Winter is challenging for runners. There are few races on the calendar, cold winds, low light, and lonely paths to tread on.
So how to get through it? We’ll be in this state for the next 3 months or so. What are the secrets that keep die-hards getting out the door when the going gets tough?
Whether it’s the first winter you are attempting to train through, or you’re a seasoned veteran, below are some keys to success as we enter the holiday season (and beyond).
Apparel:
If you haven’t yet, it’s time to start building out your apparel arsenal:
- Wind-lined tights or pants are a must
- Same with thick running socks.
- You can get away with race give-away long sleeves if you have a quality running jacket as an outer layer. With this said, a nice baselayer provides more versatility in different temperatures.
- You’ll likely need a few types of gloves and hats that get progressively heavier for the variety of temperature ranges that winter can throw at you.
- A buff is key too for windy days.
We carry a variety of shirts, hats, and mittens/gloves at Wild River Running and would be happy to talk through the best fit to fill in the gaps of your current apparel lineup!
Shoes:
Normal running shoes will do just fine for much of the winter if you have the above apparel outfit. Depending on where you live though, you might not see a lot of bare pavement when the snow starts flying. We use trail shoes for extra grip. Yak Traks are also an excellent choice and can help reduce slipping when the paths in your area are slick.
Community:
Get some runs on the calendar with a friend or a group. These add a nice layer of accountability and give you something to look forward to throughout the week. We plan to continue our Tuesday evening and Friday morning group runs throughout the winter and would love for you to join us! They are a great way to connect with others (and realize you aren’t the only one crazy enough to be out there doing the thing).
Flexibility:
Winter weather doesn’t care about your training plan. A Tuesday might offer a better opportunity for a long run rather than a snowy/cold Saturday. Give yourself grace and move the schedule around to maximize the best weather the week gives you. It’s better to enjoy your workout and get it done rather than be miserable and cut it short.
The same goes for days off. If the paths are terrible after a recent snow storm, sometimes it’s simply better to take an unscheduled down day, rather than plowing through it and risking injury.
Indoor Running:
If you can’t take another day on the treadmill and don’t want to trudge through another day outside, there are a handful of indoor running opportunities throughout the region. UW River Falls, the Stillwater HS PAC, St. Croix Valley Recreation center, and US Bank Stadium all offer indoor running. See the links below to learn more!
Winter running isn’t always as joyful as other seasons, but it’s nice to get outside and take in some fresh air. You’ll feel accomplished and will be that much better prepared for your spring race if you give yourself a running start.
See you out on the trails!
John and Kate
River Falls Indoor Track:
https://students.uwrf.edu/recreation/open-recreation
Stillwater HS PAC:
https://commed.stillwaterschools.org/pony-activity-center
St. Croix Rec Center Field House:
https://www.stcroixreccenter.com/fieldhouse
US Bank Stadium Winter Warm-up:
https://www.usbankstadium.com/events/detail/winter-warm-up-4