These seven cold weather running tips will make you layer up and get on it already

You’re not the only one. Many runners struggle at this time of year. Getting out for your winter runs can be a task and a half. The season can be a real drag with its bullying elements but don’t succumb to the dark nights, pelting sleet and slippery sidewalks. Since Canada is in a deep freeze for pretty much half of the year, runners need to a figure out a way to make their way through it. We’ve done the homework for you. And no, we’re not giving you obvious run-of-the-mill tips here. Now layer up and get on it. 

RELATED: How Mindy Kaling is curing my winter running slump

The heavy lunches are a no go. 

Yeah that burger with your coworker bestie may seem like a good idea at the time but we all know the mid-afternoon slump that heavy lunches bring on. Your workout may be slotted in for the evening but your food baby has other plans… 

Set your alarm clock to go off in the p.m. 

Not all alarm clocks have to be set for wake up time. If you’ve got a run planned for after work but before dinner, set the alarm clock. There’s no sound more annoying than the nagging beep of the clock. That will get you out the door. 

Bring on an abundance of outfits.

Find motivation from wherever you can get it. Treating yourself to new jackets, zip-ups and tights is likely to give yourself a bit of a lift. Oh, and trust us, they won’t go to waste in the snowy weather. 

Struggle with the dark? Lunch run your way through winter.

Being active in the middle of the day is a good way to sharpen your focus but it also means that you’re getting in the mileage when the sun’s shining and you can see better. Dark winter mornings and evenings that feel much later than they are can make running difficult for many. 

Stop criticizing yourself. 

There’s no point in engaging in negative self-talk that will just drag you down. If your self criticisms are going to lead to a defeatist attitude, you’re much less likely to pump yourself up to run 10K on a chilly, windy day. This season, put a stop to your negative commentary. Oh and tune out the naysayers while you’re at it. Let the haters hate.  

Gore-Tex is your life now. 

Accept it. This is the life that you chose and it’s wrapped in Gore-Tex. This material is snow proof, water proof and will stand up to wind. That is everything. 

Be a glass half full kind of runner. 

… even if the contents of said half-full glass have frozen solid. Seriously, there’s much to love about running in the months of mid-November through to March. Running through freshly fallen snow is a joy like no other and once the body heats up, you get to experience being outdoors shiver free.