As I sit down to write this, the snow is falling quite heavily. I’m in Boulder, CO for a business trip and I’m so glad that I ran on the treadmill this morning because while it’s beautiful, it’s COLD. The light, fluffy wet snow coats the ground. It is not the kind of weather that makes me want to go out and run. It’s the kind of weather that makes me want to put on wool socks, brew a cup of tea and snuggle on the couch watching Netflix (hello, Friends). But yet, I will run all winter long. I wasn’t always like this. I used to be an April to October runner. The other months were just too dark, too gloomy and too COLD. However, I hated having to start from scratch every spring. I decided a couple of years ago to just bite the bullet and become a year around runner.
Here are my tips on how to motivate yourself to run in the winter, when all you want to do is crawl back in bed:
- Have the right gear. I’m much more likely to head out on a run when I’m properly attired. For me, that means a solid base layer, layers on top of that, something over my ears, wool socks, and gloves with handwarmers inside. I am ESPECIALLY motivated when I’m wearing something cute. It helps, I swear! I’ve written more about that here.
- Have the right friends. I’m really fortunate to have many run buddies who are willing to get out there when the temperatures are bad. Honestly, having friends who are just as crazy as you are is probably one of the most important things to keep your motivation high. I look forward to meeting with my run buddies, catching up on life as we run and getting through particularly cold runs TOGETHER.
- Have the right race plans. I recently joined a local run club (more on that in a future post!). They host a bunch of cheap or free low key races. This keeps me motivated to run. This is especially important for me because I’m not training for anything right now. I’m using these club races on the weekends to keep some mileage in my legs.
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Running in the wintertime can be rough, but it pays off when you’ve maintained your running fitness and are ready for spring racing.
A version of this post originally was posted at Women’s Running – you can find it here.
You know I am all about having the right running friends! They talk you into anything and everything 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…What’s inside my Popsugar Must Have Target Fitness Box
Exactly! Makes a big difference 🙂
Hmmm, I have all of those things and still can’t get motivated to run out in the cold!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…A letter to my treadmill: 5 Reason to LOVE the treadmill
But you are running – one way or the other!
I’m having a hard time getting motivated to run this Winter but the one thing that keeps me going is knowing that I have a Spring Half that I need to be ready for! Signing up for that race early was probably the best thing as far as motivating me to get up and running in Winter.
Chaitali recently posted…Tasty Tuesday – Kitchari (Indian rice and lentils)
Yes! That kind of motivarion always works for me 🙂
I cozy up to the treadmill. I get outside when I can, but even when the sun is out, the weather tricks me. I ran Saturday and even though it was 50 and sunny, there was a very strong wind that had some bite to it.
Lesley recently posted…HIIT Training
ah the wind is my nemesis!
Yes to all of these! I like cold weather running & am less motivated to run when it’s hot & humid. Still, I think it’s easy for me to enjoy running through winter because of these three things! Having a running buddy is new for me this year, and I’m so grateful. I really look forward to my runs with her! I also joined a running club so I can run with them too. Also, I don’t have easy access to a treadmill, so because I have a spring goal race, I don’t have a choice but to run outside.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Five Favorite 2014 Lululemon Picks
yeah, same here with lack of treadmill access. i don’t have one and don’t belong to a gym so outside it is!
Well, you know I am allllll about running in sub zero temps 😉 glad to have you as a crazy running buddy!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Thinking Out Loud v8
haha, crazy running buddies unite!
This winter I stay motivated because I signed up for my first half marathon…and it’s in the spring! So I have to train all winter. When it’s snowing or bad out I head to Planet Fitness and use the mill, but every chance I get I run outside!
Amy @ Mama Running for God recently posted…Top Mommy Blogger Site {Approved}
winter training can be so tough!! good luck!
Courtney, I’ve always enjoyed running in the winter (it’s the heat that kills me) but having a great race plan certainly helps. The Little Rock Marathon is always the first Sunday in March, which means there are folks all over town training through the winter months, when their long runs start to get really long. This makes for some comical ice-dodging and some horrible time on the treadmill, but we get it done! I agree with you…cute clothes help, too. 😉
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Book Review: The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
cute clothes for the win! and i’m so excited for you for little rock!
These tips are spot-on. For me, the most important thing to motivate me to crawl out of bed to run on a cold, dark, winter morning is having a running buddy. If I know she’s out on the corner at 6:00 waiting for me to run, I have no choice but to get up and go.
Molly @alsoranagain.com recently posted…4 Things You’ve Always Wanted to Know about Me… Or Not
yes! 100% yes – having a buddy is sometimes the ONLY reason i’m out there!
Hey! I live in Colorado! I love my state. I LOVE running in the winter. It’s just hard motivating myself to get out the door. Once I’m out there I love it.
Emily recently posted…Simplicity and Beauty
I’ve had a lovely time in Boulder 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration! I’m about to embark on my first marathon journey and training officially starts in 3 weeks. I’m in upstate NY so I have a lot of cold dark runs in my future!. Thankfully I have some good gear and a great training buddy!
Love your blog!
Jen
Jen recently posted…January: Training to Train
Thanks Jen! Yay for your first marathon 🙂 Just think that all those workouts will be SO worth it!
I’ve learned to enjoy running outside in the winter! This year I’ll stick to the treadmill but I’ll bundle up next year 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen Loves to Run (@karenlovestorun) recently posted…Pregnancy Favorites
Yes, totally understandable 🙂
You nailed it! I had the right gear for a while, but it wasn’t until I found MRTT (through you, actually!) that I found the right friends! I love running in Bolder – along the Bolder Creek Trail.
Coco recently posted…A Day In My Life
I didn’t run outside this trip but next time I’m heading to that trail!
I agree with all 3 of those! For me the biggest factor is having the right gear. I enjoy it so much more now that I have the proper wicking layers and accessories! Thanks for the post! Hopefully it encourages others to get outside during the winter!
Aimee recently posted…FAQ Friday #4: How to fuel on a long run