It’s that time of year where my races are finished, my PR’s have been bested and the weather is getting darker and cooler, like my wardrobe. It’s the time of year where I have to stay motivated to run even without a race on the schedule for another 4+ months.

Luckily, I live in a fairly temperate climate here in DC and can generally run outside all year long. In the past i’ve cut my running down in the winter simply from lack of motivation. But I have a new fire under me for next year and want to maintain my endurance throughout the dark months.

We went to Marshalls and I picked up some new winter gear so I have no excuses on cold mornings. I bought 2 pairs of running pants for $40, a pair of Brooks Pure Grit for $32 (super deal!) and a pair of Brooks gloves for $8. I did good!

I definitely am not trying to burn myself out before spring racing season, so my plan is to simply build mileage–nice, slow and easy all winter. I want to discover new music and create playlists to keep my running fresh and new. Hopefully this will keep me from injury and keep me happy through months of colder weather.

Running happy to me is taking my eyes off my watch and off the pavement in front of me. Otherwise I’ll miss out on stuff like this…

My Weekly Workouts

Monday: 5.5m easy 9:00/pace

Tuesday: 20 min chest/biceps, 15 min abs/stretching

Wednesday: 8.5m 8:21/pace 

Thursday: 4.5m 8:51/pace, 20 min triceps & lower back, 15 min abs

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 2.7m easy 10:00/pace 

Sunday:  Rest

Total Miles: 21.2

So how do you stay motivated when the weather sucks?

What kind of running goals do you set in the winter months?