tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-238561372011-06-20T00:05:08.613-07:00Athletics Australia Level III Distance Running Coachrunningruperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02486639897920241820noreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23856137.post-17429626036603190182011-06-12T05:07:00.000-07:002011-06-12T05:07:33.302-07:00Well winter has set in in Melbourne for the next few months. We all know it's harder to get out and keep your running going when it's dark and cold outside. But this is the time of the year when you can get the greatest benefits from your running.<br /><br />Exercise during the winter can improve your mood and counteract the "winter blues" or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Running through the darkest months can also provide a springboard for your training in the spring. Doing your best in that marathon or half-marathon in.&nbsp;October relies getting in a solid base of running in the winter.<br /><br />So hoe do you achieve this? How do you stay motivated and focused to run through the roughest weather of the year? The first solution is to have a plan. Having a structured training plan with a definite purpose for each session and intermediate goals to shoot for gives every run a focus. Devising a suitable plan is where a, ahem, coach comes into the equation. The second is to find&nbsp;group to train with, at least for some of your sessions. It helps you to stick to your plan and routine when you know your training partners will be waiting for you at training, and anyway, a little social interaction never went astray!<br /><br />Happy winter running,<br />Rupert<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/23856137-1742962603660319018?l=runningrupert.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>runningruperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02486639897920241820noreply@blogger.com0