Combat Loneliness This Winter: The Power of Running with Friends

Winter often brings shorter days, colder weather, and for many, a sense of isolation. A 2023 study by McCann Worldgroup’s cultural intelligence unit Truth Central found that 44% of UK men feel lonely even when surrounded by family and friends – feelings that often intensify during the darker, colder months. But this winter doesn’t have to be the same.

Running can be a powerful way to lift your mood, strengthen connections, and feel part of something bigger. To help encourage men to move over winter and combat the stigma around mental health, L’Oréal Men Expert has partnered with Movember, a leading charity changing the face of men's health. They have also teamed up with Strava to launch the L’Oréal Men Expert Festive 5K Challenge. This initiative is designed to bring people together and remind us all that small steps – both physically and emotionally – can make a big impact.

What is the L’Oréal Men Expert Festive 5K Challenge?

From 23 - 31 December, L’Oréal Men Expert and Strava are inviting you to log five kilometers – running or walking – with a friend. Upon completing the challenge, participants will earn a special Festive 5K profile badge and a chance to win £50 worth of L’Oréal Men Expert skincare products.

More importantly, this is an opportunity to strengthen your bonds with friends, stay motivated during the holiday season, and join a global community of runners through the L’Oréal Men Expert Strava Club. End 2024 with a flourish and get ready to start the new year feeling energized, connected, and ready to take on whatever 2025 has in store for you.

How To Stay Motivated for Winter Running

Even though winter running can feel daunting and unwelcoming, with the right mindset and tools it can become a highlight of your routine. Plus, it can keep you connected with other runners and provide a space for open dialogue. To help get you out the door, here are some practical tips to make winter training enjoyable, consistent, and safe:

Set an intention, not perfection

Winter weather is unpredictable. It’s cold, it’s dark, and sometimes wet. Instead of expecting ideal conditions, embrace the challenge and focus on enjoying the process. Every run is progress, no matter the pace or distance.

Gear up for success

Investing in the right winter gear can make a huge difference to your training but also to your safety.

• Layer Up: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer layer. It’s better to have layers you can shed than to cut your run short because you’re too cold.

• Traction & Comfort: Opt for running shoes with extra grip or GORE-TEX materials to tackle wet conditions or icy paths.

• Reflective Gear: With shorter daylight hours, reflective clothing or accessories will help you stay visible and safe during early morning or evening runs.

Warm up indoors

Before braving the cold, spend five to ten minutes warming up indoors. Dynamic stretches or light cardio can raise your body temperature and prepare your muscles, reducing the risk of injury and making the cold air less shocking.

Plan your runs with a friend

Running with friends isn’t just motivating, it’s fun. Scheduling weekly runs with a buddy or joining a local run club will help get you – and your friends – out the door on days where the sofa and a cozy blanket are beckoning. If you can’t meet in person, virtual communities like the L’Oréal Men Expert Strava Club provide great accountability and camaraderie.

Commit to a goal

Having a goal to train for - especially with a friend - whether it’s a 5K like L’Oréal Expert Men’s challenge, a spring half marathon, or simply improving your fitness, can keep you focused through winter. Writing it in your calendar makes it feel real and helps you stick to your plan.

Enjoy the social aspect

Winter training doesn’t have to be about solitude, speed, or distance. Run at a conversational pace so you can chat and catch up with friends. These shared moments can turn a simple run into a highlight of your week, leaving you feeling connected and uplifted – something that is especially important over winter.

Make this Winter Count

The holiday season is a time for connection and setting yourself up for success in the coming year, and what better way to build bonds than by tackling a challenge together? Running side by side with friends can ease loneliness, improve mental health, and set you up for a healthier, more positive new year.

Take the first step today by texting a friend: ‘Run?’ That one word could start a conversation and be the nudge they need to join you. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or the ‘right time’. Join runs and set goals like the L’Oréal Men Expert Festive 5K Challenge and make this winter your most connected and active season yet.