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Jan 2010  |  By Christy Coughlin  |  Comments

Motivate to Run Through the Chill

The sidewalks are covered with ice, the wind is howling and temperatures have dipped below freezing, but you don’t have to hibernate. It takes a lot of motivation to run in the winter, but here are a few great ideas.

Look Good

Buy a few fabulous pieces of functional running wear. Splurge on that toasty purple jacket you’ve been eyeing, a colorful hat, or new compression tights. Simply seeing these items in your closet will get you psyched to hit the trail.

Find Fit Friends

Recruit three or four fit friends for a weekly run—maybe a long one on Saturdays. You will look forward to catching up on the week’s events and complaining about the snow in your face.

Take a Field Trip

Run a new route every week. Convince your spouse to drop you six miles away and run home. Take the train north and run south with the wind at your back.

Commit to a Spring Race

Running’s popularity means races fill up quickly. Enter the Shamrock Shuffle, Lakefront 10, or Chicago Spring Half Marathon early to secure a spot. Your commitment will be a daily, gentle reminder to stay fit and run through the adversity of the season.

Race for Fun

Enter one of the frolics, rambles, or wacky races that are held each winter in Chicago. Get motivated by the race crowd’s enthusiasm but keep it fun and don’t worry about your time. Bring your clan and make it a family event.

Play in the Snow

Embrace the decadent deep snow and cross country ski or snow shoe when we get a big white dump. Both sports require little instruction and are similar to running. You will get an amazing workout while smiling at the breathtaking winter wonderland. Have a plan to rent or purchase equipment so you can go when it snows!

Eat Chocolate

As you finish that last mile with the cold wind in your face, think about the reward waiting at home. Look forward to luxuriating in a warm bath, sipping a chai latte, relaxing in front of a warm fire, or indulging in a piece of dark chocolate. A pedicure every now and then is the ultimate treat.

Learn a New Move

Winter is a great time to pursue your interest in a new sport and focus less on running. Have you always wanted to complete a triathlon but don’t have the swimming skills? Take some lessons or go all out with a weekend swim camp. Has yoga or pilates been on your list? Find a beginner series and add it to your fitness program. Intrigued by some of the new dance classes or would love to learn to ice skate? Find a class and try it out. Your brain will be engaged as you learn new ways to move your body and your running muscles will appreciate the break.

Notice Winter

While summer flaunts its beauty, winter is modest. Notice the symmetry in the tree branches and how the snow sits on the evergreens. As you run, marvel in the ice forms on Lake Michigan and the roar of the waves. Running let’s us see the beauty in everyday.

Christy Coughlin is a certified running coach, based on the North Shore, who works with men and women runners from beginner to elite. She loves running, swimming, skiing, and hiking with her husband and daughters. Contact Christy through realrunning.biz.