The Hardcore Runner’s Guide to Winter Training
| December 13, 2010 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
Winter is here, and we all know what that means. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and lazy evenings when all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a warm drink and a holiday movie.
This time of year, many runners trade in their sneakers for yoga mats, aerobic classes, and spin shoes. But not you, the hardcore super-runner! No, for you, a little snow and cold is nothing that’s gonna get you down. As far as you’re concerned, winter is just a state of mind – one that you plan to ignore at all costs.
In order to maximize your hardcore-ness and earn bragging rights to your friends, family, co-workers, and all passers-by, your approach to winter training should be something like this:
- Avoid the treadmill at all costs. It doesn’t matter if it’s a blizzard or 20-below, real hardcore super-runners run outside. Always. Treadmills are for wimps.
- So is cross training. Who needs spin classes or elliptical machines? Runners run. Period.
- Don’t work your training schedule around holidays or other events. Work the events around your running schedule. Who cares if you haven’t seen your family since last Christmas? If they really want you there, they’ll work around you and your running. And don’t even think about skipping your run to relax and eat delicious baked goods on Christmas morning. What kind of runner do you want to be, anyway?
- Invest in as many high-priced, high-tech running clothes as you possibly can. You need at least one different outfit for every day of the week. And only name brands will give you the cold weather protection that you need. You wouldn’t be caught dead in running gear from Target. Or cheap looking no-name gloves you happened to pick up at a marathon expo.
- No excuses — run like a champion. Now that you don’t have the summer heat and humidity to contend with, you should be hitting faster paces on your runs. Cold temperatures or icy head winds won’t slow you down! Whatever you do, don’t let weather force you to drop your pace. Winter is only a state of mind, remember?
- Except for your longest runs, leave the water at home. Let’s face it – it’s so cold, you’re not going to be getting thirsty, and threats of dehydration will only make you stronger. Water is extra weight anyway. Why would you want to carry it unless absolutely necessary?
- Stick to the plan! Who said anything about needing to be flexible during the winter? Blizzard on the day of your planned long run? No problem. Screw those shoes and get out the door!
(Source)
- And most importantly of all, don’t have fun! Winter training isn’t about frolicking through snow banks or doing a holiday fun run with your buddies. It’s about getting stronger! About increasing your hardcore-ness! And about showing mother nature just how tough you really are. Fun isn’t part of that equation.
So this winter, if you really want to be a hardcore super-runner, just follow the above guidelines. You’ll be revered within your running circle in no time.
And for the rest of you, feel free to go ahead and do the opposite of everything listed. Relax, mix it up, and just enjoy the holiday season. We understand – being super hardcore isn’t for everyone.
I like Christmas trees and warm drinks and holiday movies. Is that hardcore?!
Not going to lie, though. I want to “screw” my shoes and run in the snow. C’mon, snow! It’s December. I’m waiting…
Becky´s last post ..March Madness
i feel like i say this every time…but window into my soul much? today was a snow day. its the last week of school before break, and i just found out about some changes to my responsibilities to next semester that have me stressed to the max. i’m supposed to be starting my training today, but instead it’s my third rest day in a row….and i’m freaking out and feeling guilty.
i needed this post to chillax and calm down. i appreciate the laughter!
the dawn´s last post ..the week’s end- 18 weeks to go
I probably shouldn’t admit this, but a lot of those describe me during my marathon training last year. Hilarious post!
Hahaha….very cute post.
I’ve been taking a bit of a break from running this winter to pursue other long lost cross-training activities like hot yoga and zumba! Definitely a nice, warmer alternative to winter running.
Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches´s last post ..In The Ski Groove
Haha, awesome post Lauren!
I’m so not a hardcore runner. After one run last week in a windy 22 degrees, I am no embracing the treadmill. I may not have bragging rights, but I also won’t have frostbite
Jen´s last post ..Do what you’re good at
Lately I have been running on the treadmill more than I’d like to admit! haha The cold and dark is one thing. But when it’s cold and dark AND windy, I lose all motivation to run outside.
Nice Christmas Tree!
OK, I’m confused. Your post was right on, but the comments lead me to think you were kidding around. Wait, were you being sarcastic?
I did like the gloves though. They are certainly hard core.
oh ha-ha
I guess you won’t mind me heading out for long runs on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, huh? You can just wait till I’m done to do cookie making and presents 
One word: DAMN!
I mean it is what it is….tough love — I like it:)
And the tree is awesome, I think colored lights are my fave!!!
Nichole´s last post ..Comment on It’s a Small World After All by Angela the diet book junkie
[...] Let’s face it, if you plan on running year round, one of these “toos” is going to send you running for on the treadmill sooner or later. If it doesn’t, you’re super hardcore. [...]
Love your tree…so pretty. And this post is perfect! It actually took me the first couple of examples to notice that you were not serious, wow what does that say about me and my love for running? LOL!
Bekah @ runtrackmind´s last post ..Beat the Germs
I can’t say I love to run in the winter but I do it anyway! No fancy gear for me . . . although I can’t say I wouldn’t mind something meant for winter running!
Merry Christmas!
Hahaha I love this! My favorite gloves were $2 at Walgreens…and they smell now and have a hole in one of the fingers. The look on people’s faces when I tell them I ran when it was five degrees outside is definitely worth the chilly nose!
Susan – Nurse on the Run´s last post ..bridges run
[...] Let’s face it, if you plan on running year round, one of these “toos” is going to send you running for on the treadmill sooner or later. If it doesn’t, you’re super hardcore. [...]