Categories:
Running
“Running is fun. I like running. Running is fun. I like running.” Those are the things I say in my head over and over as I run in the winter cold. I can see my breath, I can’t feel my toes and I’m usually wondering why I am not in my warm bed!
Winter running can be difficult and challenging. It is dark, cold and often snowy, wet or sloppy. It is easy to skip a training run or to not follow through on your commitment of getting out for a run in the winter. Here are a few ideas to help you stay motivated:
- Find a partner. Running with a friend makes it more fun and makes you accountable. It is very hard to leave your friend freezing on the trail while you sip your coffee in your pajamas.
- Go out and get some winter friendly running gear so you feel prepared, warm and don’t slip and fall. It is also a little motivating to take those new clothes out for a spin.
- Attend the weekly training runs. They are a fun way to build a connection with other runners, complain about the cold and then high five when you finish the training run.
- Listen to music, a book or a podcast that gets your attention and only listen to it when you are running. It will motivate you to get out there and do the run if there is something interesting to listen to.
- Join a running group, like Mom’s Run This Town or the Green Bay Running Club. They often have many organized runs that offer some partnership and community. And sometimes coffee or cocktails after.
- Set goals that are manageable and incremental. And praise and reward yourself after meeting each goal. You got yourself out of the house for a run. You rock!