Jogging in the winter is an excellent way to stay fit and support your well-being. However, it isn’t always the most comfortable experience. Many people feel like frozen logs that are being carried downstream by rushing icy waters.
However, there are ways to make it work; you just need to be careful and calculating about it.
Here’s what to do:
Warm Up Beforehand
One strategy is to warm up inside first and then go out when you start feeling hot. For example, you could do ten minutes on the stationary bike at a moderate intensity and then start jogging outside after you work up a bit of a sweat.
Another option is to do burpees or something else energetic before you set off. This way, you can warm up your core temperature and buffer yourself against the cold better.
Chase The Sunrise
Another fun way to make jogging more exciting in the winter is to chase the sunrise. Early mornings are often the most fun time to get out because you see more wildlife and natural beauty (and fewer vehicles), especially at the weekend.
Seeing the sun come up can also be a motivational boost. It’s a beautiful sight that many people simply miss.
Bring A Dog With You
Another pro tip is to bring a dog with you. A four-legged friend gives you something to focus on other than your own breathing, and they can also bring accountability to the situation. Furthermore, when you do stop (if you take a break), you have a pup there to comfort you and help you see it to the end.
Wear Thermal Socks
Wearing shorts is usually okay during the winter, but thermal socks are non-negotiable for runners. Keeping your feet and toes warm is critical, simply because they are such a long way from the heart.
Sometimes you find that regular socks don’t offer sufficient insulation from the elements during the winter, especially if you wear thin running shoes. The biting cold air rushes right through them, leading to numb toes.
Thermal socks prevent this by creating a barrier between the toes and the outside world. This way, you can stay feeling warm even if you’re sprinting at high speed or running into a strong headwind.
Listen To A Podcast
You could also make your winter jogging excursions more exciting by listening to a podcast. Giving yourself some entertainment along the way makes it a more enjoyable experience.
Podcasts and audiobooks you seriously engage with can capture your attention for hours. They can also make you focus less on the effort of the exercise and more on the environment around you, changing how you feel.
Experiment With Snow Running
Lastly, you could get into the relatively unknown sport of snow running. This concept engages your muscles and gives you a more satisfying experience than conventional jogging. It’s also quite intense, so it takes up less time. Just remember to bring waterproof socks, shoes and pants with you so you don’t end up cold and soaked.
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