Running Through The Cold

Hello my friends!

Well, I'm still here! 39 weeks & 5 days pregnant, & feeling like I might pop!!
 Since I'll be out of the running circle for a few weeks after baby Case is born this winter, I thought I would share some of my little tips I've learned from winter running! 

I'll be honest, I hate winter running. The thought of getting up in the morning to venture out into freezing cold temps is never appealing. Then again, once I finish a run, I feel exhilarated! I always feel better than if I had just stayed in & became a couch potato(not that that doesn't happen some days don't get me wrong)!!
There's just something about running in the cold that makes me feel like a boss!

Below I've listed some practical tips to help you stay out of the winter running slump if you're like me & don't have a treadmill, or simply just do not like running indoors! 

1. Warm up!

Stretches, jumping jacks, anything to get your heart rate pumping before you head out the door is helpful! Getting the blood flowing can be beneficial so you're not starting out with cold muscles. 

2. Layer up, & don't forget the hat & gloves!

Winter running can be tricky because you're walking a fine line(or should I say running--sorry, lame joke) of wearing too many layers & suffocating, OR wearing too little & freezing!
 My best advice is never forget the gloves & a warm toboggan. I've always lost the most heat from my head & hands so it's important to keep them covered. My hat is from Under Armour & even has a little hole for ponytails which is AWESOME.

I also always wear knee-high socks during winter & have been able to tell the difference. Sometimes even one extra layer helps! But you will get sweaty to some degree. So judge for yourself depending on the temperature how many layers you should put on. Sometimes less is more, but other times it's the opposite way around!

3. Set a running goal or race

In January of last year I signed up for my first marathon because I was determined not to lose my running routine during the cold months. Gutsy I know, but it held me accountable & drug me out of bed even on the coldest of mornings to go train, especially since I had already paid the race fee! 
You don't have to do anything quite as big, it could be that you sign up for smaller races, or set a goal for a set amount of miles you want to run in one month. You could even set up little rewards along the way as an incentive to keep you on track. Anything to keep you accountable, but most importantly still having fun!

4. Have a kick-butt playlist

Getting out the door is the hardest part in my opinion. But once you've done that, you might need a little distraction(especially if you're getting frost-bite on your nose & toes--kidding, again)!

Here's a little peek of some of my favorite running songs:

If all else fails, just try to remind yourself how AMAZING you'll feel after that run! Most people don't run during winter, so pat yourself on the back for even trying! 

-xo Aud <3

 My coldest race to date, Renfro Rock Run '16! My mom & I finished despite freezing temps & sleet!!