Maintaining Motivation During the Winter

The very worst thing about running is getting into shape.  It is even worse if you have been fit before and let yourself lose that fitness.  When fit, it is easy to take for granted the ease and enjoyment of running.  Therefore, in order to have a more fun and enjoyable spring and summer of running, you must find a way to keep yourself in shape during the cold winter months here in the 605.  In my last blog, I told you how to keep running outside.  This one will give you a few other tips on how to keep fit even if you don’t want to run much outside.

1. Cross train- I have my road bike and bike trainer set up right in front of my TV so I can put on a movie and spin away.  If you are into winter sports, cross country skiing and snowshoeing can be great aerobic activities if done right.  I’ve heard that you can cross country ski for free at the Outdoor Campus right here in Sioux Falls!  If you have a gym membership, hop on the rowing machine, stationary bike, elliptical, or do any other activity that gets your heart rate up.
   
   
2. Vary your surfaces- It is hard to stay in shape to run if you don’t do a little bit of running.  You can get outside on the warmer winter days with little specialty gear.  On days that are too cold, find an indoor track or a treadmill to get your miles in.
   
   
3. Work on your weaknesses- When the weather is good, I often spend a lot of time running and little time doing any flexibility or strength work.  I like to spend the winter getting into routines doing core exercises, lunges, foam rolling, and stretching.
   
   
4. Put the snowblower away- Shoveling your driveway, depending on its size and the amount of snow, can be a great aerobic and strength workout.
   
   
5. Read a running book- When my motivation is waning during the dark, cold months of winter, I pull out my trusty copy of John L Parker Jr’s novel, “Once a Runner”.  Despite having read this book at least a dozen times, it still gets me pumped up to get out the door or stay on the treadmill for a few miles.  If “Once a Runner” isn’t the book for you, there are many others out there that can inspire, or guilt, you into getting into shape.
   
   
6. Sign up for an early spring race- For me, just being fit sometimes isn’t enough motivation.  Having a race on your calendar that you paid good money for can sometimes be the stimulus that you need to get your workout in.  Besides, signing up for races this early often saves you a lot of money in entry fees.
   
   

If you use these tactics to stay fit through the winter months, you will have a more successful and fun spring and summer season.

Kyle