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. And Cameron’s been coming out with me here and there. 🙂
He just got those pants for $17 from Marshalls and said they were super comfortable for his run. Shirt is C9 from Target that were on sale for $8.
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!
pants were $17 (retail price was $88)
Brooks Pure Grit & Brooks gloves.
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?
11/11/2013 at 10:49 AM
Awesome pictures – and great finds at Marshalls! Sadly there isn’t close to us anymore …
I think that the key is to find a plan you will actually stick to – sounds simple, but when it gets cold and snowy, it is easier to say ‘oh I’ll just skip today’. This past week has been a mix for us with a cold (19F) day, some chilly winds >15MPH, bits of snow and freezing rain … it is a reminder that winter is coming!
Also, be careful with music during the winter. I don’t know why, but I have found drivers less aware and careful during those times, so I always use my headlamp and am extra careful.
11/11/2013 at 12:11 PM
sounds like a plan! I’m going to try my best to be safe while running with music for sure.
19 degrees already!? it was 50 when i was out today, what part of the country are you in?
11/11/2013 at 12:14 PM
Corning NY – just above the PA border about half-way between NYC and Buffalo. There is a great marathon here (Wineglass … you get a wine glass and champagne split as part of your goodie bag 🙂 ), and we are protected by the Finger Lakes from getting the heavy Buffalo / Rochester snows!
11/11/2013 at 7:21 PM
awesome!!!