Even though I live in Florida, the dilemma of how to keep motivated on winter runs is still a pressing issue. We may not get as cold as our friends in other parts of the world, but our temperatures do plummet, and we’ve been victim to ice and hard freezes. These are conditions that sap the motivation from the most dedicated runner.
Bundle up.
Yup, it’s cold out there. However, it’s easier to keep motivated if you bundle up and stay comfortable. Spare no layers. Make use of hats and gaiters, ear warmers and mittens. Break out the fleece tights and the warmest socks you can find. Heck, you can even sneak hand and foot warmers into your gloves and shoes, if you need extra warmth for you fingers and toes. I find that if I can cover my ears, fingers, neck and chest, I don’t get quite as cold.
Recruit a buddy.
I think we can all agree the a) running is better with friends, and b) misery loves company. If you’re going to be cold and miserable, get a buddy to keep your mind off things (as restrictions in your area allow). It’s nice to share the experience with someone, and also a little safer, especially where footing may be treacherous.
Claim your badassery.
Running is freezing temperatures can be a badge of honor. Even this morning, with a real-feel of 28*F, the crossing guard along our route yelled out “You girls are crazy running in this weather!” For some reason, that gave us a little extra pep in our step, as if we were doing something that not many people dare to do. So post those frosty runfies, and claim your street cred! You deserve it!
Embrace a different perspective.
The views are certainly different in winter, so embrace them. While I would love to see some snow and ice (yes, I know, but I find it so peaceful), winter is time for some of the best sunrises and sets during the year. This is just a normal weekday, but the sky is on fire. It’s hard to focus on the discomfort of winter running when this is your view.
Reward yourself for your efforts.
I am not ashamed to say I am super motivated by bribery, and if treating myself to rewards keeps me going, then so be it. If I tell myself I have a hot shower, or a specialty cup of coffee (even if it’s iced) coming my way, I’m much more likely to keep motivated on winter runs.
With all things, never compromise your safety or health. If it’s TOO cold or conditions are hazardous, take a rest day or hop on the treadmill. There’s no shame in that game! At the end of the day, you want to enjoy this crazy sport, in icy, mild, and blistering conditions!
How do you keep motivated on winter runs? I’d love to hear about it!
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Having the right layers is key. I hate when I end up too warm or too cold on my run. I also sometimes feel like too many layers makes it harder to move. I’ll run outside when its cold, but the ice definitely sends me to the treadmill!
Yes to rewards! It makes it easier when you know you can have a hot cup of tea when you get home.
I would also add that checking the weather before you leave can help. I keep forgetting to do that. Sometimes, if I had only waited for 10 minutes, I could have avoided a heavy downpour.
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Do all of the above. Ran in feels like -10 last weekend.
It helps to have a race on your schedule. But these days I try to recruit a friend to run with. Makes all the difference.
Layers but not too many. You have to be cold to be comfortable.
Having the right gear and layers is key. It takes a while each season to figure it out and it seems to be ever changing. Having said that, I feel running in the winter is easier and I have much faster paces. Always embrace your badassery!
You guys up in Northern Florida have it colder than us, but it’s still chilly down here in the south (45 for my run this morning.) Having the right gear is so important!!! It makes all the difference.
And… brrrr to your iced coffee! I need hot beverages in this weather!
A hot shower and cup of coffee always serve as good motivators for a cold winter run! I also remind myself that running in the cold (or summer heat) make me a stronger runner mentally and physically. If I can thrive in the cold, I can do so in all conditions!
A hot chai latte’s is my reward after a cold run (I actually had a second cup this morning). I’m a hot weather fanatic, but there’s something utterly tranquil about a run in the wee hours of a cold morning. You can see your breath, the snow almost has a magical glow, and the air is SO quiet (no birds chirping LOL). The badass badge of honor is just a bonus 😉
A hot chai latte’s is my reward after a cold run (I actually had a second cup this morning). I’m a hot weather fanatic, but there’s something utterly tranquil about a run in the wee hours of a cold morning. You can see your breath, the snow almost has a magical glow, and the air is SO quiet (no birds chirping LOL). The badass badge of honor is just a bonus 😉
It’s definitely harder to find motivation in the winter–right now with all the snow on the ground, I’m severely limited to where I can run! Cold and wind make it tough too. But I go because I always know I’ll be glad I did.
Always always always.
I like the idea of having a reward for getting out in the cold – I’ve never thought to do that! I love running in the winter and one of the reasons is because I usually am able to get the trail to myself and really enjoy being in my surroundings! I take pride in being that crazy runner out there!
I am the queen of self-bribery. I think it’s awesome to own the badassery! Way to go!
It doesn’t get really cold here either (though we’ve had at least one “feels like” 23F this winter). I always tend to overdress because I really hate being cold, and end up taking off a layer or two fairly quickly. Covering my ears is one thing that I need and seems to be hard, mostly because I run with my Aftershokz. 🙂 I think they need to make special earmuffs that fit over them.
I use a light gaiter over them. It seems to do the trick without being too uncomfortable. I get so hot so fast. It’s annoying.
I live in MN. Our highs this week are still in the negatives-not letting that stop me. Some tips; leave no exposed skin- risk of frostbite is very real- I use a balaclava pulled up over my nose and a fleece gaiter as well as sunglasses to protect my eyes from the wind. Also- when your eyelashes freeze together, do not try to unstick them or you will pull them off, simply let them defrost on their own when you get back. Keep your cell close to you, not in an outside pocket or you will drain your battery very quickly. Also, any gels or food, I actually tuck into my sleeve or sports bra, again it will freeze and will be useless.