
Winter Workout Tips with Nick Butler
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Time to read 3 min
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Time to read 3 min
As the Winter Months are upon us, not only do we find it hard to get up and out in the morning, but our recovery can be a little more challenging too. From aching joints to the cold snap on your morning run - we chatted to Nick Butler to find out exactly what he does to keep the training going, all year round.
Training in general terms is based around consistency. When summer transitions to Winter often we fall off the wagon because of the wind, rain and chilly temps. I would say I train more in the winter than I do the summer for this very reason. In competing terms - this is where the bonus miles and hours are to be had. TOF - (time on feet) is a crucial part of training for endurance. Winter is about embracing the miles, keeping consistent and embarking on early dark miles pre dawn.
On the whole training in winter is more rough and ready - there’s more mental energy to get going. Having a training partner or a plan to stick to is essential through these months. The final bonus of winter is that there’s less distractions - no beach BBQs to attend or weddings or sunshine events - everyone hides away - this means more time to train.
Focus on what you can control - the training miles. Bank the miles in the winter. Enjoy them in the summer.
"Focus on what you can control - the training miles. Bank the miles in the winter. Enjoy them in the summer."
Q2) What are your top tips for staying motivated in the colder months?
Motivation doesn’t necessarily change in the winter - in my experience it’s actually about the ease of excuses. ‘I can’t run because it’s too slippy and wet’ - ‘I can’t run to work because I’ll get soaked’ - or - ‘I’ll have another 5 minutes in bed because it’s dark and cold outside’
My top three tips for staying motivated in the winter are simple:
Perspective. In a word - keeping one eye on the present moment and nurturing the appreciation of how lucky we are is key. Plus the best bit about winter is running cold and wet, only to come home to a warm shower and get back into bed for breakfast. Perspective and rewards.
My next big adventure: There’s a few. North to South of New Zealand is on the cards… as is a circumnavigation of Iceland. All takes plenty of planning and training. The most exciting at the moment though is that I’m going to take on some competitive one day ultra events again. Back to my roots - I’m craving some competition. Should be fun, will undoubtedly be painful but worth it.