To run or not to run?

Well, Mother Nature is at it again! The wind, the rain, the chill in the air. Running, through these conditions can be daunting and difficult. The ground is becoming soft and mushy under her relentless down pours and branches litter our jogging paths creating obstacles and hazards. Who wants to get up and drag themselves out into less than favorable conditions? I'm tired, it's cold, and my legs hurt! Well, with this focus Mother Nature will win every time. 

Running, and being part of the outdoor environment is something that comes natural to many people. Others of us, including myself, have to fight off that urge to crawl back into bed and then suffer through the wind and rain in hopes of getting or daily exercise. It seems at times that some of my friends must have been born while their mothers were running outdoors. Anytime I'm thinking of going for a run I notice that they are already out and having fun. Where do they get this drive, this energy and passion for running. Who knows, but perhaps I may have some helpful ideas as to how the rest of us can get out and enjoy our "EarthboundRunning" experiences.

First lets start with the decision making ordeal. Your mindset, rather our mindsets control our daily actions, moods and behaviors.  I decide the night before whether or not I am going to go out for a jog. I have found that all too often the body will pick staying in bed versus running if given the choice first thing in the morning. By determining today or tonight whether or not we will be running tomorrow we don't force ourselves to choose in unfavorable conditions. For example: you wake up in the morning and roll over to take a peak out the window and see that the sky is ominous and rain seems to be on the way. The tree branches are telling you that the wind is going to fight you and the pools of water all over the ground remind you how miserable your feet are going to be. When you roll back over, that warm blanket seems to nestle up under your chin and sing to you a sweet, sleepy lullaby that all but cancels any hopes of yours to make it outside. But what if the night before while you are warm and cozy enjoying a nice meal you decide whether or not you should go out for your run tomorrow.  You are comfortable and will continue to be for the rest of the evening. There are no immediate concerns about getting wet or being cold. Your mind is free and clear to decide what you really want to happen. And of course, we choose to go for a run! Making choices at times when outside factors won't affect your decesions will help you to make the right choices and help you stay on track with your running. Don't let Mother Nature get the best of you this season. Run when you want to and when you say you are going to, no matter what! Until next time, goodluck and remember, you run on your terms not the weathers.