Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!
As a runner and a running coach, I hear it every winter: “I just can’t find the motivation to get out there.” The days are shorter, the mornings are colder, and the couch feels extra inviting. But winter doesn’t have to steal your joy—or your running routine. For real! In fact, it can be one of the most meaningful seasons to build strength, consistency, and a merry mindset.
Winter running isn’t about PRs or crushing every workout. It’s about showing up. Some days your run might be slower, shorter, or moved indoors—and that’s okay. Consistency, not perfection, is the real win this time of year.
As a coach, I remind athletes: Winter miles are quiet but much needed deposits into your spring fitness bank.
2. Make It Cozy and Fun
Merriment matters. Invest in gear that makes you want to run (or better yet, add what you need to your Christmas list and have your loved ones pay for it)—warm layers, fun hats, bright gloves, or even holiday-themed socks. Create a winter-only playlist on your phone or save your favorite podcast for run days. Give yourself something to look forward to.
If running outside feels overwhelming, treadmills count too. Movement is movement.
Merriment matters. Invest in gear that makes you want to run (or better yet, add what you need to your Christmas list and have your loved ones pay for it)—warm layers, fun hats, bright gloves, or even holiday-themed socks. Create a winter-only playlist on your phone or save your favorite podcast for run days. Give yourself something to look forward to.
If running outside feels overwhelming, treadmills count too. Movement is movement.
3. Keep Your “Why” Front and Center
Winter is the perfect time to reconnect with why you run. Is it for stress relief? Mental clarity? Health? Gratitude? Write it down. Stick it on your mirror. Let it be the voice that nudges you out the door on cold mornings.
Running in winter isn’t just training your body—it’s training your mindset. Winter running will make you gritty!
Winter is the perfect time to reconnect with why you run. Is it for stress relief? Mental clarity? Health? Gratitude? Write it down. Stick it on your mirror. Let it be the voice that nudges you out the door on cold mornings.
Running in winter isn’t just training your body—it’s training your mindset. Winter running will make you gritty!
4. Short Runs Still Count
Not every run needs to be long. Twenty focused minutes can do wonders for your mood and motivation. When time or weather is tight, give yourself permission to go short—and celebrate it.
Remember: Something is always better than nothing.
Not every run needs to be long. Twenty focused minutes can do wonders for your mood and motivation. When time or weather is tight, give yourself permission to go short—and celebrate it.
Remember: Something is always better than nothing.
5. Lean Into Community
Winter is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Run with a friend, join a running group, follow a training plan, or check in with a coach. Accountability and encouragement go a long way when motivation dips.
Shared miles = shared joy.
Winter is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Run with a friend, join a running group, follow a training plan, or check in with a coach. Accountability and encouragement go a long way when motivation dips.
Shared miles = shared joy.
6. Practice Gratitude on the Run
Use winter runs as moving moments of gratitude. Notice the quiet streets, the crisp air, the strength of your body, and the fact that you get to run. Gratitude shifts your mindset from “I have to” to “I’m thankful I can.”
Joy often shows up when we slow down enough to notice it. And joy is a huge motivator!
Use winter runs as moving moments of gratitude. Notice the quiet streets, the crisp air, the strength of your body, and the fact that you get to run. Gratitude shifts your mindset from “I have to” to “I’m thankful I can.”
Joy often shows up when we slow down enough to notice it. And joy is a huge motivator!
7. Remember: Spring Is Built in Winter
Every winter run—especially the hard ones—is building resilience. When spring races and sunny mornings return, you’ll be grateful you stayed consistent when it wasn’t easy.
Winter runners don’t just survive the season—they grow through it. And growth should be the goal of every runner!
Every winter run—especially the hard ones—is building resilience. When spring races and sunny mornings return, you’ll be grateful you stayed consistent when it wasn’t easy.
Winter runners don’t just survive the season—they grow through it. And growth should be the goal of every runner!
And there you have it friends... Staying merry in winter doesn’t mean forcing motivation. It means creating habits, adjusting expectations, and finding joy in the process. Lace up, layer up, and give yourself some grace when your joy wanes--but then find something that will raise your spirits, like a winter run with friends, and remember that spring is only three months away.
Happy Running!
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