Get your run on

If you need a challenge to get you off the sofa and back to the pavement pounding this month, look no further – it’s time to get your run on!

Ok ok, we know it’s cold out there, but it’s time to embrace the chilly weather, and what better way to do it than with the very first Cancer Research UK London Winter Run on 1 Feb?!

Leave the living room (and the leftover mince pieces!) behind you and head out into a world of winter wonder complete with polar bears, snow zones, giant snowballs and a Swiss Winter Wonderland, as you take in some of London’s most amazing landmarks on this epic 10K run.

Nervous about upgrading from that 5K stint around the park to a full 10K? This friendly, fun-filled run is a great way to test your legs over the longer distance – you’ll be having so much fun those kilometre markers will simply glide past!

Got bigger distances to cover later in the year? Taking on the big 26.2 in April? This is the perfect event to measure your progress or get you back in your stride after a lazy Christmas.

And, if you need a little help to get that training back on track, race partner Fitness First have some great tips to get you into gear:

Balance indoor and outdoor runs
When temperatures drop low or snow is piling up opt to play it safe and get out the treadmill. But when the weather is working to your favour, aim for two or more runs per week during the early afternoon when it’s the warmest and there’s more light. Avoid icy or snow packed paths as running in few inches of snow will offer better traction and cushion. Always keep in mind that you potentially burn more calories in the cold since your body works harder to stay warm.

Ditch your regular running shoes
Regular running shoes won’t provide you with the traction you need when slush and black ice cover the ground. Instead of chancing it, grab a pair of running shoes with thick traction or tread that will hold up in the winter months. The shoe may be heavier, but as the winter isn’t a time to hard-core train, the weight won’t be an issue.

Extend your warm-up
Make sure to take a longer warm-up than you normally do during the warmer months. This will help the muscles ease into your run and prevent tears or pulls. If your usual warm-up takes about ten minutes before leading you into your full stride, try working it up to 15 or even 20 minutes.

Gear-up
The equipment you use while training is just as important as the actual training plan itself. Wearing running tights will help to keep the legs warmer and if it’s icy buy a traction device to attach onto the shoes for extra grip against slipping. Wearing gloves, hat or headband will keep you warm. Tip – keep a bag with an extra pair of socks, water and anything else you may need for your run.

ROLL UP, ROLL UP!
Over 13,000 people are already signed up but limited places still remain! If you’re keen remember to sign up asap as the event is expected to reach its full capacity before the deadline of 26 January at 9pm. Visit londonwinterrun.co.uk to sign up and help freeze cancer in its tracks.