Watch out, Winter is coming

Is this REALLY the most wonderful time of the year? 

Andy Williams may not have been a runner. 

I love winter. There’s nothing like running in the cold, when your resources aren’t being drained away by a blazing sun. But even I’ll admit it’s not always easy to stay motivated. 

Races seem like years away, instead of merely months. There’s snow and slush and sub-zero temperatures. There’s also the holidays, which bring treats and temptation. 

But getting out there in the winter is HUGELY important. You probably do have a spring race to train for, and if you don’t (and why don’t you), building a base of endurance will make you stronger this summer. There’s also something to be said for keeping your fitness instead of letting it wither away: This gives you the chance to actually build on a solid foundation instead of trying to catch back up to your friends. 

Here are five ways to stay motivated during the winter: 

1. Sign up for a spring race — Duh. 

2. Explore new routes — You might even be able to run a concrete trail, something I’d tell you to avoid, if snow provides a nice cushion. 

3. Enjoy the beauty — Instead of focusing on the dormant trees, look at the snow-covered landscape that surrounds you. Unless you live in Georgia. 

4. Go on a Christmas lights run — Even if the holidays aren’t your thing, you have to admit all the lights are pretty. 

5. Embrace the suck — This is really the trick, isn’t it? If running was cozy, we’d see a lot more people doing it. Be proud of the fact that drivers are shaking their head at you while you’re out fighting the good fight. You’re one of the few, the proud, the runners.