No matter what level of runner you are, winter can sometimes put a damper on motivation. However, with the right inspiration, this season can be a great time to maximize training and set yourself up for a successful spring and summer. Check out tips from CARA Coach Tori Capozziello to keep your motivation going strong through the winter.
Set Your Goals: Get a jump start on your New Years’ resolutions by setting your goals for 2021. Take some time to think about what you want to accomplish, both big and small, and write out each goal. Having something to work towards will help give you that extra push out the door and help make your runs more meaningful.
Take this to the next level by recruiting an accountability partner! Whether it’s a fellow runner or a supportive friend or family member, having someone to check in with and share your progress can help keep you on track this winter.
Add Some Variety: As winter weather picks up, venturing further from your home can become difficult. To avoid the monotony of running the same routes, try adding some variance to your runs with fartleks, loops, or Strava segment challenges. For more ideas on adding variety to your runs, check out one of our previous blogs HERE.
Be Your Biggest Cheerleader: Use your favorite quotes, mantras, or encouraging words to cheer yourself on. Try leaving some encouraging notes to yourself where you'll see them, like a mirror or where you store your running shoes. Or, use the reminder function on your phone to schedule some words of encouragement before you would normally head out for your run. A little extra positivity can go a long way!
Schedule Time To Run: Set aside dedicated time on your run and cross-train days for those activities. You can even use your planner or digital calendar to block out time in your schedule. Having a specified time for running not only helps prevent procrastination but also gives you time to take a break and enjoy doing something for yourself.
Join A Training Program: There is a reason the “Power of the Group” is so popular among CARA runners! Joining a program provides a community of runners who are also following a similar plan and who are there to help support you. Additionally, having a set training schedule to follow keeps the guess-work out of deciding how far to run each day and gives you an end goal to work towards.