Too cold to run? How to boost your winter running motivation
Do you find it impossible to drag yourself out the door for a winter run?
Running consistently throughout winter – inside on the treadmill or outside during cold weather – has incredible benefits. It boosts your immune system, helps you manage stress, and increases your mental toughness.
If you can’t bear the thought of running on the treadmill but struggle to find the motivation to run outside during winter, then keep reading.
Change your time
No runner rule book says you HAVE to run in the morning to be a ‘serious’ runner.
Running later in the day has it’s advantages. Warmer muscles, more energy, and more vitamin D from the sun.
Stock up on running clothes for cold weather
What to wear in 40 degree weather
Ear warmers
Long sleeve, moisture wicking shirt
Winter running vest
Knee or full-length tights
Lightweight gloves
What to wear in 30 degree weather
Ear warmers or running hat
Long sleeve base layer
Running jacket
Winter running tights, fleece lined for warmth
Gloves
What to wear in 20 degree weather
Ear warmers or running hat
Neck warmer
Long sleeve base layer (or two)
Winter running jacket
Tights, fleece lined
Gloves or mittens
Winter running wool socks
Remember your PRs
Do you remember when you conquered a running goal and how satisfying that was?
Whatever your goal was – your first 5k, running your fastest 10k, or finishing your first marathon – those accomplishments are proof you’re fierce, determined, and can do whatever you set your mind to.
Remember your personal records and remind yourself that you can do hard things, including running in the winter.
Boost your winter running motivation with purposeful runs 1
Running doesn’t always have to be about time-goals or speed. But your runs must purposeful to be motivating.
Decide beforehand what you aim to do on your run.
Will it be a long run you run for a bit longer? Or one where you’ll focus on a specific aspect of running – such as relaxing your upper body or increasing your cadence? Or having fun on your group run?
Make it a game 2
It’s always more fun when you’re playing a game, right? It busts you out of a rut and makes running interesting.
Here are a few suggestions for turning your winter running into something you look forward to:
Try a run streak. Boost your winter motivation with goals like maintaining a running streak (such as running 6 days a week).
Make it a virtual game. Use an app like Zwift Run to keep your winter running motivation high.
Do a trail run. Obviously, you must be careful on this terrain, especially during winter, but it’s what makes trail runs so interesting. You won’t have time to think about your lack of motivation. Instead, your mind has to focus on finding stable ground and navigating rocks, tree roots, and hills.
If you’re normally a road runner, know your pace on trails will be slower than your usual pace. So don’t worry about your pace here.
Just go for 10 minutes
What if you told yourself you’ll commit to running for only 10 minutes?
Did you feel that lack of motivation to run fade away? It doesn’t even have to be 10 minutes – it could be shorter or a little longer.
Whatever length of time you choose, the point is to get you to a place where you think it’s easy enough to do. To a place where it would be silly to NOT go for a run.
Chances are, once you’re running, you’ll likely run longer than 10 minutes. If not, you made it out there and it’s still a win.