I love warm weather and sunshine which I am sure you have probably figured out by how much I complain about the winter months being cold and dark. I would much rather run in the heat of a 90 degree day than bundle up and deal with frozen fingers and toes when it’s 30 degrees out. I find it so much easier for me to motivate myself to get out of the door when the weather is nice. I will put off a cold weather run for hours, especially if you add in darkness too. Suddenly, cleaning out closets becomes much more appealing than running. (True story…happened last night!)
Blue Diamond’s latest campaign is centered around “Get Your Good Going.” Recently, they sent me quite a selection of almonds and almond-based snacks along with the question, “How do you get your good going when the weather gets chillier and the days get shorter?” Thus the reason for the rant above. And I know that those of you who live in climates where sub-zero and snow are the norm face much worse but keep in mind that I was raised in south Georgia. 😉 Okay, let me actually answer the question as I have several strategies for getting my good going and avoiding the winter workout blues.
More yoga. You all know how much I love hot yoga and I love it even more when it’s cold outside. There’s nothing like unrolling my mat, settling in next to the heaters and feeling the heat radiate through me. Yoga is always therapeutic for me but it’s extra transformational when it literally warms my soul.
Hitting the treadmill. I am almost as big of a baby about running on the treadmill as I am about running outside when it’s dark and cold. That said, I have learned to appreciate the treadmill during the winter months. Especially when it helps me avoid less than ideal conditions or running alone at night.
Gym workouts. I workout indoors more during the winter (as I am sure most of you do). I often design my own strength circuit but I also like to do CrossFit because it’s such a good mix of cardio and strength so I don’t miss the cardio that comes with running outside.
Suck it up. When all else fails, I bundle up, throw on my reflective vest and hit the road. I have to remind myself that 99.9% of the time I won’t regret getting my workout done. They really do get my good going and help me stress less and feel better.
Healthy pre- and post-workout snacks definitely help motivate me to get going too. A huge thank you to Blue Diamond for sending me so many delicious flavors of almonds to try. The Toasted Coconut and Rosemary & Black Pepper have been favorites.
And I absolutely love the packaging for Blue Diamond’s portable snacking almonds. I have been carrying these things around with me everywhere. It features a flip top for easy pouring and ounce markers so you can control your portion sizes. Almonds are a great snack option for me for a couple of reasons. They are nutritionally sound – a handful of almonds contains high amounts of protein, fiber, monounsaturated fat, vitamin E and calcium. Almonds actually have the highest amount of protein per ounce of any nut. I also like that I can eat a handful and be satisfied without feeling overly full.
Blue Diamond is going to give three PBR readers a can of Toasted Coconut and Rosemary & Black Pepper Almonds. These are specialty flavors and only available in Target stores so you don’t want to miss out on entering! To enter, leave a comment telling me what your strategy is for getting your good going when the days are colder and shorter? Do your workouts change? How do you beat the winter workout blahs?
The fine print…
– Giveaway open to U.S. residents only.
– One entry per person.
– Winners will be chosen at random. Giveaway closes on Friday, January 11 at midnight. Winners will be notified via e-mail by Monday, January 14.
– FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond.
