Wow...we have had such a mild winter here in Chicago! Normally I am not a winter runner....the cold temps and frigid winds here in the Midwest either drive me inside to the "dreadmill" or to cross train with biking, swimming or other cardio classes. In fact a year ago another runner said..."I think there are only 11 days you like to run outside!" She was right if the temperature was not between 60 and 75...I wasn't interested in being cold or sweating it out. But this year has been different...since December 1st (2 months tally)...I have logged about 120 miles on the streets of Elmhurst. Last year for example...I logged about 20 miles during the same 2 months.
As I ran with my group over Christmas break (which was a banner 2 weeks for us), I asked myself and them this question....what has made the difference to motivate this otherwise fair weather runner to keep up a pretty decent mileage this winter. The reasons that came forth are my best winter running tips...and just maybe the best tips for keeping running all year!
1-Get a GROUP! Mine is great....we sign up for races together, motivate each other to go a little faster, a little farther and for me...a little out of my comfort zone (especially with the weather). Mostly they keep me showing up for more gossip, chit chat and camaraderie.
2-Get the GEAR! My husband did the unthinkable this year...he bought me 3 pieces of high tech Nike base layer and some very warm running gloves for Christmas and he paid full price! I never pay full price for anything, but one run in those tights and turtleneck and I was sold. It really was a thoughtful gift and I think without it I would not have made it through the January temperature dip. Check out some yak-tracks, gator and new techno fabrics that might be right for you. No matter what time of year you are running...the right gear is essential.
3-Get a Garmin! The garmin helps you continue to see your improvement and progress in time and mileage. I have been surprised to see that regularly this year I am maintaining a 9:20 ish pace...looking back at last year my spring runs were usually in the low 10's. So I think that has been one of my best motivators.
4-Get a routine! Any time of year its easy to skip a run...your too tired, your too busy, something always can trump it. In the winter its even harder to get up and get going. So having a routine can be key...why are you getting up at 5 on Monday...well I always do!
5-Hit the streets! In Elmhurst we are blessed with the beautiful prairie path...but winter has been a great time to hit the roads and get my joints used to the pounding of the roads. (Something that shocked me in the Rock and Roll Half Marathon!) Changing up your routine can be just enough to keep you motivated in the winter.
6-Sign up for a spring Race! I just registered for the Palos Half Marathon on May 2nd, 2010....as my friend Dana said...nothing spectacular, but a nice local, well organized race. This race is officially 12 weeks off and my training officially begins with some tempo runs and steadily increasing my long runs. Signing up for a race will always keep you motivated, because its a deadline for progress!
I don't know what 2010 holds for me and my running. What I do know is I will continue to run with this fantastic group of runners who continually motivate me to get out and run...OK and chat!
