How to get over the 'mental hurdle' of being active in the winter

When the cold and snow have people hunkering down, these outdoor enthusiasts find motivation in braving the Canadian winter through community and sport.

Winter storms have left most of Canada blanketed in snow and with a polar vortex likely on the way, many are looking to hunker down inside.

But for some, like Anne Francis, the cold weather is welcomed.

At first, the idea of running outside in the cold Canadian winter was daunting but with the help of good equipment and her running group, she said she now prefers it.

"It took me a few years before I was comfortable running outside all winter. I just assumed that in winter you did other stuff or went to the gym," she told CTVNews.ca in an interview Friday from Toronto. "After many years of running outside in winter…I really enjoy it and I'm more comfortable."

Francis and several other winter activity enthusiasts spoke to CTVNews.ca about how to embrace Canada’s colder months with proper clothing and by creating an outdoor community dedicated to enjoying snowy weather.

Francis, the editor of Canadian Running Magazine, has been running for 20 years, a hobby she took up after her three kids left home.

Through encouragement from her husband and the drive to get over the "mental hurdle" of boredom and exhaustion while running, Francis gave herself permission to explore the sport further.