Winter Motivation

I live in Columbus, OH and HATE winter. I am from the south and we got transferred here 5 yrs ago. I HATE IT!! Summer is too short and winter is gray and goes on forever. I am a treadmill addict in the winter as I cannot golf, garden, walk outside, enjoy the sunshine etc.

Not sure what else to tell you but... save for retirement and move south!!!!:glasses: :glasses:

i sign up for a race that is in early spring. it helps keep me focused.

i sign up for a race that is in early spring. it helps keep me focused.

This.
April 2014 Superhero Scramble.

And the big spring reveal of my fabulousness after a long, cold winter of bulky, unflattering sweaters.

First half marathon of the year is on the 2 March, primary reason that I do it is because it keeps me running through the winter!

What is it in particular that makes you less motivated during the winter? Holiday foods? Bad weather stopping your activities? Feeling "cosy" and staying in bed? The dark?

Perhaps you can find some winter goals to focus on. I try to maintain my running throught the winter but I don't push for more mileage or record speed (dangerous on ice don't you know). Instead my focus this year is to become serious with my attempts at handstands, rock out some solo drop-backs in my yoga practice and introduce 3 new types of veg-based-alternative food for the family Christmas dinner.

I like to come out of winter stronger than ever, it's my secret weapon to being awesome, that you do it 12 months a year, not just when it's sunny.

I just remember that beach / pool season comes up on ya real fast and by the time it warms up it's usually too late to make a difference.

I know you said you don't like skiing/snowboarding... Have you tried snowshoeing or cross-country skiing? Both are fantastic workouts!

I grew up in Michigan so I know how dark, drab, and demotivating the midwest can be in the wintertime. I moved out to the east coast (first CT and now Boston) and it's surprising how much bluer the sky is all winter--makes it much easier to weather (and we still get a decent amount of snow).

I usually hit the weight room harder in the winter. I am also fortunate in that the winters here are pretty mild and relatively short. It's still pretty nice out right now...temps in the 60s so I'm still putting in the miles on my bike. Once we get into mid December and through January it'll be a different story and I'll probably not do as much cycling and mostly lift...I can't slack off too much though, I have a 1/2 century in April and a century ride in May.

I also do winter sports like skiing and I'm going to do some snow shoeing this year.

XC ski baby!

Snowshoe!

First half marathon of the year is on the 2 March, primary reason that I do it is because it keeps me running through the winter!

What is it in particular that makes you less motivated during the winter? Holiday foods? Bad weather stopping your activities? Feeling "cosy" and staying in bed? The dark?

I think it is a combination of things. My family are all "big eaters" but I've been doing well dealing with that so far. I do have the most tenacious sweet tooth though. I also suffer from getting really depressed and down during the winter months, and I am counting on exercise on helping me stave that off. I think I'm also just nervous about running out side when it's cold and worried that I won't stick with it. My husband says he'll run with me, but he's in much better shape than I am and so I feel like I hold him back. And the cozy in bed thing for sure. I'm definitely a stay at home and read kinda girl in the winter.

I don't think you need to worry about running outside in the cold, it's all about the layers and slowing down (depending on how cold it gets where you live? I've never had to brave anything below -10C but I know there are some hardcore winter runners on MFP who have posted a lot of tips). It is very do-able and even enjoyable once you get out the door. I'm not going to lie - it's tough in the beginning, but I would recommend going out and setting a routine (eg. monday, wednesday, friday) with no excuses, you can cut a run short but you can't stay indoors.

If your husband offers to run with you you're not holding him back. Explain to him that you will be going at a 12 min/mile pace (or whatever it is you do) so he knows what to expect. You can also do speedwork together such as hill repeats or intervals ebtween set points. You will be in the same area but can go at different speeds and regroup together ever so often.

There is probably at least one running club in your area, reach out to them and see if you can tag along on their Saturday morning run (I can pretty much guarantee they do one), this will give you some company and motivation, and contrary to the new-runners's beliefs plenty of people will be just about your speed (you can always email and ask to make sure you won't be left trailing behind all the XC competitive runners)

In terms of cosiness, is there anything better than coming in from a long run, drawing a bath and having some coffee and crumpets? Everything is twice as cosy if you've been outside first

Feel free to send me a friends request if you (or any other runners) like.