Overcoming The Winter Rut Before Winter Begins

I think I'm in a winter rut. This is especially a bad sign seeing as how it is only the first week of November, a good 6 weeks out from actual winter. Especially in Alabama when sometimes “Winter” means nothing more than flurries some time in January.

The last two weeks have met me slacking on running (It's so cooooold!) and eating large quantities of unhealthy foods. Some of this is to blame on Halloween, so I dumped the last bit of candy in the trash this morning. But most of it is just the same winter funk that hits me every year. The stress over the cold temperatures and how to motivate myself to run in the cold often keep me glued to the couch. And then there's all of the comfort baking that can be done this time of year. The pumpkin spice cheesecakes are accumulating in my hips.

So, I think I need a Pick Me Up. I need a new list of recipes to try (I'm starting with this Pumpkin Black Bean Soup) and new fitness routines. I think I'm going to start with a Yoga class. I've practiced enough with books and video that I feel prepared to try a class. (The last time I tried one I was too much of a newbie and found myself shaped like a pretzel and very uncomfortable.) I am also thinking about locating a running group. I've always been hesitant to do this as I have an unusually slow pace, but I think I need some accountability in my training. I need someone who will be waiting for me to meet them at our starting point. Someone depending on me to show up before they can start their run.

Do you get in Gray Sky funks this time of year? When you can sometimes go an entire week without seeing the sun and just looking outside makes you shiver? Do you have a winter training program that keeps you indoors? That's what I normally do, but it's hard to run 7+ miles on a treadmill. Do you enjoy exercising in the cold? Some claim it's easier on their joints and muscles. Or do you find yourself hibernating and packing on the pounds like I do once the leaves fall off the trees?