One of the hardest parts of winter running is simply getting out of bed and out the door. As soon as the alarm clock goes off in the morning, the mental discussion begins: Get up or sleep in? Run or day off? Likewise, it is also difficult for those who run in the evenings to get out the door after work in the dark and cold.

It’s hard to run in darkness, foul weather, and cold temperatures, but as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Winter running is the time to develop your mental toughness and up your game. Finishing a run under miserable weather circumstances is an incredible confidence booster, and it will help get you out there next time.

The winter- and dark-running season calls for a shift in your workout perspective. Rather than focusing on the physical, like distance and pace, the winter can be a great time to focus on the mental aspects of running. Clearly defining your primary goal for your running will help you determine your winter training plan. Then, you can apply some of the tips listed below to help you achieve that goal.

Winter Running Tips

1. Consider using a three-day-a-week training plan to minimise time outdoors.

You can opt to supplement this running with cross-training indoors two or three times a week.

2. Register for races.

Use local, shorter races for short-term motivational goals. You can use the low-key races as your speedwork. Sign up for as many races as you can to keep yourself busy. For a longer-term goal, consider registering for a longer destination race at the end of your winter training cycle. (Think of this race as a reward.)

3. Recruit a running partner, whether a friend or your dog.

Or, join a running group for support. Knowing you are meeting someone gets you out of bed and out the door. (Note: This only works if your running partner is just as committed as you are!) Joining a running group gives you multiple running partners in the event someone doesn’t show. Alternatively, your furry pooch will always be ready and rearing to join you!

4. Remind yourself daily of your goal.

Whether your goal is running longer or faster, improving fitness, or losing weight, remind yourself of this often. Stick reminders on the bathroom mirror, the refrigerator, your car, or your workout bag.

5. Commit to be fit.

When the alarm goes off and the mental argument of whether to sleep in or run begins, which one will win? Every time you get up and run, you reinforce that behaviour. Every time you bag it and sleep in, you reinforce that behaviour. So, reinforce the behaviour you want to win.

6. Make a “Bad Weather Plan.”

It’s okay to give yourself an alternative in the event of rain, wind or extreme cold. Decide now what that plan will be: swap run days, get up and do a workout at home, or go to the gym and try some yoga.

7. Always prepare your clothing and workout bag the night before.

Have everything ready to go so you do not need to spend any time preparing or even thinking about what you need in the morning. If you are a coffee drinker, have the coffee pot set to brew so it’s ready when you are.

8. Run in the morning.

Some studies show that morning exercisers have a higher success rate than evening exercisers. They believe this is because of a lack of interference of responsibilities in the early morning hours. Late meetings after work, kid responsibilities, and other commitments are more likely to come up in the afternoon than early in the morning.

9. Plan Rewards.

Prepare some rewards for yourself, both short-term and long-term. Consider including massages, pedicures, manicures, lunches or dinners out, or buying new running clothing as a reward system for completing your running plans.

RELATED: 5 Causes of Black Toenails – Identify The Harmless From The Harmful

10. Invest in the right running clothes for your running weather.

Having the right gear for any sport is essential, so invest in the appropriate running gear you need for your weather. It will make getting out in cold weather much more tolerable.

READ MORE ON: training winter winter training