winter running
Showing posts with label winter running. Show all posts
Walking Away From the Winter Blues
It's that time of the year where we're all feeling a little bit down...it's cold, it's snowy and it's been grey a lot lately. After the high of Christmas, January and February are always a let down and tough to get through. Now there are lots of things that can help kick up your mood during these times but two of the best (I find) are exercise and getting some Vitamin D. Exercise releases feel-good endorphin's and it doesn't have to be high intensity. It has been scientifically proven that LOW & moderate intensity exercise can help reduce depression & anxiety symptoms, which can become even more accute in the winter months. Vitamin D also helps with these symptoms, so what better way to beat the winter blues than go out for a winter walk/run. Since Vitamin D is only absorbed through the skin you have to have some showing, perhaps not the best when it's -25 but take advantage of those warmer days and/or take a supplement.
Some tips for getting outside during the winter:
1. Set a fun playlist
2. Pick a loop/distance and set a time, this can change everytime you go or stay the same!
3. Start off slow, if you're not a winter runner start off walking
4. If you are into running it doesn't have to be high intensity 1 minute walk, 1 minute run. High intensity can actually make anxiety symptoms worse
5. Add some stairs in
6. Dress appropriately, you want to make this a pleasant experience not get frostbite!
7. Grab a friend, make it a social event or take your furry pal out too, they too can get the winter blues!
Hopefully this will leave you feeling great and like you can totally handle getting through the rest of winter!
Winter Fitness: Snowshoeing
Winter can be hard if you spend the months stuck indoors, not getting any vitamin D or fresh air. Its important to find something you enjoy doing and getting outside. There's so many different, varied winter activities out there to give a try so when it was lovely out this past weekend we decided to rent some snow shoes and go for a jaunt. I think in the future we're going to buy our own pair because we enjoyed it so much! It was so nice to be outside and get some exercise, and it's not very difficult
Where to Rent: Mountain Equipment Co-Op. You can rent for 1 day or a week
Where to Snow Shoe: There are several different parks and trails around every city where you can snow shoe a listing of Edmonton's here
What to bring: Water, snacks, the doggo! Duke loved bounding about in the snow and running alongside us.
Winter Running
Winter Running has been a struggle for me for a long time, I used to wimp out the moment the temperatures dropped below 5 degrees. This year I am determined not to let winter get the best of me, I have been running 5-7km 2-3x a week august until 2 weeks ago when the temperatures went to -30.
It's actually really wonderful to be able to get out and enjoy the outdoors when it's cold and your body warms up rather quickly. Now -30 is still a little on the cold side for me, but -15? Totally doable and actually enjoyable!
What you'll need:
Runners with grip: I got this saucony trail shoes last January and when it's icy or heavy snow they're great, a lot better grip than my usual.
Warm socks: Wick away material that's a bit thicker to keep those toesies warm
Lined leggings: Lulu lemon has a couple lined with fleece that are great when it's chilly, when its a deep chill you might need another layer though
Wick away tops: light weight material that keeps the sweat from staying on your skin is important, it's not good to let sweat stick to your body and freeze. Smart wool is a great option
Hats/face warmer/scarf/mittens: Its important to keep your head warm, cover your mouth to breath when it's really cold and keep those hands warm. Mountain equipment co-op has a great selection for all this gear
It's a bit of gear, but now you're ready to run in any temperature and all conditions, nothing can stop you. Now put some tunes on and get moving
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