According to the calendar, it’s still fall. But, as I step outside into the cold, brisk air I can’t help but to fear that winter has already come. The temperatures have been mostly below average for weeks. I don’t remember the last time I saw the sun. The leaves are pretty much gone from the trees. It’s dark, seemingly all the time. Yes, it seems I have the winter blues, a full month before winter officially arrives.
Coinciding with the arrival of this early winter is the departure of my motivation. My marathon training starts in a month, but I can’t just sit around until then and then hope to be successful in my program. And once I am officially in training, my gosh it will actually BE winter! There will likely be snow on the ground. It will be even colder. And, it’ll still be dark.
I’ve considered my options for winter training. Since moving to a warmer climate until April isn’t practical or possible, I guess I will need to find my motivation. I must discover ways to battle the negative, unproductive thoughts that threaten to slow me down. In my search, I have come up with a few possibilities.
Perhaps it’s time to update my running wardrobe and invest in some new, warmer attire. I know that getting up (in the cold and dark mornings) to go to work is always a bit easier when I have a new outfit to wear. Maybe that same thought process will help provide me with the encouragement I need to get out the door to train. And, having proper clothing will also ensure that I stay warm and comfortable when battling the elements.
Misery loves company, as the old adage goes. It might be time to stop thinking about joining some of the local group runs and actually do it. Mill City Running offers them a couple of nights per week. They occasionally end at a brewery and what’s more motivating than running to beer and warming up inside a cozy taproom? Perhaps a warm Uber ride home to complete the evening would also be necessary.
During summer training, I rarely run with earbuds. Partially for safety reasons, but I also don’t like having my phone strapped on my arm and I’m often too lazy to ensure I have something queued up to listen to. However, I have found that it’s easier in the winter. At least one of my layers normally has a pocket in which to put my phone. My headband or hat keeps my earbuds firmly in place. There are fewer people out biking and thus less likely to mow me down if I don’t hear them in time. All makes for easier and safer listening enjoyment in the winter. I think I might need to find a new audible book or even better, podcast! I think there’s a new Serial coming out soon?!
There are of course, warm options available for the extremely cold weather days. I am certainly not one of those diehards who brave the elements no matter how far below zero the temperature dips. I can also only tolerate so much wind, ice, and snow. When it’s necessary, I can run on the treadmill. I don’t hate it as much as most people do. However, I do hope to limit these runs to those under 10 miles. In addition, I do have the option of running in the US Bank Stadium a few times this winter. It’s no secret how much I love doing that! Running through the concourse with the music blaring and a view of the football field is super enjoyable. I especially appreciate looking out at the city skyline. I am also fortunate to have my EXOS training classes to provide me with some cross training throughout the winter. I’ve been going for nearly 11 months at this point. Not since college have I felt this strong. They have been so good to me at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine and I sincerely look forward to each session.
For those days when none of the above options are viable, I can rely on my favorite coffee shop across the street from home to set me up with the most delicious post-run vanilla latte. And for those extra brutal days that require something stronger, there’s also a liquor store nearby that carries all my favorite wines. The key is to make sure that running happens first. Going straight to the coffee shop or liquor store and skipping the run cannot become an option. At least not on a regular basis.
So there you have it. This is what I have come up with to help motivate me throughout the brutal winter months in Minnesota. I’m really hoping that once I get started it’ll get easier each day and week. Maybe I will grow to enjoy the added challenge that winter training provides. And maybe, just maybe, the early arrival of winter means an early departure. A girl can hope, at least.