You made it through the holidays, and survived the long, cold weeks of January. Now the end of February is in sight, but will spring ever get here? As a runner this time of year is tough, when we still have cold weather and snow in many places but we are also teased by the prospect of spring being right around the corner. It can be tempting to set your sights on warmer weather but we never know exactly when that will come. So how can runners persevere through the last few weeks of winter?
How Runners Can Persevere Through the Last Few Weeks of Winter Weather
Plan your runs for the weather weather
Are you still experiencing, snow wind and ice? Do you sometimes have warm days mixed in? Try to plan your runs based on the conditions. If it’s going to be cold but no snow, ice or wind, maybe it’s a good day for a speed workout. Can you get your long run done on the one warmer day of the week? If there’s a miserable day with ice or wind maybe you can cross-train or run indoors. Flexibility is so important!
Back off of running
This is actually a good time to back off of running, unless you have a race coming up. If you know you are going to want to run more when the weather warms up maybe you can take some time off now so you go into the spring season feeling strong and refreshed.
Take advantage of the treadmill
Have you become a treadmill warrior throughout the winter? By now you may be used to logging miles on there, so use it to your advantage when needed. Hopefully you won’t need to be on there as much in a few weeks!
Focus on your mindset
After several long months of winter weather it can be easy to feel frustrated when there are still bad winter weather days. Try to focus on the positives. This might mean slowing down your run to enjoy the snowy scenery. Or pushing a little harder to stay warm on your morning runs. Keep things in perspective- for those of us living in places where the weather fluctuates quite a bit we need to accept the good and the bad days of running weather.
Enjoy the earlier sunrise
Morning runners can enjoy an earlier sunrise this time of year. Once DST starts it gets darker again, but only for a little bit. (And then maybe the evening runners can take advantage of extra light!)
Take note of your winter running wardrobe
As you prepare to pack up your winter running clothes for a few months, take note of which items are not working for you anymore. Consider donating items that are not worth storing until next year. You may also be able to get some good deals on winter running clothes right now if there is anything you need!
Remember that the heat is coming
In about 4 months most of us will be complaining about the heat. Each season brings its own challenges. Try to appreciate this time of year as you know you made it through the worst of winter and spring is around the corner.
How do you make it through the last few weeks of winter running?
Do you prefer running in cold or hot weather?
Have you planned out races for the spring?
You may also like:
How to Survive and Thrive During the Winter Running Season
5 Tips to Help Runners Stay Motivated During the Winter
5 Winter Workouts to Keep You Warm When It’s Cold Outside
Now it’s time for the Runners’ Roundup! Link up your running and fitness posts below! Join myself, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs , and Laura Norris Running to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas.
Yes! The heat will definitely be coming!
I prefer the summer and choose the heat over the cold. Here in Cape Town, the seasons are the other way round. The ultra that I have planned for April is an autumn race. 😀
Hopefully you will have great weather for your ultra!
Yes. Having races planned is important to keep you running through the winter months esp if you don’t use a treadmill.
And dressing correctly makes it bearable even in the coldest conditions.
And lastly call a friend. Misery loves company. I couldn’t do those long runs alone.
Spring is coming, right?
Having the right gear really helps! I know the next few months will probably be up and down but hopefully we are through the worst of winter.
I actually love running in this weather! I am savoring the cooler runs before the heat and humidity comes roaring back.
I don’t mind the cold if it’s JUST cold…it’s the cold plus wind, ice, darkness, etc….And I really don’t like wearing alot of layers!
I’m a summer goddess, LOL. I will gladly take the heat (and humidity) over the cold and icy wind. Living in Iowa, I get to experience both extremes 😉 While I detest the cold of winter, I have learned my best approach is to simply tolerate it because ((thankfully)) I don’t have those conditions year-round. And, I do have fun with the outdoor selfies, after a hot treadmill run 😉 A sense of humor is paramount!
I think that the winter weather makes us appreciate the warm weather more!
This is a great post, Lisa — I especially like the reminder about looking through your Winter clothes at the end of the season. Except we’re not there yet!
I always keep an eye on the weather. I’m usually a bit amused by the runners that don’t! When the streets are actually clear — and I know snow is coming (like this week) I try to front load my miles in the beginning of the week, knowing that I might be on the treadmill this weekend. And also get in a few hill repeats before the roads are really messy.
I just commented on someone’s post recently about how I’d much rather run in 30s than 70s (they’re in FL!).
I have two weather apps on my phone that I check multiple times a day! I think there was like a week in the fall that I didn’t have to check all the time because we actually had mild weather.
If I’m running hard or racing the 30s are not bad, especially if it’s sunny (or at least not windy!) 70s are warm for running but don’t feel too bad for an easy run if it’s not also humid 🙂
Great pointers! We are almost back to longer days! I am sooooo ready!
This is our first winter in Colorado, and it really has not been too bad! Just learning that the dry air means water on shorter runs and lots of chapstick.