A CALL-out for winter warriors to brace the elements for a bayside half-marathon appealed to a group of Ballarat runners.
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They accepted the challenge to prove how hardy Ballarat runners can be and hope, in the process, to encourage more people in this city to brave the elements and get moving.
Evolution Runners are set to start training for the Sandy Point half-marathon and 10-kilometre runs in Brighton, which will be held in late August.
The event encourages runners to maintain or increase training during winter.
Evolution run coach Louelle Blanchard said all Ballarat people could relate to the cold and this was why it was so important to get motivated. Ms Blanchard said exercising in a group or with a friend helped keep you accountable to stick to exercising and was also a great social element.
“A lot of people set themselves a goal to be active. It helps them feel better, rather than getting down on themselves for not doing anything,” Ms Blanchard said.
“Still being outside can help fend off winter blues. Maintaining endorphin levels can help combat that kind of thing and keep you fit and healthy, instead of starting from scratch when the weather warms.”
Ms Blanchard said studies across the United States also show exercising all year round can reduce seasonal weight gain and burning more kilojoules to stay warm.
It is important to stay safe when exercising in winter, Ms Blanchard said, particularly with darker conditions in the morning and evenings.
Her keys tips to keep moving in winter are: exercise in pairs; if running in groups, stop and wait for others to catch up rather than trying to keep up; wear lots of layers to peel off as you go and put back on quickly; adjust technique to conditions as it is harder to see hazards or modify courses; and, wear reflective clothing and lights.
Ms Blanchard said most people struggled to get outdoors in winter but, if prepared, once outside they realised it was not so bad.
Evolution Runners’ training programs for Sandy Point start Tuesday. Details: evolutionrunners.com.