The days may be getting longer; Phil didn’t see his shadow and I saw a flock of Robins — Spring’s around the corner, right? Maybe. And maybe not.
One thing’s for sure — you can stick to exercising in the Winter — sometimes you just have to get creative with it.
Get the right gear
When I started to run roughly 10 years ago, it was almost totally on the treadmill — not unusual for a new runner. Fast forward 10 years, and I have accumulated a lot of cold weather running gear that keeps me outdoors all Winter — at least some of the time!
The biggest trick with dressing for Winter running is layers. And zippers — zippers allow you to cool off when you get hot — believe it or not, you will! — and zip back up once you’ve cooled down.
Try some new forms of exercise
If Winter is your off season from your exercise of choice, mix it up — try that aerial yoga class you’ve been curious about. Get a posse of friends to try out boxeing. Maybe hot yoga sounds great right about now. Download a new exercise app if you’d rather work out at home.
This one is a do as I say, not as I do: try some form of outside exercise — skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snowboarding. I like skating, I’ve tried skiing — but freezing my buns off is just not my idea of fun, thankyouverymuch.
Challenge yourself — and others
Challenges seem to be almost every where you look. Nothing wrong with a little healthy competition, right? Get your family and/or your coworkers on board.
Bet on yourself with Runbet (more information here). Basically you bet on yourself for a certain amount of mileage, and if you hit your goal, you get your money back. And if someone in the bet doesn’t hit their goal, you get a share of their money, too. Read Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner’s review of Runbet here.
Sign up for a charity event
Maybe getting out there for a cause is way more motivating to you than any other fitness goal you can think of.
My best tip: dress for it
I don’t have to go to work, so that makes this one easier for me — you may have to wait until the work day is over or you may have to get creative with your work wardrobe, if possible.
I spend Winter in leggings, a tshirt, and a sweater or sweatshirt over that tshirt. That makes it easier for me to workout throughout the day without having to keep getting changed.
Talk to me:
Is Winter your off season?
Do you enjoy Winter sports?
What tips would you add?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Sign up for a winter race. That will get you moving.
Don’t let the thermometer stop you. Once you get moving it’s not as bad as it seems. The hardest step is out the door.
Do it with someone else. Reach out until someone says yes.
My two cents.
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I agree winter races will get you moving. Only for me sometimes it’s moving on the treadmill. 🙂
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Great tips, Judy!! As you know, we are the same page with all of this 😉 I’m always up for a monthly challenge (and usually have the Fight for Air Climb on my roster)…coincidentally, my place of work has a stair climb challenge happening right now, and I am totally in my (winter) element. Stay warm!!
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That’s great that you’ve got all your coworkers in on the action!
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Love your tips, especially about getting the right gear! As long as I am dressed properly I feel like I can handle the cold. I love base layer shirts because they are thin but keep me nice and warm.
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Seriously, without some really warm clothing I would be married to my treadmill. 🙂
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This winter has been my offseason due to injuries. I love the trail races they have near me in the winter time, and my trail running partner only runs in the winter now (because of hornet sting allergies). You always have the cutest running gear! Love those tights.
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Usually winter is my off season, too, but occasionally — like every 3 years or so — I train through it for a race. I’m always glad to get away somewhere warm!
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I probably log way more miles in the winter time! It’s the heat that kills me. Thanks for sharing my runbet review. I just signed up for another round in February
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I don’t like the summer heat, but obviously ours is not as bad as yours — and I am often training for something then.
I kinda have some more thoughts on winter running tomorrow. 🙂
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The right gear is definitely important. I used to hardly run outside during the winter. A little over a year ago I purchased several items specifically for winter running. It made all of the difference. Now even though I complain, I do enjoy my runs outside during the winter.
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Having the right Winter gear is definitely an important first step 🙂 I think my plan for this Winter though is going to involve less running and more indoor gym classes.
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Strength training is so important!
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These are such great tips. I also find that getting others to run with me helps to get me out of the house a lot faster. I never want to let others down, so committing to a group run is my biggest motivator during winter.
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I do enjoy running with others, but I don’t do it as much as I’d like to for a variety of reasons. Gizmo actually was one of those reasons — it took time to get him set in the morning, and obviously that is no longer a constraint.
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The right gear is definitely key! I’ve determined I need some warmer tights/pants…I have some fleece-lined ones, but when it’s around 0, those (even with an insulated skirt and long socks over) still aren’t quite enough.
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I have sometimes worn silk long underwear under winter tights. Fortunately it really doesn’t get THAT cold here too often.
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