Stick With It
As fall racing season winds down, it can be hard to shift from big goals and PRs back to…well, trudging through the dark in 10 degree weather. What’s the secret to keep going?
Offering up a few tips for finding motivation, and maybe even a little joy for running through stick season and winter. It’s 6 months long, might as well enjoy it!
Don’t stop running. Truly, the first rule of winter running is... to not stop running. Don't let your brain realize that cold or dark or precipitation are reasons to bail on your run. Once it knows about these excuses, the brain will use them to keep you on the couch at all costs.
Have back-up plans. Plural. Take a tip from the climbing/mountaineering world. The elites who do their sport longest may not be the fittest or strongest, but the ones who know when to bail. It helps to have some fallbacks planned in advance. Doing something >> doing nothing!
Embrace a new (training) season. Pick a new goal to get excited about (whether it is running related or not). It's healthy for your body and mind to rotate through different periods of training (just like the pros do).
Peer pressure yourself into it. Anyone who's come to our group runs has probably heard me say that I 100% started them selfishly so I wouldn't bail on my own training runs. Whether it's a group, a partner, or just sending someone a text saying you are GOING to do the thing...it'll help get it done. Hell, DM me and I'll send you a virtual high-five for heading out.
Realize that you are a badass. Bank the grit that comes from winter runs (whether you run 10 minutes or 10 miles) and tap into it when the going gets tough year-round.
What other tricks to you use to get your butt out the door in winter??
