How to Keep Motivated to Run All Winter Long
Social media is full of pictures of brave souls venturing out for a run in the depths of winter. When it is bone chilling cold, you may not want to even leave your house, but winter can be one of the best times to keep running outside.
Why Run in Winter?
Who doesn’t dislike a treadmill run? I run on my treadmill, but only when conditions outdoors are not safe. Most days during winter you can avoid treadmill runs and actually enjoy those brisk mornings outdoors.
Make the first tracks 
Snow on the trees 
Snowy Lake Scenery 
Lucille Loves Running in Snow!!
Outdoor activity during the harsh chill of winter will help you build mental toughness. Sure when there’s a few inches of snow on the ground it might be easier physically to hit the treadmill or to skip a run altogether, but try heading out for a run instead. The more times you run in less than ideal conditions, the easier it will be. You will not only gain mental toughness, but you will have some bragging rights!
Running in less than ideal conditions, is great practice for race day. Those early spring races in Wisconsin can either be a perfect 50 degrees or ice cold. Let’s not forget the blizzard that hit Wisconsin in 2018 that shut everything down for days. It had me running circles in the driveway just to get out of the house. Once race day comes around you will have had practice running when conditions can be tough.
Running outside during winter can help mentally. Who doesn’t feel trapped sometimes by the weather? Getting out for some sunshine and fresh air will definitely improve your mood. Winter scenery can be stunningly beautiful. One of my favorite runs is when it is lightly snowing.
Keeping Motivated
Some days it may seem like you have to push yourself out the door when it’s cold, but remember you will never regret it. If you are unsure of what to wear for those cold days, check out my post on cold weather running. Don’t have exactly what you need. What’s more motivating than a new running outfit.
Get your friends involved. Running is even better when shared with a friend. Ask a friend to meet you for a run. It is much harder to back out of a run when you are planning to meet a friend. Not only will you get in your miles, but also some much needed time catching up with a friend. It’s a win win!
Get all of your running apparel and shoes ready the day before. Check the weather to ensure conditions are safe and you have everything you need ready to go. Set your alarm, and when it goes off just go. The arguments you have with yourself are only in your head. Once you are outside, you will feel awake and renewed.
Plan a run when there is a nice light snow. The scenery will definitely keep you wanting to get out and run again. The last several days here in north east Wisconsin, we have had rime ice. The trees, bushes and long grass are full of white ice crystals. The snow in the fields glisten like diamonds. These are conditions you will never forget and you can only appreciate it when you fully immerse in it.
I would suggest sticking to a plan. If you are not planning a race in the near future, create your own work out routine. With in person races still an unknown, that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own plan. Write down a schedule for example; running three miles three days per week, two days of strength training, one day of cross training and one rest day. Cross it off as you complete the activities.
Set a goal for yourself. Perhaps it is to run a specific distance by a certain date. Maybe you are running your first virtual race. Maybe it’s a timed mile goal. Write down your goal. Journal about your progress. Take photos of your journey and post those selfies! You earned bragging rights running in tough conditions and crushing your goals.
One of my motivations to head out the door is my dog Lucille. She especially loves winter running! She is so happy to head out in any type of condition for any distance. Last year our longest run together was 22 miles in January. My guide to running with your dog will help point you in the right direction when it comes to heading out with your furry pal.
Winter is here. Why not head out and enjoy it. How are you staying motivated this winter?
