“You don’t become a runner by winning a morning workout. The only true way is to marshal the ferocity of your ambition over the course of many days, weeks, months, and (if you could finally come to accept it) years. The Trial of Miles; Miles of Trials.
- John L. Parker
We all know the feeling when you step out the door and get hit by a gust of cold air. It’s hard to start a run, walk, or hike when it is dark and cold. Or maybe you are stuck inside on a stationary bike or treadmill (also known as the dreadmill). So, what do you do to muster up the motivation and commitment to exercise?
I have spent thousands of hours training and have tried many different strategies to overcome my winter woes. Here are some of the most effective tricks I’ve used.
Set Your Clothes and Shoes Out
I know it seems like a simple thing to do but try it. Lay out the clothes and shoes you will need the next day. Set them somewhere you will see them in the morning. It’s so much easier to slip into your workout gear when you don’t have to meander around the house looking for your favorite pair of warm winter socks.
Plan a Race or Challenge
Exercising for the sake of exercising is rarely motivating enough to sustain you through the tough winter months. It doesn’t matter if you are training for fitness or performance, give yourself a goal. Look ahead to early spring and find a few races you want to run. If you aren’t racing, create or join a challenge that will make you feel proud of yourself.
Find Running Partners
Mumbling to yourself as you shiver your way through a couple of cold miles gets old fast. Ask a friend or partner to join you once or twice a week for a run. There are group runs that meet throughout the winter as well. Get connected with a group. Who knows what friendships you may develop.
Train in the Right Gear
Being underdressed, running in old stretched-out clothes or worn-out shoes is just one more reason to convince yourself to stay inside. Go talk to a running geek at one of our three stores and they will offer suggestions for winter gear. As a team, we pride ourselves on knowing what shoes and clothes will keep people healthy and active year-round.
Mix and match some of these strategies to fit your goals and personality. Set yourself up for success! See you on the trails!
- Cory Keehn