5. Switch Up Your Routine
Being a runner isn't just about running. If you're training for a race, or you're starting to feel a little burnt out by all running all the time, switch up your routine by cross training with strength and resistance exercises, yoga or cycling. Cross training helps to strengthen, tone and condition muscles, and it also decreases your chance of injury.
This winter, find a local gym that offers group fitness classes focusing on both strength and endurance to add to your weekly training schedule.
6. Take it Inside
Snow, ice and flat-out ridiculously cold days are inevitable in certain parts of the world. If you find yourself stuck indoors due to stormy weather or unsafe road conditions, don't succumb to the temptation to do nothing. Instead, take your run to an inside track or treadmill. Not only will this help keep your training on schedule, but switching up your surface can also help eliminate injuries.
Of course, not everyone has access to an inside track or treadmill. If not, try doing some cardio drills at home such as high knees, butt kicks, mountain climbers, jumping jacks, burpees, squat thrusts and speed skaters.
7. Adjust and Increase
Sometimes life happens and doesn't allow us to get in those long training runs. In these cases, know that it's OK to adjust your schedule and training as needed.
If you find yourself in a situation where you can't fit in a long run, try to squeeze in a shorter one where you build up the intensity. Start off by running the first few miles at a nice easy pace, then gradually increase to a moderate pace and hit the last mile or two at a hard, fast effort. The point is to keep your training schedule malleable and fit runs in whenever you can.
8. Rest and Relax
This may be an infrequent problem come the winter months, but sometimes the biggest struggle for runners is not running at all. However, for those lucky enough to have such energy, it's important to remember that giving your body time to rest is just as important as your runs. Rest days should be included in your training schedule, as this is when your body is repairing itself from all the hard work you've been putting in. Don't feel guilty kicking up your feet, relaxing or even getting a massage to help loosen up those muscles.
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