Well here we are at the end of February and many of us, including me, are getting really sick of winter.  It is so difficult to get in our physical activity when the sun goes down early, the skies are grey and it is frigid and windy outside.  The temptation to curl up in a comfy chair and read or watch TV for hours is so much more appealing than putting on a bunch of heavy gear and going outside for a walk or run.

The question of how to be active when the weather is uncooperative is one that I am asked nearly every week.  “How do I find the motivation” or simply “how do I fit it in?”  The time to set some ambitious goals is now.  Getting ready for summer bathing suits is fine, but preparing for an event like a 5K might do more to get you moving.  Think about jogging if you have never tried it before.  This is the perfect time of year to start.

If you can walk, chances are, you can run.  You may want to start with a treadmill if the roads are slippery.  As soon as the sidewalks are clear, get on some layers and start walking.  I usually start people in a running program by doing walk-jog.  What this means is walk a few minutes to warm up, then jog for a minute if you can, then slow down and walk again for a few minutes.  Repeat the walk jog cycle and over the next few weeks, make the walking time shorter and the jogging time longer.  By summer you should be able to participate in a 5K run. 

Many people are afraid of developing bone or joint problems from jogging.  There is no evidence that jogging causes such problems.  Learning proper form can prevent injuries and believe me, those joint problems are just as likely to occur with walking and in fact, are more likely in the sedentary person.  If you don’t believe that jogging is a significant benefit, keep in mind that a jogger will burn about 11,000 calories more per year than the walker, assuming they are going the same speed and both exercising 30 minutes, 4 times per week.

So if you are feeling stuck, getting nowhere with your exercise, consider getting online and looking up some 5K races that take place near your home this summer.  Start training now and you’ll be ready in time.  Without a goal, you will continue to vegetate.  If you fail to plan, then plan to fail.  On the other hand, if you set a goal and plan the path to achieving it, there is nothing that can stand in your way.

Happy Running!!