Training in the winter months is always difficult. Motivation is low especially when working throughout the short daylight hours, and having to put most of the mileage in while it’s dark out can be rough. I can only stand running on a treadmill about 1 time per week, and even then I’m usually not willing to go for more than 45 or 50 minutes. Getting outside is still the best option in my opinion, but it takes longer to get ready with all the extra clothing and even after I get out the door there will still be 5 to 10 minutes that I wonder what the hell I am doing.
I am pretty dedicated to endurance sports and will almost always get out and go. There are several keys I use to help motivate myself. I often try to plan my runs with a friend or a group, which is the single most effective way to get outside. Two people or more are not likely to bail on each other after making plans, and the hitting the road together will make the time fly by. Still, the biggest issue here is that many times schedules don’t coincide, so about 4 days per week I am completely on my own. For these workouts I try to change up the tempo, go somewhere new or a place I have not gone in a while, or bring the iPod. Trails are typically great training in the dead of winter when most of the fallen leaves have shifted off of the single track paths. On an especially windy day trees make an excellent protective barrier thus improving the “feels like” temperature.
It is important to train through the winter if you are serious about developing your endurance and meeting your goals in the summer. While it’s easy to slide into a set pace and duration, I find that putting in some tempo work or intervals on occasion will help break the monotony, keep you sharp, and help prepare yourself for your best racing season ever!
