My good friend and college roommate Justin Fritzius is not only is a gifted runner, but works harder than most others in the sport. His PRs and dedication for running (see picture below) speak for themselves. As the winter months grip us in freezing temps and the Weather Channels tells of another pending storm I am trying to find motivation to start up my running since the JFK 50. Fritz always was there for me with good advice so I thought a little insight wouldn’t hurt. Hopefully, you enjoy his thoughts on winter training and check out his blog.
Each runner encounters their own individual trials during training; including injury, life changes, illness, or just lack of motivation. But each year we collectively confront one hurdle that impedes us all; Winter weather. After a slew of turkey themed races and fall marathons the cold weather sets in and we as runners have to choose whether we want to gain some “winter fur” or are we willing to push through the wind, snow, and freezing temperatures.
With an absence of area road races and numerous reasons not to step out that front door, it’s always easy to stay in bed a little longer or brew up a cup of your favorite hot beverage. However is it worth the relaxation and comfort of a cold winter day to sacrifice spring PR’s? We all know that in the spring there are an endless number of races and that is the time when we all realize how lazy or proactive we’ve been in the winter. With marathons like Boston and the National Marathon (D.C.) does anyone really need motivation? Ok I understand everyone is not running major marathons this spring, how about your big local 10k or Half Marathon? Each runner has their own scenario, but the underlying theme is that you/we need to just look to the near future for motivation.
Once that motivation is achieved its simple. Make sure you have the proper gear depending on your region of training. For me, I use anything and everything to make a run comfortable. My winter attire usually includes long thermal tights, lightweight training gloves, arm warmers, smart wool socks, my favorite Brooks running jacket, and depending on the time of day either a nice winter cap, or ski mask. Everyone has his or her own preference, for myself I like to be as warm as possible without feeling bulky.
Now that you are properly equipped my best suggestion is to assemble a crew of friendly local runners, so that you don’t have to do this alone. If you’re like me and you don’t have that luxury your favorite iPod will do the trick. However, if you choose your iPod please choose positive and “pace-perfect” music. On my long runs I enjoy very calm/relaxed artists, whereas for tempo runs and track workouts, I prefer up-tempo/high-rhythm music.
Beyond all these suggestions I suggest everyone take running one day at a time. No runner skipped straight from beginner to their lifetime PR, and each journey is traveled one step at a time. One of the great things about running is that without training there are no short cuts (unless you actually cut a race course, at which time you should be stoned by the running community). So as you roll out of bed looking at sub freezing temperatures, Gail force winds, and a sore [insert your own body part] there are enough reasons to force yourself out on that run. Whether its that big spring road race, fitting into a wedding dress you bought 2 sizes too small, or achieving the New Year’s Resolution everyone said you couldn’t achieve there is always a horde of things that can motivate you.
All I ask is that no runner let old man winter get in the way of your goals. Even if you reside in a remote location where it is deemed impossible to run outdoors, at least go find a treadmill or some means of cross training. Because at the end of the season there is only one person to blame…
