February: The Shortest Month for Your Longest Run Yet!

January is a grim month, so if you're reading this, relax; you've made it through. The days are about to get longer, and February is a brilliant chance to push on or reset your goals, if necessary. As it's a short month, you've a real chance to build habits that stick.

Marketers will make you feel that February exists only for Valentine's Day, but it's a great month to create a platform for spring and summer. At Ready Sweat Go, we have what you need to get off and running in February.

What's February's Weather Like?

The good news is that February is the shortest month of the year. The bad news is that it's cold and wet, so if you're planning to run outdoors, prepare yourself for chilly temperatures and lots of rain.

• England: Expect average temperatures between 3°C and 8°C, with around two hours of sunshine per day and up to 15 rainy days.
• Scotland: Things are cooler, with daytime temperatures around 6°C and night-time lows dropping to 0°C. Rain? No surprises here – it's likely to rain on about 15 days this month.
• Rainfall: Across the UK, the average monthly rainfall for February is about 47mm.

Your sofa might look appealing, but you know you'll feel all the better for lacing up your trainers and leaving the house, regardless of the weather.

How To Make The Most Of February Runs

There's different opinions on who is responsible for the following quote (some sources cite Alfred Wainwright) but unsurprisingly, we'll go with the Big Yin, Billy Connolly.

"In Scotland, there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes."

Running in February is all about preparation. Here's what to do:

• Check the forecast: Plan your runs around the weather. If you can, pick the drier, brighter parts of the day.
• Hydrate: Even if your clothes are soaked to your skin, you need to hydrate yourself. You might feel cold, but you still need water before, during and after a run.
• Manage expectations: February's conditions are rarely ideal for personal bests. Instead, focus on consistency and building endurance.
• Celebrate the effort: Getting out the door in February is an achievement in itself. Be proud of every run you complete, no matter the pace.

Is Specialist Running Clothing Essential?

To answer that quickly, no. A great thing about running is you don't need fancy gear, just wear what makes you feel comfortable and hit the road! However, especially in challenging weather conditions, the right equipment makes your run easier.

Running Clothing: Your February Survival Kit

Here’s a quick list to help you prepare for the best possible runs month:

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking fabric to keep sweat at bay and prevent chills.
• Mid-layer: It won't always be necessary, but a light fleece can trap heat in, without weighing you down on those chilly mornings.
• Outer layer: Again, it is not always needed, but a lightweight Waterproof jacket can shield you from wind and rain.
• Legwear: Running leggings protect against mud and cold.
• Tricky terrain? It could be advisable to get some trail shoes. They're good for essential grip on icy or muddy surfaces.
• The right gear turns challenging conditions into just another training day.

Training Tips for February

February runs are challenging, but you'll be glad you powered through once they're done. Then, when the brighter/warmer days come, you'll have a solid base from which to progress.

Here's how we push ourselves out the door when the view from the window is miserable:

Warm-up Wisdom:

• Extra dynamic stretches prevent cold-weather injuries
• Build pace gradually, especially after a running break
• Prioritize daylight runs when possible

Flexibility is Key:

• Treadmill trumps skipping a run in terrible weather
• Seek sheltered routes during wind and rain
• Some days, just getting out the door is your victory. Listen to your body.

Building Mental Resilience

Let's be honest: February runs are tough. The cold, dark mornings and rainy afternoons test your resolve like nothing else.  Every step outside proves your resilience. This isn't just running; it's building a mindset that transcends the pavement.

Celebrate the victories: A 5k completed. Trainers laced on a dreary day. You're stronger than the weather, so take pride in that!

Make February Count

January's goals crushed or missed, it doesn't matter. February is your reset button for 2025. Pull on those trainers, layer up, and embrace the challenge. Every run is an investment in yourself, with spring waiting just around the corner.

Resources:

Scottish Weather: https://www.weather2travel.com/scotland/february/

https://www.weather25.com/europe/scotland?page=month&month=February

https://en.climate-data.org/europe/united-kingdom/scotland-257/r/february-2/

English Weather: https://www.weather25.com/europe/united-kingdom?page=month&month=February

https://www.weather2travel.com/england/february/

https://en.climate-data.org/europe/united-kingdom/england-256/r/february-2/

Billy Connolly quote: https://www.thesaint.scot/post/the-lie-we-tell-ourselves-there-s-no-such-thing-as-bad-weather-just-the-wrong-clothing