Running in Wichita can be challenging, what with the blazing summers and frostbite winters testing a runner’s commitment. The climate transition can wreak havoc with outdoor enthusiasts’ sinuses, making running seem like an impossibility. Yet Wichita runners continue to pound, pound, pound the pavement. How do they do it?
A few tips and tricks can keep even the most willy-nilly runners motivated during the transition from summer through fall and into the winter months:
Running partners increase safety and motivation. (Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/liquene/3224813469)
Master mind games
Nothing works better to trick yourself into pulling on the running gear and running those few extra blocks than playing mind games. Let’s say that it’s the first cool morning, and getting out of the toasty bed just doesn’t seem doable.
Let the mind games begin.
It’s fair to tell yourself that it’s warmer today than it will be in a few months, and in order to still be running in a few months, you have to keep going now. Once you get dressed, you tell yourself, you’ll be more motivated. Once you get those first few blocks past you, you’ll get into your rhythm and wonder why you ever would have chosen to huddle in bed for just a few minutes more; you know that it wouldn’t have been worth it.
So now you’re running, feeling the crisp air enter your lungs and nip at your exposed ears (next time, remember to wear a headband). And the miles fly by and you’re almost at your halfway mark. Your mind is now telling you that you are so looking forward to that halfway mark.
Time for another mind game.
You want to increase your mileage—you’ve been telling all of your running friends as much. Now’s the time to do it. Instead of turning around at the usual midpoint, why not tell yourself that you can make it to that next tree first, and then you’ll turn around? Or the next corner after that tree? Or the sign post just beyond the corner? What about adding two minutes to your time? Hey, you can do anything for two measly minutes; anyone can do that.
How about counting traffic? You won’t take a break until the 20th car goes by. The 20th bue car. Going away from you.
Or how about adding up all the weird stuff you see on the side of the road? A lighter. A knife. A sock. A dead possum. (So, so sorry, possum.) A very old banana peel. A thing that looks like a nickel—but wait, that’s not a nickel. Hmm. What is that thing? Cigarette butts. How many cigarette butts? Too many, that’s for sure.
If you’re like many, many runners in town, that’s exactly how you’ll increase your mileage. And sometimes, on your way to the farther tree or corner or sign post, your mind might wander. And it might just wander long enough to allow you to run right past that tree or corner or sign post without your knowing it. The next thing you know, you’ve increased your mileage without killing yourself. That’s an effective mind game.
Dress for running success
It’s sometimes hard to gauge what to wear on a run when the weather changes. Perhaps the easiest thing to remember is to layer lightly. Once you start warming up, the temperature won’t feel as biting as when you first started out. Many runners run year-round in shorts. Others bundle up at the first sign of autumn. If you tend to get cold easily, pay attention to extremities. Try wearing shorts and a long-sleeved shirt—moisture-wicking material is the most comfortable—and protect your hands with gloves and your ears with a headband. Ears can be especially vulnerable to cold, inducing a headache if they get too chilled.
Along with the fall and winter months comes early sundown. Ensure that you are a safe runner by wearing reflective clothing; you should be as visible as possible to any vehicular traffic. Wear light or bright-colored clothing, as well; black may seem chic or cool, but high visibility rules.
Run smart
You’re smart to run; taking care of your health and attitude are paramount to living well. Make sure, too, that you’re a smart runner. If you run on the roads, always (always!) run against traffic. In the United States, this means running on the left side of the road, hugging the outside edge of pavement. Some roads have outside lanes for cyclists and runners. Drivers are supposed to stay off of these lanes; however, many drivers pass a car ahead of them, which is turning left, on the right side. This is usually illegal, but it happens all the time. Drivers don’t look for runners (or cyclists or motorcycle drivers, for that matter). Be continuously aware of that fact.
Do you run with headphones? Be especially diligent about looking each way for oncoming cars. Even if you have the right of way, look before crossing. Runners often get sucked into the groove of whatever song that’s playing and they forget to check for traffic. Don’t be a statistic.
Don’t run by yourself in isolated areas in the dark. Just don’t do it. It’s not smart any way you look at it. Instead, choose running paths or areas that are well-frequented or in public view.
Run politely
Acknowledge other runners, walkers or cyclists with a quick wave, nod or smile. Show a driver who stopped short in a driveway so that you could zoom in front of the car that you appreciate the gesture—a peace sign or thumbs-up gesture is all that’s needed. Don’t purposely try to step on ants or grasshoppers that might cross your path. Remember: You’re in their home.
Run because you can
This might be the most inspirational way to get out that door and on the road. Think back to a day when you felt sick as a dog and were stuck inside. Think of a friend or co-worker who is just getting into running and looking to you for advice. Think of someone you know or saw who can’t run because he or she is wheelchair-bound or has emphysema or broke a foot or can’t find the time or can’t find a babysitter or lives in a war-torn country or doesn’t have the inspiration that you do. Run because you know that you’re going to have a monster meal for dinner tonight—and possibly pie. Run because you can.
Many happy trails to you.
