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Winter training... are we mad??
Having just completed my first season of competing in triathlons I can safely say that it has been a huge mental and physical challenge.
One of the biggest challenges is finding the time to fit in quality training sessions around a full time job and also having a normal life! And with winter just round the corner, it doesn't get easier! When it's howling a gale and sheeting down with rain I often find myself asking the question... am I mad???
Some may say so but thankfully, once I get out there, whether it be on the bike or in my trainers, I soon remember the reason I do these crazy things; it makes me happy, keeps me healthy and keeps the mind ticking over on an even keel.
I think the importance of training through the winter months is keeping some form of variety and here are things I would recommend to keep motivation high:
- Training with friends; there is no better motivation than meeting a friend and going for a run. Whether they are faster or slower doesn't matter. I join my steadier friends on days I need active recovery and run with the fast bunch for days where I need a kick up the bum. The gentle distraction through talking and catching up is a great way to pass the miles.
- Running with music; again, it passes away the mins/hours and has been proven to enhance performance in professional athletes (if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me), get your favourite upbeat songs on your iPod and hit the road.
- Off Road running; trails, footpaths and bridleways are the perfect antidote to all those miles on the road. The soft surfaces can keep the common overuse injuries at bay and actually help to improve your proprioception (body awareness). Being out in the natural environment can also give you that mental lift and break from the day's usual stresses and strains.
- The right kit; this is key for both safety and comfort. A must have are good running tights and under garments, high visibility jackets or bibs, and off road trainers for those muddy days.
So as the cold and dark roll in, keep the excuses at bay, get kitted up and get yourself out there!
Laura Fidler, Physiotherapist at the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth
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