Crocus plants – Spring is coming!

Well here we are – the #HealthyMarch challenge. Instead of going to the gym, I decided to put on my running shoes, and go for a run. I’m not keen on running in the cold and running in cold weather with a sprinkling of rain, is even worse. However, as it was day 1, I felt it important to start the month with a running challenge and just get on with it.
I’ve never been one to worry about running gear but decided to put on a proper running top and long sleeved sweat shirt in order to keep warm. Lightweight layers of breathable clothing, known as the layer system, is always advisable when running in the cold weather.

Am I the only one, frustrated by the amount of running accessories you have to take with you? I wear a running belt with a small bag attached. I carry a bottle filled with tap water, which is a nuisance, but vital and take my keys, phone in the small bag plus copious amounts of hankies because I always get a snotty nose in the cold weather. (TMI?)
My phone is a music facilitator and running calculator as it is important to be aware of how beneficial the running is for health and fitness.
All in all it is a palaver getting ready. What with the clothes to keep warm enough and the running accessories plus choosing the music, route and remembering the water bottle. Eventually, I set off for the first outside run of the year. Usually, a run once a week on the treadmill and running exercises in the gym, keeps me going during the winter months.
I start slowly by walking to the village main road and then increase the pace with some gentle running which prepares the muscles for exercise. As I run in the drizzling rain, I wonder if I’m slightly mad, and feel self-conscious.
As I run away from the busy main road towards local, quiet roads, I develop a pace and become warmer and start to enjoy the slow rhythm of pounding feet and start to remember that I actually quite like running. Well I say, running, I did stop to take rather a lot of photos for this blog.
Although I stopped to take photos, including the friendly horse, I felt a sense of achievement and it made a nice change which helps to get me out of that winter exercise rut.
By the way, the horse was really sweet and seemed happy to pose for a photo. He met me at the gate as I strolled over, and didn’t seem too disappointed about the lack of sugar lumps. The moment brightened up my day too.
As I was running back towards home, I must admit to feeling the run was exacting but felt pleased I made the effort and I slept well too which is a good thing. To cool down, I reduce my pace to a fast walk for five to ten minutes. This helps the body recover after running and anyway I was tired!
It is thought that running in the cold weather makes you burn more calories but I felt I was running to get warm quick. Experts back this up, and say it doesn’t really make much difference to the calories burnt. In fact, research published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that race times are faster in cold weather than in warmer temps. And quicker runs do burn more calories. (source http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/do-you-burn-more-calories-in-the-cold)

Good reasons to run (in cold weather)…
– Sleep well
– Improved mood
– Feel a sense of achievement
– The boring treadmill runs, in the gym, are worth the effort
– Strengthens muscles
– Leg exercises in the gym are worth it too