With Coach Alexa, Online Running Coach and in-person coaching in South Oxfordshire
Reflecting on the Clock Change
Hey team, Coach Alexa here from South Oxfordshire and online. It’s been just over a week since the clocks changed, and I wanted to reflect on the reality of how much this impacts us.
As human beings, we tend to power through without really keeping in mind how the changing clocks, the reducing number of daylight hours, and the shift in seasons actually affect us.
Learning from Nature
I find my wonderful dog, Jam, quite a useful reflection point for this because, as a fellow mammal, she really does notice all of these differences. Her body is changing – she’s shedding her summer coat and growing back her winter one – which means my house is currently a whirlwind of dog hair!
She also really notices the clocks change. I’ve only just got to the point where she’s used to dinner being an hour later. She’s also adjusting her behaviour slightly with the seasons, and actually, all of us humans do that too on a physical level. We just tend not to notice it or we push through it and crack on anyway.
Seasonal Shifts and Running Routines
I definitely notice it with my runners at this time of year. Sometimes routines need to change because an after-work run might not work as well where you live, or you might feel nervous about running out on the streets at night.
Routines shift a little, our energy levels shift a little, and we naturally go into more of a “let’s tuck ourselves in and stock up on autumn food” kind of mode. The first step is just acknowledging that this is a thing.
We are human beings – we’re mammals, not robots. We are impacted by the changing weather and daylight hours. Some people experience this more than others; some might have Seasonal Affective Disorder, where it noticeably impacts mood, sleep, and energy levels. But I think all of us are affected in some way.
Be Gentle with Yourself
What I’m really trying to say is – don’t beat yourself up about it, because it happens to absolutely everybody. Be gentle with yourself.
If you need to change your running routine, just be aware that it will take a few weeks to bed in, and things might feel a bit hit or miss for a while – and that’s absolutely fine. Balancing family, home, work, and training around this big seasonal change, especially as it’s getting darker rather than lighter, can be challenging. The lighter season always feels a bit easier.
So, be gentle with yourself.
Support for Seasonal Adjustments
If you need any help or tips on how to adjust or adapt your training plan, both myself and Coach Calvin are always here to work with people one-to-one.
Notice those changes, support yourself through them, and enjoy running in this beautiful autumn weather. It’s the time of year when my wallpaper pretty much matches the view out the back of my house!
Happy running.
