Winter Running

Hi guys, so the clocks have changed and the dark nights are here already.  What i want to know is how you keep yourself motivated to go out for a run in the crap weather as oposed to sitting in and watching tv? (the tv is more appealing but isnt going to help me in the marathon im training for!!)

go before work in the morning - you don't get chance to think about it and then you can still watch tv in the evening

If your going on a run, say after work that eve, prepare dinner before you go and I dont plan anything else that evening, so you know you can relax when you get back. Also just imagine walking back through the door with another run under your belt! Whens your marathon? Ive got one in June next year so im just enjoying comfortable runs at the moment. If you know your not going to be in pain, you'll enjoy it more!

You want to start from scratch again in the spring?

I agree, the fear of having to start again in Spring (2012 is my first year of running) is just about enough to keep me going. 

Spending £200 on winter running gear also helped - you don't want to do that only to have it sat in a wardrobe!!!

However, I also felt that cold, dark, wintery evenings when my Sky+ box is calling me would dampen my motivation, so for November (although I started 2 days early) I'm giving early morning running a try. 

Tom. wrote (see)

Run in the morning and/or join a club.

Joining a club worked for me. Great motivation!

Dave The Ex- Spartan wrote (see)

Having an event ?

So far I've got a 10 mile, 10 km 2 half marathons a full marathon and a sprint triathlon between now and Easter....

... No time to worry if its dark ... And have yet to find anything on tv worth missing training for

Yes. You have 6 planned

Generally keep reminding myself that I do it because I enjoy it, and that it is incredibly rare that I regret it once I am out of the door.

Also, keep doing it really regularly, so it is just what I do, I don't have to make a choice about it.

Remembering that there is a difference between wanting to do something, and feeling like it!

Finally, tell myself that I don't need to find the motivation to do it, I just need to do it! 

If you can't stand the weather, join a gym and train indoors.

Some winters are hell.

i actually prefer the coler weather, and besides, its just an excuse to buy more gear

get a dog!

I cant stay in when mine is moping over my running shoes

Run in the morning. And remember you'll never regret going for a run but you will always regret not going!

I've just started early morning running and I've found that the urge to stay in bed instead of get up for a run is countered by not aching when I wake up form running late the previous night!  

In fact, so far, I've not really had the urge to stay in bed (which has surprised me) as I've been looking forward to my run too much!