It’s been awhile since I joined a Friday Five link-up, but I did participate back when we talked about favorite summer and fall activities, so I thought that winter deserved a little attention this year too. You may know that I am not really a fan of winter, but I am going to try to point out some of the things I do like about this time of year.
- Baking- There is something about the cold weather that makes baking so comforting. It warms the whole house, leaves the kitchen smelling delicious, and you end up with treats to eat while you are stuck indoors.
- A fireplace- This is the first year that we have had a functional fireplace, and it’s so nice! We use it like every day even though it hasn’t been that cold yet. It really makes it feel like the holiday season, I think.
- Red wine- Well, wine is pretty much my drink of choice all year round, but in the winter red wine is definitely my #1 drink because I don’t want anything cold.
- Weekend mornings (consisting of coffee and pajamas)- Now that marathon training is over the weekends are much more relaxing. I love being able to curl up on the couch in my pajamas with a cup of coffee reading blogs until I feel like heading out for a run.
- Running!- Winter is not my favorite season to run. but I love running any time of the year. I do enjoy running in the snow as long as it’s not icy, and I can handle low temps, it’s just the wind chill that really gets to me.
And now, onto my runfessions. I haven’t done these in a while either, but I guess I have some things to get off my chest:
-You know how I just said I like to lay around on the couch all morning? Yea, that has been really nice. It’s super hard to get out the door, and I certainly can’t blame the weather.
-I have actually been enjoying all these other workouts I have been doing. Most days I am happy to just go downstairs to get in a quick workout rather than head outside for a run.
-I haven’t had any desire to run more than a few miles or sign up for any races. This is very unlike me! I find myself thinking that I “should” want to do those things, but then I remember it’s better that I don’t have those desires right now- it’s my time to rest and recover!
-I only ran 5 miles on Saturday (just because 45 minutes seemed like a good amount of time to be running) but that night my knee started hurting. It was so weird, because I had barely run at all that week. It bothered me all day Sunday. But luckily, because of my current “not caring about running” mindset, I didn’t freak out at all and just figured that my body is still recovering from all my hard training. It felt fine by Tuesday, but I didn’t run until Thursday. I have no idea what caused it (because I really don’t think it was an easy 5 mile run), but maybe a combination of all the different workouts I had done that week. 
I’m sure I’ll get out of this rut soon (if that’s even what you can call it) but I feel like a bad running blogger to admit all of this! Really though, I think that this just makes me more of a normal person, which usually, I am not:)
Do you try to get yourself out of a running rut, or just go with it?
What are your favorite things about winter?
Does it make you feel guilty to admit it when you don’t miss running as much as usual?
Thanks Marcia, Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia!
I hate the wind too! I can handle the cold, just not the windy cold or ice on the ground. I love lounging around on weekend mornings after my run. I went through a phase where I had zero interest in running races so I withdrew from one and just kept running until the desire came back. I don’t run a lot of races and haven’t run a marathon but I can imagine doing either would burn me out even more than I was at that time. I don’t think I lose desire to run, I do find that getting up and out in the dark mornings makes it a little harder though. Have a great weekend.
I think the dark mornings have something to do with it because have noticed I am more motivated on the weekends when I can go out a little later!
I haven’t been in a running rut in a while, but I’ve down to running 3 x week so I can do more cross-training.
I’m sure that will help you to stay strong and avoid getting burnt out!
Now that it’s finally dropped to more seasonal temps here, the cold feels so…well cold! I think I NEED a goal race to make myself go out in the really cold stuff. Yes to the fireplace! So comfy and warm. Thanks for linking up!
Today was so cold and windy and it was certainly a shock to my system! I feel like I have gotten too comfortable running in 50 degree temps all fall.
My injuries save me from mental running ruts, lol. GRRRR. Pjs are so necessary during the winter. Especially because our heater is being an idiot right now. I wish we had a fireplace! That would be amazing.
Oh no, I hope your heater gets itself together! I have a feeling I will be using the fireplace every day this winter- I am always so cold!
I sort of talked about that guilt about not dying to go out running yesterday! Today I slept until 6:10 – that’s crazy for me, and even bolting out the door only had time for 4 miles. Can’t say I’m upset about it though, my mindset just isn’t there right now.
Yes, I can definitely relate to how you have been feeling! The weekends are better for running right now because I have more time and don’t feel like I have to rush out the door in the pitch black.
Those are some of my favorite winter things too. Especially the red wine. I love turning on all of my Christmas lights, pouring a glass of wine, and wrapping presents. 🙂
That is the best way to wrap gifts I think:)
I love coffee and sitting around the couch on the weekend far too much also! I am usually give into running ruts, knowing that the motivation will return naturally. Otherwise I risk too much of a chance of mental burnout. I hope your knee feels better!
I guess I am not used to having running ruts. But I guess they are part of the process and Im sure I’ll snap out of it soon!
Cooler weather always makes me want to switch up my usual get out the door running routine on weekends. I like to wake up around 8, take my time making some breakfast and eating slowly, then if I do that I need an hour to digest and I go for my long run closer to 10/10:30. Meaning by the time I get home and shower it’s time for brunch. Run, eat, repeat I guess 🙂
Thats the way to do it!:)
If my body doesn’t want to run during recovery, I don’t. Sometimes you need to focus on the other workouts to build up strength again, and keep running fun. It never should be “I should be running.” I’m enjoying my strengthening workouts too, and they can leave me sore.
