Athlete's Foot by Footnote

Hello my footings,

So it looks like winter is finally here and it is time to see who is an all year round runner and who is a fair weather athlete. December is a dangerous month for runners as good food and lots of xmas parties distract that inner voice telling you to get fit for that big race next year. I am not going to say don't touch a glass of happiness or a mouthful of joy because life is about living so enjoy this festive month. What I will say is be realistic and make the most out of your time during this month because it will make a big difference at the start of the new year. Here are some tip's to survive December!

Make efficient use of your time

If you can only spare 2-3 three runs or exercise session a week make the most of them. If you are short of time do a fartlek session. If you have no plans on the Sunday then get out and do a longer run rather than that 'morning after plod'.


Motivate yourself with others

You know it's cold and raining and so does your friend. Individualy you are weak but plan to meet up with each other and you will be less likely to let each other (and yourself) down. If the weather is bad then reduce the length of the session but force yourself to get out that door. Set yourself a small target of crossing the road before you can turn back. Once you get going it will be better and you will feel a million pounds looking at people all wrapped up in a jacket. Why not wind them up by showing them a bit of flesh! Joke.

Don't shove it, glove it!

Prepare yourself for war. Buy your self an early xmas present and get some running gloves. If you have forgot your gloves or have not bought yourself any yet put on a pack an extra pair of socks. Socks make great running gloves but make sure they are clean. I know this from experience!


Be bright, stupid!

Do not wear BLACK or GREY tops during the winter. With the darkness surrounding us all the time it means you will be running in the dark a lot more. Do not get run over by a cyclist, car or bus otherwise I will have less followers reading this blog and I will feel unwanted. Purchase a bright yellow singlet and wear it over a long sleeve tee shirt and look really cool and more importantly seen!

Be warm inside!

Quite simply warm up inside before heading outside. Even if this is doing some press ups or sits ups. This will get your blood pumping and you won't feel the cold at all, promise!

Change quickly post run

After your run you might feel warm but this will change especially with your wet sweaty clothes. Do not get ill get inside and jump in that shower. If you are a drive away from the shower change into a dry t-shirt. Your body is naturally weak after a run so don't encourage yourself to get ill, it's just not cool!

No need for speed

When it is that extra nippy avoid doing fast efforts even at the end of a run. If you do this will be the perfect opportunity to over stretch a muscle and all for 1/2 a second PB!

Have you seen Fenton the dog running around my local park in Richmond. I know there is a loose connection with this blog but both the dog, deer and owner are running so there is a link. Any way just watch it and try not to laugh at your desk!

Right that is all for now. I hope you enjoy yourself this December and please try to keep things ticking over because it will make all the difference in January!