Winter is usually a tough time for runners who live in cold climates . Unless you’re training for a race (and even if you are) it can be difficult to stay motivated when it’s cold, windy, snowy, and icy. While it may be the “off-season” for many, we still want to keep up with our fitness so that we are ready to go when the spring rolls around. So how can you get some winter running motivation? It can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do that may get you out the door, or at least into your running shoes.
5 Tips to Help Runners Stay Motivated During the Winter
1. Set a goal for your winter running
Even if you’re not training for a race, having a goal to work towards will help with your winter running motivation. Maybe this is something like running a certain amount of miles per week, or running a mile at a certain pace. During the last 2 winters I focused on improving my 5k time, even though I didn’t participate in a live race. After a few months of training I tested my fitness in a time trial/virtual race. No matter what your goal is, try to use it to stay motivated on those days that you don’t feel like running!
2. Follow a plan to stay motivated
In order to accomplish your goal, you probably need a plan! Even if you don’t have a specific goal in mind, following a plan will help you stay on track. Following a schedule can help you stay motivated to get in your workouts. The plan doesn’t have to be anything too intense. It could just be a loose outline of what workouts you plan to get in each day.
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3. Invest in new/warm running gear
Who doesn’t love running in new running clothes and gear? Plus, if you invest in some warm clothes, you will be more inclined to run outside when it’s cold out! Now that the holidays are over and we are well into the winter, you may even be able to find some sales on winter running gear. It’s a perfect way to boost your winter running motivation!
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4. Find a group to run with
If you have a hard time getting outside by yourself, find some running friends to hold you accountable. Personally, I prefer solo runs, but I know so many runners prefer running with a group. Find out from your local running store if there are any groups in your area. Running with others can make the time pass faster and will also get keep you motivated to run in the winter when you would rather stay inside where it is warm.
5. Take your workouts indoors
You can still keep up with your workouts even if you can’t run outside. You could consider joining a gym, or even trying one out for a few weeks (many gyms offer a free trial period), or try a Peloton membership. There are also plenty of other at-home workouts that you can do besides running. Try a YouTube workout, take a yoga class, or get in some strength training. Winter is a great time of year for cross-training and strength training, so don’t force yourself to run if you’re just not feeling it!
You may also like: 5 Winter Workouts To Keep You Warm When It’s Cold Outside
While winter is a good time to back off from intense training, don’t let it derail your workouts altogether! I know that I feel so much better getting through the winter when I get in my workouts at least a few days a week.
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Do you struggle with winter running motivation?
Does new running gear get you excited to run?
What else helps you to stay motivated in the winter?
All great tips! The best thing I can do is sign up for a spring race–that makes me train. Winter is tough.
Yes, spring races definitely help with staying motivated in the winter!
I was just going to comment that same thing from 5 years ago, lol! It’s snowing this morning and that makes me excited to head out.
New running gear ALWAYS works for me! My motivation stays pretty consistent, but my desire to head outside falters a bit…as long as I maintain my baseline, my fitness doesn’t seem to suffer much from missing a run now and then. I’m glad I have plenty of cross-training options to keep me busy.
It can be so tough to continue running outside in the cold. New gear can definitely help!
I actually have been doing more running outside this past week, which is very surprising for me because I hate running in the cold, but I am able to get more miles in then when I stay inside. I recently just bought new shoes so I hope that keeps me motivated to continue to run.
Glad you’ve been able to run outside lately! New shoes are a great way to stay motivated.
Setting goals and doing some of my workouts indoors really pushed me to stay motivated in January. Honestly if I wasn’t training for a marathon, I probably wouldn’t have done half as many runs as I completed last month. Because I know I have a goal for March, it pushed me to get off my butt!
Its so helpful to have a goal to work towards during the winter!
February is usually the toughest outdoor month around here but this year January was so rough! I feel like if we made it through running in January we can do anything 🙂
Thats true! Hopefully February won’t be as bad.
I bring my workouts indoors all winter. And for my typically anything new gets me excited!
Its nice to be able to move workouts indoors when it’s really cold out!
Great tips! New gear does get me excited to get outdoors in winter. New routes help also! I try to explore some in winter if I can.
Running new routes is a great idea!
I only struggle to run outside in the winter if it’s really windy. Or icy.
I love investing in new cold weather gear – it motivates me like crazy!
Wind and ice are no good! Ice is always a deal breaker for me.
I ran with friends over the weekend and it was great! I need to run with groups more often because it is so much fun to just chitter chatter away… You almost forget it is cold outside.
I never run with other people but I sometimes wonder if I would like it if I gave it a try. I just really like being alone on my runs!
Usually when I start the off-season, I like to get back up to 3 miles before training starts. I can have a good base, and already being able to do a 5k makes training easier.
Winter is the perfect time for building a base!
I do best when I’ve got a big spring goal. The years I ran Boston I had no problemo getting out for the longest, coldest runs. I ran 22 miles on the mill too. Whatever it took. I would not be so motivated today. haha!
Wow 22 miles on the treadmill?! That is some real dedication!!
These are such great and practical tips. I am in the middle of summer now, but I really do struggle during winter. All I want to do when I get home is go under the covers and eat! I don’t even get the kind of winters you get but still I struggle!
It can definitely be a struggle to get outside in colder weather!
I’m still having issues with commenting – I dont know what’s going on! every time I type it, it deletes before I can post. I wonder if it’s on my end or something with the site? or just random technology?
Thats so weird! Other people have been able to comment so it must not be happening for everyone. Have you had problems with any other sites? Sometimes when I have issues with certain sites I try clearing my cache- not sure if that would do anything?
Great tips, Lisa!
When living in Switzerland during the winter, I always signed up for a marathon in April, so I had no other option than train through the colder months.
I like to train for spring races so winter running is great motivation and a must for me. Having the right gear is key!
Great tips! I like having monthly mileage goals year-round but it’s especially helpful in the winter. And I really love running with friends this time of year!