While December was gloriously warm here in New England, Mother Nature has finally caught up with the calendar and the frigid temps are here. I’ve been digging deep to get myself up and moving for my runs, so I thought I’d share a few tips for staying motivated for winter running.
Use short term goals to keep you focused — sign up for a small local race or join a winter challenge (or create one!). “Competition” in the form of a race or mileage challenge can help to keep you going.
Join a group or find a running buddy — Committing to meet others on a regular basis will always help get you out the door, and it’s always easier to brave the elements when you’re not alone.
Keep visual reminders of your spring goals — Aiming for a PR? Got a great destination race planned? Post some visual reminders in key spots around your house.
Make sure you have the right gear — Dressing the part is always important, but never more so than when facing winter weather. Check out my cold weather running tips here and here if you need any ideas.
Change your alarm — Switch up the music on your alarm in the morning to something that will motivate you to get out of bed. (A friend gave me this suggestion a couple of years ago and I still use it.) Another option is to move your alarm so you have to get out of bed to turn it off – once you’re up you might as well keep moving, right?
What’s your best motivation tip?
I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar & Cynthia for today’s Friday Five.
Also linking up with Jill for her Fitness, Health & Happiness link up. 
Great gear is so important when it’s really cold. I am so grateful when I get out there. I’m also grateful to have the option of a treadmill if need be. Haha! Happy weekend!
Marcia recently posted…Easy Ways to Detox Your Health & Beauty Routine & Giveaway
Couldn’t agree more – without the right gear I would be miserable! And yes, the treadmill is always a good backup 🙂
I like your change your alarm idea! I will have to try that. I find having a running buddy or group helps a lot. Keeps you accountable and makes you get up because you don’t want to ditch your friend. Have a great weekend and stay warm!
Sharon recently posted…Tuvizo Reflective Running Vest and Giveaway
The alarm idea seems so simple but it does help. Enjoy the weekend!
I’m echoing Marcia; gear is so, so important! When you have the right stuff to keep you warm, it really makes a difference! (I don’t miss New England cold, though.)
Absolutely the right gear makes all the difference!
I am really pumped to run in the snow I have never really done it! I have my yaxtrax ready to go
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Loving Lately-January
I love running when it’s snowing – there’s something so peaceful about it. Enjoy and have a good weekend!
Great tips. My motivation is my next big race. The discipline of training has kept me accountable. It was harder this week with much colder temps, so I ran at lunch or end of day, both warmer than the 20 degree weather at 7 a.m. !
Karen – Fit in France recently posted…Five things about my life in France
Running at lunchtime can definitely help – anything for a few degrees warmer, right 😉
I opted for the treadmill this week but went out today before our big storm. It was in the low 20s but didn’t feel bad at all!
Coco recently posted…Five Ten Mile Races In Washington D.C.
Have you tried running in the snow or was it just too crazy?
Having the right gear for running is so important in the winter.I didn’t have a face mask for winter running and I finally got one recently.Boy does that make a difference. I need to move my alarm. Hitting the snooze is too easy in the morning.
I got a face mask last winter and it’s been a life saver, especially on really windy days!
Focusing on my goal works great for getting my butt out the door during the winter. I always have the treadmill option but as long as there isn’t ice, I’m running outside.
Thanks for sharing with friends at Living a Life of Fitness Health & Happiness. Have an awesome weekend!
jill conyers recently posted…The Best Yoga Blogs For Inspiration
I agree – treadmill is always an option, but like you said, short of icy roads, I try to stay outside.
love the idea of visual reminders!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: How a Runner Prepares for a Blizzard!
Thanks Mar me too 🙂
Having a Spring goal race in mind gets me out the door every time! Great tips, Michelle!
Thanks Amy – what race are you training for?
I think having goals is so important. Otherwise it would be so much easier to skip the workout!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Loss and the run
I agree Wendy – if I don’t have a Spring race it is so much easier for me to punt!