The clocks spring forward in a week or so and I’m looking forward to lighter, longer evenings and running without a head torch! The transition period between Winter and Spring can be tough. Just as you think it might be time to pack away the long sleeves, thermals and gloves and bring out the vest tops, visors and sunnies, you get caught out in a hailstorm on the top of a hill, the wind blowing straight into your face and chilling you to your bones!
It’s hard to motivate yourself to keep training outdoors and working towards your goals when the weather is miserable and new research by E.ON shows that I’m not alone. Bad weather causes 77% of us Brits to put off outdoor activity, despite 55% wanting to incorporate home exercise into their routine!
Here are my top tips for a little Spring refresh. It’s time to get out there and be active, regardless of the weather. Be prepared and find out what you enjoy and what works for you and your lifestyle.
For a chance to win a £150 Sweaty Betty or Gymshark voucher courtesy of E.ON, leave your top tip to stay motivated and active this Spring in the comments below.
- Join a social running group
On Sunday I joined Edinburgh Trail Chicks for their first group outing and met 14 other ladies raring to get out on the trails. Yes, there were chats about the weather but it didn’t put us off. We were there to explore, enjoy and have an adventure. Before coffee and cake obviously!
- Have an active commute
I’ve recently started run commuting and it’s bringing such a good start to my day. After a few hiccups in the first few weeks getting used to my routine, I’ve nailed it and can hop out of bed, bag packed and in work quicker than I would if I took the bus! Running, walking or cycling all or part of your commute to work is an easy way to stay active without really thinking about it. If you’re a home worker, utilise your flexibility to walk to the shops or make the most of your lunch hour by running or joining a class.
- Get kitted out
Everyone loves new kit – and you could win yourself some fancy new leggings and more by entering the competition! – but having good kit you can rely on in any weather is essential. A good waterproof is always important, as is a dry bag to put all your kit in. As Winter ends it’s also a great time to grab some bargains in the sales, so you’re more prepared than ever when the bad weather comes round again.
- Set a goal
I have a few races coming up in April but looking ahead to the Summer it’s rather empty. Time to look at the calendar I think, add a few club championship races to the list and remember what I was jealous of everyone racing last year to inspire me! Got a bucket list race to recommend?
- Be kind to yourself
Balance is key and making good decisions, like motivating yourself to get out there when you’d maybe rather not, is easier when you’re thinking about the bigger picture. You. I know I need different activities in my week to keep me interested, so a couple of Pilates, yoga and weight-based classes between running helps to mix things up. It’s also really important to keep me strong and focused.
Share your best tip to stay motivated and keep that energy up in the comments below for your chance to win a £150 Sweaty Betty or Gymshark voucher courtesy of E.ON! The competition is open until 7pm on Wednesday 3rd April 2019 and the winner will be selected at random and contacted on 5th April 2019. Good luck!
N.B. This post was sponsored by E.ON, to help advertise their wide range of products and services available for your home. Although I was paid for this post, all views are my own.
