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Runners World Articles: Archives - December 2001

Use Your Imagination: There are scads of ways to keep running happily through the winter. Here are 25

Most runners manage to log a respectable number of miles during the spring, summer, and fall. But it takes a special breed of runner to keep running through a cod, dark winter. This runner is not any more talented or committed than the average Joe. But he does possess one extra advantage: an imagination.

If you use your imagination, you'll find all sorts of strategies that'll spice up your winter running. Try these 25 for starters:

When it's dark and cold. 1. Run with a friend-whether it be two-legged or four. 2. Pick well-lighted streets in familiar neighborhoods and wear lots of reflective gear. 3. Plan a midday run at least once a week for some "sun time." 4. Scout out areas where you can run and walk indoors, such as malls, sports arenas, university fitness centers, or indoor tracks. 5. Keep your winter layers all in one drawer so you don't have to hunt around when it's time to run. 6. Prepare an extra bag packed with a cap, gloves, tights, and any other winter gear you need, and have it ready to take with you at a moment's notice. 7. Warm your running clothes in the dryer just before putting them on.

When you need a boost. 8. Give yourself a reward (a new pair of running shoes, a movie matinee, a cup of hot chocolate) after completing a run on a day when you really didn't want to run. 9. If your running partners back out of a scheduled run, take your cell phone along with you and call them for a quick "Hi!" (and guilt trip) while you're on the road. 10. Schedule a running trip to a warm-weather destination. 11. Watch a great running flick, such as Prefontaine, Endurance, or Chariots of Fire.

When the weather is nasty. 12. Map out several short loop courses around your house so that you can feel comfortably close to home. You can always repeat the loop several times if the weather improves. 13. Before you head out the door, tell yourself that you're only running for 10 minutes-then go longer if you can. 14. On really bad days, commit to only 5 minutes (even this amount will boost your mood, according to research). 15. Warm up with indoor exercise until your body temperature is elevated. This makes it easier to face the elements. 16. Alternate between 5 to 10 minutes of an indoor activity and 5 to 10 minutes of running outside for as long as you wish.

When you need a reason to run. 17. Keep repeating to yourself, "At least it's not hot outside." 18. Think of all the holiday fat you're burning. 19. Remind yourself how mush easier it'll be to get back into top shape once spring rolls around. 20. Appreciate the self-respect you gain from sticking with your training program. 21. Listen to the scientists: Regular exercise can chase away the winter blues. 22. Notice how totally different your running routes can llk in winter. 23. Buy some new winter running clothes and gear; having to dress for colder weather gives you the perfect excuse to shop. 24. Remember that you lose fitness two to three times faster than you achieve it, so use it or lose it. 25. Note that the Boston Marathon is only 4 months away.

Winter Resolutions

Here are five fun fitness activities to try before you ring in 2002:

Learn to enjoy one new type of exercise.
Ask a friend to join you for a run on a day when that friend wouldn't usually exercise.
As a holiday present to yourself, join a health club that offers equipment you know you'll use (and make sure the club has enough of it).
Do one more long run of at least an hour (with walk breaks if you'd like) during the last week of the year.
Pick a big race you'd love to run in 2002, mark it on your calendar, send in the entry form, and start devising your training strategy.