Motivating yourself during cold weather

Today is a typical example of one of those rainy, dreary days where it's hard to motivate yourself to go out and do your training but over the years I've realized a few 'truths' that never let me down;

- It's never as bad outside as you think it will be and
- Once you're wet, you're wet.

How many times have you sat indoors thinking 'it's too cold out there' or 'I don't want to get wet'. I have always found that the fear is worse than the reality. Once you're outside it never seems to be raining as hard as you thought and it never seems quite as cold (once you're warmed up).

As long as you dress for the conditions there's no reason to skip your workout unless the conditions outside are dangerous like a tornado, lightning, ice storm or potato throwing competition.

Tips for dressing for the conditions;
- Always dress like it's 10 degrees warmer, running at 10° C in shorts is very comfortable.
- Layer, layer, layer. You can always take something off if your too hot.
- If it's below freezing, wear something to cover your ears and hands (unless you want to lose them).
- Wear a wind proof outer layer.
- Keep moisture wicking materials close to your skin. The dryer you are, the more comfortable you'll be.
- Never tie a plastic bag around your head, there's a reason they put keep away from children on them. I found this one out the hard way.

Once you get out the door you always have the option to turn around and go home but I can almost guaranty you won't.

Enjoy your run...