Category: Health

Running in the cold weather

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

First things first – you really can still run in the cold! Don’t let the dark mornings and nights put you off – with a bit of determination you can get out there and keep those fitness levels up, and you’ll really see the benefit come springtime.

But what are my top tips for making cold weather running more bearable? Here goes:

Layer up

Rather than pulling a big thick jumper on when you head out, build up your layers to trap warm air and keep yourself well insulated. You’ll warm up as you run too, so don’t over do it. I’d recommend two or three thin breathable layers, with the last one being waterproof just in case things turn really nasty. Protect your extremities too – a good pair of gloves and a hat are vital.

Warm up (and cool down) properly

I’ve talked before about how important warming up properly is, but it’s not until you’ve pulled a hamstring on a cold January morning and had to hobble home halfway through your run that you realise just why we have to do it, especially in winter. It’s cold, so your muscles and ligaments will take even longer to warm up than they usually do. I’d recommend just taking it really easy for the first 10 minutes or so to acclimatise.

Do it with friends

There are lots of reasons to avoid running alone in the winter – it can be tough, lonely and disheartening when the conditions are poor and sometimes we all just need some support and encouragement from fellow runners. So, stay motivated by finding a running partner who can help you get out on the road this winter – or, even better, join your local running club.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.

England Athletics #runandtalk campaign addresses mental health issues

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

I’ve often talked here about how the benefits of running extend far beyond the physical – running is good for our bodies, but it’s great for our minds as well. And a recent awareness campaign in October – a collaboration between England Athletics and the mental health charity Mind – struck me as a great way of using running as a way of encouraging positive mental health.

Run and talk

Running is, for many people, an escape – it can be a way to get away from the stresses and strains of daily life, but it can also be an important opportunity to spend quality time with other people. The campaign is called #runandtalk, and the big idea is to get people out and about, running with friends and family, and to use that time as an opportunity to talk together about mental health issues.

The organised events are over for this year, but the campaign is ongoing, and I’d encourage everyone to support this fantastic cause again next year if you didn’t get a chance to this time around. I think there’s a real opportunity for everyone to think about how they can use running to promote great mental health – either in themselves or in others. Just by getting out there – whether you’re starting running for the first time, or taking it back up again after a long break – you’re making a positive step forward and making a change for the better in your life.

A positive first step

Running makes us stronger, happier and healthier, in body and in mind. Running with other people is a healthy, positive step, looking outwards into the world, rather than inwards towards our own worries. It is chance for us to share our concerns with others, and to give ourselves the headspace we need to cope with whatever life throws at us.

So, find someone who might benefit from running and talking with you, and encourage them to hit the road. You’ll both never look back.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.