How Connections Can Keep You Running This Winter

Running through the winter can have many rewards—getting outdoors can help ward off the seasonal blahs, having a structure can help navigate through the holidays and into the new year, and fitness gains can provide a base for spring training and racing.

There are challenges to winter training, though—cold weather, limited daylight, those holidays and the schedule disruptions they can bring. As a coach, I tell runners that one of the best ways to overcome running challenges this time of year is by building and maintaining connections. Here’s how.

Connect with the joy of running. Does running sometimes feel like a “should” in your life—something you tell yourself to do not because you want to but because you feel obligated? You may have more success if you try replacing “should” thinking with “want to” thinking: I want to step outside and feel the sun on my face and the wind in my hair, I want to connect with nature, I want to breathe deeply, I want to untether myself, just for 30 minutes, from texts and emails and social media.

Connect with a friend. Try making a pact with a friend whose running habits and lifestyle are similar to yours. For example, if you’re a busy parent of young children, agree with another parent that you’ll both aim to get up early a couple of mornings a week to squeeze in a few miles. Check in to encourage each other and stay accountable.

Connect with a community. Similarly, a running club or crew, a Facebook group, or a Strava club can help keep you accountable and inspired to run. I can guarantee you'll find other runners who are struggling to stay consistent at this time of year. Share what you're experiencing with the group and use the collective knowledge and experience to motivate one another.

Connect with a coach. There’s a myth that running coaches are only for competitive runners. Not so! A good running coach meets you where you are and works with you to set challenging but attainable goals and navigate through whatever issues you're facing—from scheduling to injuries to nutrition and more. NYRR Coaching Lab offers virtual training with expert coaching, and NYRR Group Training provides coached workouts in NYC parks.

Connect with wellness. If you’re new to running or coming back after some time off, starting up may feel daunting. You may want to begin by establishing a simpler healthy habit, like turning off screens after 9:00 p.m., or having a fruit or vegetable at every meal or snack. Taking this step will put you in a wellness mindset that can lead to taking that run.

Connect with giving. We’re in the season to give to causes we care about, including those that support running and fitness. Making a donation to New York Road Runners will help support our year-round programs for youth and adults, and can be the spark that fires up your regular running practice. Learn more about different ways you can support our programs.