Weekly Running Chat, 15 Oct 2011

Sunday, October 16, 2011 · Mike Davis

Be that person!

How quickly we hit the middle of October! Leaves are changing colors and falling faster than we would like. Great time of year to be a runner; enjoying crisp temperatures and beautiful surroundings wherever you may be running. This morning as I ran along the Commons in New Castle, the view was clear and breathtaking; I could see the lighthouses as if they were in high definition! Truly a beautiful morning to be in running shoes. Take advantage of this time of year no matter where you are, if you live in such places as New Hampshire, this type of weather doesn’t last long.

So what’s your plan for when the leaves have all fallen and the temperature has dropped to a high of 30 degrees? Most of you know me and know that I’m big on plans and direction. Is your plan to pack it in and hibernate, maybe hit the gym or is it to bring out the winter running gear? Hibernation sounds cozy but unlike bears we continue to eat and gain weight. Hitting the gym is never a bad idea and if disciplined enough to hit it at least 3 days a week, you’ll have a great winter. This of course brings us back to lacing up those shoes and running through the winter.

Many people (me being one of them), like certain aspects of winter, but tend to long for April. Instead of looking out the window and seeing the condition as a deterrent, think opportunity. Opportunity to be that person that fears nothing, that person that can handle anything and that person that comes out of winter stronger and better! Do you want this winter to be your best winter yet? Do you want to come out of March in great shape physically and mentally? Don’t wait for it to end, concur it!

Running outside throughout the winter can play a huge role in our mental health and apatite as well.

Studies have shown that those that live in the northern states have a greater amount of people that suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and while many may not fully suffer from SAD, many struggle with limited sun to some extent. Lack of sunlight exposure has shown to lead to increased apatite, mood drops and fatigue. Exercise and sun exposure have proven to reduce the chances of any symptoms of SAD. It’s not always easy to run during the best part of the day, but running (or exercising) outside in the fresh air will prove beneficial to overall health.

Last winter a group of women and my wife met 3 times a week and braved some of the worst running conditions imaginable. They stumbled, slipped, laughed and pulled each other through each run. They could tell you many stories of various runs and they capped it all off with completing a half marathon on a horrible February day! Some days may have been ideal, but probably few. They were also rewarded with shirts at the end of the winter honoring them as “Winter Warriors”. A really bad winter turned out to be a great winter for them!

A treadmill is a wonderful invention and can be a great alternative. However, you will not get many of the great benefits that I’ve discussed. If you flat out don’t want to run outside, try to at least do it once a week. Get your miles in and get some time outside.

So start thinking ahead and come up with a plan. Talk to a friend, hook up with a group or sign up for a race. I can set up training for those that choose to become a member of nofinishlinerunning.com. I will also be offering opportunity to anyone that wants to train with me either physically or through cyber. Again it will only require membership. My training will be geared toward a February half marathon.

Many reasons to run through the months ahead. Hope to see you on the road!

mike