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$#!+ We Hate About Winter Running

As sure as we’ll grouse and grumble over the ridiculous humidity in July and August, you can bet we have feelings about the yin to this meteorological yang that is winter. Not going to lie. We love us some holiday season with that nip in the air and all; but once the new year turns, we’re ready to rush right through to spring. At least until the pollen falls. While we wait, we’ll be content to while away the miles mulling over some of the reasons we hate winter running.

For starters, it’s just plain cold. We take back everything we said about summer. Well, sort of. Cool is one thing; cold is a completely different temperature setting. The washer and dryer can tell the difference, and so can we. Over the years, we’ve learned to embrace the wind chill factor, but still can’t do the math. We just need Brad Panovich to lay out our running clothes the night before.

Which brings us to all those layers. Is it a tights, vest, and cap kind of day; or more of a shorts, fleece, and beanie forecast? And where do we start with the gloves? Too thin, and our hands never thaw. Too thick, and we’re stuck with swampy digits that are both wet and cold. Even worse. But there’s something nearly magical about getting all this just right. It’s a real Goldilocks moment, for sure.

And can we talk about all the laundry? Summer’s gross and sweaty running gear seems like a light lift compared to the sheer volume of laundry winter running produces. If you’ve got more than one runner in your household, you really know what we mean. We gave up on special laundry instructions, wash water temps, and all that years ago. We’re now satisfied with clean, dry, and ready for the next run.

We’re always squinting. Or at least at sure feels like it. Whether it’s the dry air, the wind, or the low-slung sun, it feels like we’re always peeping our run through half-open eyes. Folks stuck in traffic probably look at our twisted up face and think, “by the look of it, that guy is clearly having no fun at all. Bet he’s got a pile of laundry to do, too.”

Chapped everything. The cold and dry of winter does a total number on our lips and nose. Our hands don’t seem to fare to much better. Once the shower hits our chapped, cracked skin… we rethink our entire moisture management routine. Actually, we don’t even have one. Seems like now would be a great time to look into that. Or we can just wait until summer, when all-new parts of our body get the chance to chafe.

Your Best Year Yet

Call them resolutions, adjustments, or refinements. Either way, a new year presents us with a chance to reflect on our running experiences of the previous twelve months, and hopefully find some opportunities to make the coming year better. We can’t say this is the list for you, but it’s probably where many of us could spend some time to make 2024 our best ever.

Make Self-Care Part of the Routine:

Self-centered as it sounds, it’s an area we admittedly need some due diligence. Self-care doesn’t mean selfish. But if you want to keep running, you’ll want to  to do more than run going forward. Incorporate rest days into your training schedule to allow your body to recover. Prioritize sleep to support overall health and recovery. Consider how to add stretching, yoga, or massage to enhance flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

Focus on Specific Improvement:

Set specific and measurable running goals for the new year, like achieving a personal best in a certain distance, pushing yourself to a new distance, or completing a challenging race. Have a plan or seek guidance from a running coach to make sure you’re on track. Check-in on your progress regularly and celebrate small victories along the way. Add a paper or online training log to the equation for easy measurement.

Embrace Change in Your Body and Performance:

Understand that your body will naturally change over time. Yep, that means you’ll get slower, and need longer to recover from intense workouts. Adapt your training and nutrition accordingly. Explore cross-training activities to complement your running routine, prevent monotony and injury. Embrace the concept of periodization in training; you can’t be “race ready” every weekend. Allow for variations in intensity and volume to stay active for the long run, and prioritize warm-up and cool-down routines to reduce the risk of injuries.

Get Serious About Safety:

Invest in proper running gear, including reflective clothing and high-visibility accessories, especially if you run in low-light conditions. There never seems to be enough daylight this time of year. Be mindful of your surroundings, and consider running with a buddy or run group. Let someone know your route and estimated return time. If you don’t have an ID on you when you’re running, consider this your friendly reminder.

Be Grateful for the Opportunity to Run:

Reflect on the positive impact running has had on your life, both physically and mentally. We should all be grateful for the ability to engage in such a fulfilling and healthy activity—even on the bad days and in the worst weather. If you’ve ever been sidelined with injury or illness, you know what it feels like when all you want to do is run, but can’t. If you can’t run, consider how you’ll share your love for running with others. Could you coach, mentor, or volunteer? A running-adjacent opportunity is a rewarding way to keep your spirits up while you’re unable to run.

The clock is literally ticking here. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably got some very good reasons why you’re not quite done with your holiday shopping. Or, you just really enjoy the challenge of a deadline. Either way, here we are. If you’ve got a runner on your gift list, here are a half dozen gift ideas for runners that are fun, useful – and available – at the last minute. Get after it! 

Gift Cards to Local Specialty Running Shops 

Don’t be swayed by the Hallmark notion that a gift card is cold or impersonal. Truth is, a gift card to their favorite specialty running shop is something they’ll actually use. If they don’t have a favorite shop (yet), a gift card is a great way to make an introduction to some of the great Charlotte area shops! 

