I can be a Debbie Downer as much as the next girl, but not too long ago I wrote about how I hope to inspire people with this blog. Today’s subject for the Friday Five 2.0 from Fairytales & Fitness and Rachel @ Running on Happy is 5 winter fitness rants. Only five? I could probably write a book.
So I thought about it a while and decided that I’d share with you some of the ways I motivate myself to run outdoors. In the winter. Over hill, over dale, uphill both ways . . . you get the picture.
Meet a friend
This is another do as I say thing — because as I’ve written about before, I tend to turn antisocial in the winter. I can get out to run, but it’s on my terms — I don’t want to run at night and I don’t want to have to pry myself out of my nice warm home and drive somewhere at night either.
If you’re struggling to get out there, though, knowing that someone else is waiting on you (and willing to suffer with you) is a powerful motivator.
Have the right gear
It doesn’t have to be super expensive (although sometimes you get what you pay for). Target’s Champion line is good. I picked up a hat with an attached neck gaiter at Sports Authority years ago — it’s not specific to running, but boy, I was so glad I wore it last week in the snow/freezing rain! And then glad I’d taken it along for my snowy long run (although I had to stop at the car to swap it for the beanie I was wearing) — Mr. Judy, who was tracking me via the Road ID app, thought I was done running.
I also love the polartec (fleece lined) tights from Athleta — with generous pockets! Even if they make me look like the Stay Puff Marshmallow.
If you’re addicted to your phone, tech gloves are a must.
And then there’s Yaktrax (Amazon Affiliate link). They also got me through my snowy long run last week. I also apparently broke one of the coils on that snow/freezing rain run earlier in the week — but I was uninjured for both runs and I’m calling that a win.
And lay it out ahead of time
I am lucky that I usually have some time to consider what I want to wear, but there are other days I know I’ll be heading out for a run before Mr. Judy will be up. So I will lay out my clothes the night before — usually with a few different options because the forecast changes every hour.
Keep an eye on the weather
I’m always watching the weather, not just when a race is coming up. Will I be able to walk the dogs before or after a run? Will I need to be home to keep an eye on them because I won’t be able to walk them (they both hate getting wet, it seems — I’ve never had a dog that actually liked getting wet).
Why is this important when it comes to getting out to run in the winter? Well, obviously, if a blizzard is forecast one day, you might want to switch your runs up. Or if there’s ice, or a lot of wind, or it’s sub-zero weather.
With point #2, you can run in a lot of bad weather, but there are some times it truly is too dangerous to run. Keeping your eye on the weather, willing to be flexible — it can help you to keep running through the winter.
Food. There’s always Food
I think I’ve mentioned a few times that the thought of my treats postrun helps me get out the door (like I ought to be doing at the moment, by the way, only it’s damn cold out . . . again)? Or maybe you noticed the title of my blog?
Yes, will run for food. All sorts of food. If food motivates you to run, you just might want to check out the cookbook I reviewed earlier in the week: Real Fit Kitchen. Some of those recipes absolutely motivate me to run!
Let me know in the comments:
How to you motivate yourself to move in bad weather?
Any other tricks for getting out the door?
Looking forward to spring — or not?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I tell you my super secret for when it’s really cold, but don’t tell anyone!
I put my running shoes on the radiator over night. It is the best feeling starting a run with shoes that heat you up.
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I’ve heard that heat isn’t good for the foam in running shoes? But it does sounds like a good trick (only our radiators are actually on our walls, so a little hard to do!).
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I guess that it could be an issue if you have thick soles? Good to know though. Luckily I only had 3 cold days were I had to use it.
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I don’t think it matters the thickness of the soles, it’s the foam that breaks down & most shoes have foam.
As long as you’re not having any pains, then it’s working for you. But your shoes could wear out quicker.
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If winter ever comes to Virginia (which at this point, I’d rather it not), I’ll keep your tips in mind–because if anyone knows how to get out the door for a winter run it’s you!
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There are runners far more hard core than me! You won’t find me running at o’ dark thirty in the winter!
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Even if it is gray and cold out, I still feel so much better after getting out there. I agree that having friends waiting for you makes it so much better. Have a great weekend!
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I almost always feel better after a run, no matter the weather — except sometimes if it’s really hot — but it’s just that first step!
Enjoy your weekend. Mine is running & cleaning out my parents’ home, on repeat for the forseeable future.
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Bad weather normally means the treadmill. If it’s sunny, I’ll make an effort since the sun can provide some warmth. I’m meeting a group tomorrow, and even though it may be chilly, I hope it’ll be fun.
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I’ll run in some bad weather, but I have my limits.
Hope you have a great time tomorrow!
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Yes to all! Like a polar plunge, I just get out there before my body has time to even think about what’s going on. That said, we’re pretty much skipping winter here this year….hopefully…
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It’s been mild here — until it’s not (like last week).
It’s supposed to warm up this weekend, though, so it’s going to be a drippy, muddy mess (we still have a lot of snow on the ground) and the dogs will not be happy.
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I struggle with running with friends in the winter. I know it should make me motivated, but it also makes me need to be committed, which I don’t like, haha. In summer, i’ll be there no matter what, but in winter, if I’m not feeling it, I want the luxury of just stay in! I’ve actually never canceled on anyone (i’ m not a bad running friend), I just don’t make the plan to begin with..haha
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I totally get how it’s harder in winter — I feel the same way, pretty much.
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Food is always good.
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Can’t live without it. 😉
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Love your running outfit and looks comfortable too. Usually run on a treadmill during the winter. Now it is getting lighter (U.K.), I realise I must push myself to get outside. Inspiring post, thanks. Ax
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I only resort to my treadmill when it’s really windy, icy, or cold — upstate NY — generally a lot colder than the UK, I think!
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The trick for me is to get out the door before I think too much about it! If I started with coffee and Facebook, it would never happen!
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The problem is I don’t have to go to work, so I have the time to procrastinate. 🙂
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I know that if I don’t get out there and get it done, there is no indoor option! I agree, the right clothes make all the difference and running in the winter is so beautiful and peaceful. If I have the option I wait until the sun comes out, or at least until the worst of the morning chill is gone.
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The sun rarely comes out here in winter. 😦
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yes to everything highlighted! I some times leave my gloves on the heat vent in my kitchen, so at least I have real warmth for the first mile or so 😉
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I never use hand warmers (or heat anything up). I do have really good gloves, though!
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One of the coils broke on my first pair of Yaktrax and I wore them on many runs before replacing them. So far this year, I haven’t needed to pull my new ones out…
Keeping an eye on the weather is key for winter running, especially in the early morning when it’s dark when I leave the house. I sometimes show up to runs where my friends are overdressed because they didn’t check the mornings temperature or there was a big swing in the weather overnight.
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That’s good to know about the broken coil on the Yaktrax (I’ve had mine 5 years, I just very rarely use them).
I’m really hoping that last week was my last run in them. This coming week is going to be warm, so the snow should melt.
Although winter isn’t quite done with us yet!
Some might argue that I am always overdressed for my runs. I’d much rather unzip something than be too cold!
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I could write a book, too. But alas, I try not to be a Debbie Downer either. I find I need to meet people for a run in the winter moreso than summer. But I’ve also found I’m finicky and will only run during daylight hours during the winter. Ice is a scary thing and not being able to see it really makes me nervous!
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I just have a hard time motivating myself out the door when it’s dark & cold!
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