I also added a t-shirt and a long-sleeve underneath. Believe it or not, I was warm during my run.
Finally, don’t forget about your feet! It’s important to keep your toes warm. Wear an extra pair of socks, especially if the activity you’ve chosen is running. I love my minimalist running shoes, but in the winter the barely-there fabric doesn’t provide very much protection.
Don’t let the cold get you down. Eat properly so you’re energetic and want to get out the door, and invest in the proper gear and clothing. You’ll be outside experiencing a whole new side of winter you’ve never seen before.
Happy training, and stay warm!