Event Entries 

Did they – or you – miss a running event last year? How about a race they’ve always wanted to try? Of, is there an event you ALWAYS run?? Either way, a race entry is a fun way to celebrate now, all through the training cycle, and then again on race day. Registration is open for many spring and Q1 events. Start your search at one of the many event registration portals like RunSignup. 

Running Journals 

Help them document their journey while they’re running, training, or racing though the new year. A running journal is inexpensive motivation, encouragement, and accountability all wrapped-up into one neat little binder. Find one at your local specialty run shop, local booksellers, or online. 

Subscriptions 

Here’s another gift that’ll keep on giving year round. A subscription to a running, fitness, or adventure magazine is something most every runner will appreciate. No matter what kind of running or activities they enjoy, there’s likely a magazine, newsletter, or forum that covers it. You can keep it “green” with an online subscription, too. 

Self-Care 

For a more “hands-on” gift, consider a gift card or appointment for a massage, pedicure, or other self-care service. Know you’re runner, though. Not everyone is comfortable with other folks up in their personal space. If they’re new to the concept, make it a buddy trip and take them along with you. That’s kind of a win-win gift there.  

Custom Coupon Book 

You don’t have to be an elementary school kid to produce a thoughtful, useful custom coupon book for your runner. Even the mildly crafty can gin up a printable coupon book using Canva, Pinterest, or other free online templates. Need a few entry ideas? How about coupons promising to join them for an early morning run, an event entry of their choice, or a post-run coffee?? Have fun with it! 

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For many of us, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. (Unless you’re a parent… then that would be the day they go back to school.) But even the best of times can present us with pressures and challenges. Whether you’re trying to stick to a training plan, or just need to run to stay sane this time of year… sometimes it’s tough to find the minutes for the miles. 

By incorporating some of these strategies below, you can navigate the holiday season and continue to prioritize your running routine. Make time to run, and enjoy!

 

Schedule Your Runs:

Plan your runs for the week ahead. Use a planner or smartphone app to mark the specific times you’ll dedicate to running. Consider the time of day that works best for you, and – to the best of your ability – keep that time sacred. . Early morning runs can energize you for the day, while lunchtime or evening runs can help relieve stress.

Go for Short, Intense Workouts:

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness; and yes, it can improve running form and economy. Short sprints, jumping jacks, and burpees are excellent choices for a quick workout. Tight on time? Aim for 20-30 minutes of intense exercise – like short sprints, a hill workout, or a kettlebell routine. Don’t forget the warm-up and cool-down.

Include Family and Friends:

Turn running into a family affair. Set aside a specific time for a family run or encourage friends to join you for a jog. Consider participating in local holiday fun runs or charity races as a group. Sign up the whole family or join some friends for a “Santa Run” or other holiday-themed races in your area to combine running with the holiday spirit.

Cash-in on Breaks at Work:

If your workplace has shower facilities, use your lunch break for a quick run. Or, buy a holiday pass at a local gym to take advantage of the showers and facilities there. Doing the WFH thing? Block the time on your calendar to keep the time free for you and your run. Create a home workout routine that includes bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups. Or invest in a set of resistance bands or dumbbells for added intensity.

Set Realistic Goals:

If your usual running routine feels overwhelming or unworkable given your other commitments, set smaller, more achievable goals. Aim for a minimum number of runs per week and gradually increase the duration or intensity as your schedule allows. Again, look for opportunities and schedule the time if possible. 

Have Your Gear at the Ready 

This may sound simple, but if you have to spend time colleting your gear, gloves, hat, shoes, etc., you’re less likely to get out there on the run. Find a place to stash a bag or a stack of running gear that’s weather appropriate and ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

 

Be Flexible:

This time of year can be unpredictable. Toss holiday schedules, end of year deadlines, and travel into the mix and you’ve got a real recipe for inconsistent running. Embrace the opportunity to explore new running routes or trails, events, or running during different times of day during the holiday season. Consider varying your workout intensity throughout the week, with longer runs on days when you have more time. Traveling for the holidays? Check the local race calendar or connect with a local running specialty shop or running club. 

Combine Holiday Errands with Running:

Plan your errands or shopping strategically so you can run, jog, or walk to nearby locations. Use a backpack or running belt to carry essentials, and choose a route that allows you to stop at different places. Curate a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes to make your holiday errands a little less like work.

Prioritize Self-Care:

Recognize the mental health benefits of running during busy times. It’s a great way to clear your mind and manage stress. Combine running with other self-care practices, such as meditation or a relaxing bath, to maximize the benefits. Remind your non-running partners, spouses, etc., that running is more than a hobby and that it helps you manage the stress of the festivities and holiday commitments.

Stay Positive:

Rather than dwelling on the workouts you didn’t make, celebrate the ones you did. Acknowledge the effort you put into maintaining your running routine, even if it’s a short run. Consider keeping a running journal to track your progress and celebrate your achievements. Look back on that journal or note next year to see what worked for you, and how you could make more time to run in 2024! 

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