Ive definitely been enjoying my strength training workouts lately- its been nice to change things up!
I actually feel guilty for *not* taking a break from running! Ha! It snowed here yesterday and while it was so pretty, I’m just like, no thanks. Rather not. The kids loved it though, and it’s nice to see them so excited.
Sometimes I feel guilty for not taking a break from running too! Funny how it can work both ways.
I feel like after a really hard few months of marathon training, we need a mental break from training as much as a physical one. I took two full weeks off running and finally had the desire to get back out there after that. Since then, I’ve taken it pretty easy but I’m still enjoying my lazy mornings in bed too. Now is the time to focus on getting stronger anyways!
Exactly! I keep having to remind myself that my race was less than a month ago- that’s not a very long time and I shouldn’t expect to be fully recovered yet.
I go in streaks. Sometimes I just need a break from running. Right now I’m enjoying the fact that my running does not need to be lots of miles.
That was the part I was excited for about being done with my race. I was just surprised to find that I am not itching to run more!
I had a really boring run on my treadmill last night which I normally enjoy doing. Hoping it was just a random boring run. It’s hard to keep yourself motivated to run when not training for a race!
Very true! And I get particularly bored while running on the treadmill.
I don’t think you should feel ashamed at all to be in a running rut – after so much running and marathons, that happens! Plus it’s a good time, like you mentioned, to cuddle up on the couch in PJs on weekend mornings. I actually enjoy winter running to an extent, as long as there is no ice!
You are right! And yes, winter running is fine but ice is a whole different story:)
I have a feeling after my marathon I’ll be the same way. I hope I don’t loose interest all together cause I have a ton of Spring half’s…. What was I thinking? Oh yea, I wasn’t! Have a great weekend Lisa!
Haha I have had too many years of signing up for spring races that I didnt end up doing or didnt train properly for so I still haven’t signed up for anything in 2016!
We have never had a home with a fireplace (the wood burning stove in VT wasn’t the same thing). I want one of those gas ones you start with the touch of a button, because while I love a fire, starting a fire scares me.
I love hot chocolate in the winter! It hasn’t really been cold enough for it yet. I consider it my hot chocolate milk recovery drink after winter runs (and wouldn’t you know tomorrow’s night race decided to be cold?).
I enjoy taking an off season, which I’m doing right now. I think it does a body good. Not that I stop running, but I run a lot less!
Our fireplace has a light switch to turn it on- it is perfect because there is no way I would mess with starting a fire!
I am sooooo with you on the red wine. I’ll drink it year ’round, but it’s especially perfect in the winter. Even better if it’s by a fire!
Have a great weekend!
Yes! I am already looking forward to all the red wine I am going to drink this week (and all winter…)
As an admitted race addict, it’s been nice to be able to sip my coffee and read blogs (or whatever) on weekend mornings as opposed to having to get up early to make a race. I don’t appreciate the injury that forced me into that routine, but it’s been nice to do my workouts later in the day. Enjoy your lack of running without any guilt. We all need a break. You’ll be back at it soon.
You are right! And I am so glad you are back to running so you don’t have to follow that routine anymore unless you want to:)
Ugh I hate running with the wind chill! But I can handle pretty much anything else (minus ice). I just go with it if I’m in a running rut–we all need a break every now and then! Baking is definitely a favorite winter activity, as is staying in my pj’s all day (is that considered an actual activity??). And I’m jealous of your fireplace, that’s the only thing missing from our house!
I think staying in PJs should be considered any activity- it means your not allowed to go outside or do anything else:)
Sorry to hear you have been in a running rut. You have just gotten off a big marathon training schedule. Just take the time to relax and hopefully that’s all you need for your knee to feel better. Wine always helps too:)
Thanks! And yes, wine certainly does help:)
I’m wearing my flannel pjs as we speak. It’s my favorite part of winter!
I don’t really love running in the winter, but I do love that I can!
I love winter pajamas! Even though I don’t like that it is colder, I find warm pajamas so cozy.
I have routinely bailed on running for a month or so the past few years…I needed the mental and physical break to come back at it refreshed. Great that you are doing new things. I went to Pure Barre once – it was pretty challenging!
I do think I need a break I just always find it hard to accept! And yes, Pure Barre certainly is a challenge.
As for running rut it depends, if it’s during a key point in a training cycle I try to work through the rut. If it’s during a recovery cycle, I definitely let myself have a little rest and recovery.
That makes sense! And since I am recovering right now I am trying to just go with it, but I am still stuck in the training mindset!
If I get into a running rut, it’s usually because I’m pushing myself too hard and not “enjoying” the run. I take some time off usually 5 days to a week reassess the situation and then I’m ready to be back. It’s funny how “only” 5 miles seems like so little for a Saturday run.
I think a few days off can really help. Its crazy how my mileage has changed so drastically in the past month!
just go with it! you’re always training, enjoy the time off. I’m having a hard time with committing to a racing schedule as well and which goals I want to tackle. I’m gonna ease into the new year and just hope the inspiration happens!
I think I am going to do the same thing! I think I would race sign up for races at the last minute than force myself to sign up for something that I am not really committed to.
Woohoo – Pure Barre! My fav cross training!! Red wine is the best – all year round but especially in the winter 🙂
I am all about the flannel bottoms! I wish I had a fireplace. My parents have one so I love going home and sitting cozied up in front of it!