Winter Holiday Running Slump =-(

As runners we get up early and go for our run! Not always easy but we love our sport and get out there! So you would think after years of doing this it would get easier and for the most part it does except for the dreaded Winter Holidays! Once Nov and Dec hit temperatures drop, the sun is out much less, and our motivation  tend to both drop and not come out to play as much. Rest assured if you feel this way during the cold winter months are by far not alone! So what can you do to continue the momentum you had all summer and fall and not lose all the progress you made during that time? Here are a few simple tricks to not only get you through WHRS (Winter Holiday Running Slump) but having you in tip top shape for those late winter and early spring races!

• Set a goal race for late January or early February - This will help you stay focused knowing full well that Dec/Jan training will make or break you race. Sign up and pay in advance. No one likes to waste our money so we know its time to get up put on an extra layer and hit the road!
• Find a training partner - While this is a great idea all year its even more critical during the winter. Knowing that your buddy is waiting in the cold at the corner will at the very least guilt you into getting up and running our the door! Once you get that first step out the door and the conversations start the winter fades away... well sort of !
• Get Social - Again great to do this all year but this is a great time to go to your local running club and do their XMAS lights run or the pub run or any number of runs that are fun and engaging. Maybe pace will be slower or not exactly as you normally run but hey you are out there running, making friends, and staying in shape!
• Be comfortable - I used to thrive on braving the elements but trust me there is a difference between being brave and just silly dumb. Wear some extra layer, wear gloves, a beanie, or what ever you need to be comfortable. Yes you may get hot later so take it off and wrap the layers around your waste, stuff gloves in your shorts or anything you need to do but don't run feeling miserable when you leave the house.
• Think about how far you come - Can't be said enough that as much as we think of the future race or goal we have its just as important to look back how far you have come in your own running journey and value the hard work it took to get where you are. Remembering that helps you fight a little harder not to slack off during the winter months!
• Go Shopping - Winter is a great time to treat yourself to some new winter running gear. A new running jacket or lights or nice new running beanie! Just wanting to try them out alone will get you out there. Just make sure you don't get carried away!

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