By Sarah Hauge
Some runners perk up when winter rolls around, energized by crisp air, fresh snow and quiet streets. Other runners go into self-preservation mode when confronted with cold temperatures and a monotone landscape. Winter urges them to take to their blankets and burrow until spring.
Whichever camp you fall within, making a winter running bucket list can make the season more enjoyable. As you check off unique-to-winter running experiences, you’ll also build endurance that will improve your running come spring—and you might create a new running tradition you’ll look forward to year after year.
Sunrise Run
Many runners thrive on the rosy-hued optimism that comes from running as the sun rises. But unless you’re a natural early bird, the wake-up time can be painful: In June, the sun is up before 5 a.m.! This season, schedule a run to coincide with a winter sunrise, which happens in the 7:00 hour in January and February. You’ll feel rejuvenated; you’ll still finish with your run relatively early; and you’ll get some vitamin D at a time when your stores might be low.
First Snowfall Run
Have you ever watched a little kid play in untouched snow? These young explorers show pure joy in exploring a never-before-seen landscape. You can feel some of this same joy this winter! Check the forecast and plan to be the first to blaze your own trail after a snowfall.
Winter Group Run
When the weather is unwelcoming, community is key. Plan a run with a friend or meet up with a group like Fleet Feet’s Winter Warriors or any of the area’s many running clubs. (Check out the Bloomsday Road Runners Club calendar at Brrc.net for ideas.) Runs pass by more quickly with company, and the darkness feels far less enveloping when you’re with others.
Winter Race
Force yourself to stay active by signing up for a winter race. Whether it’s a half marathon in a sunny state or something local like Spokane’s Partners in Pain, putting a formal running commitment on the calendar gives you something to work toward when motivation is low. With a goal to structure your runs around, it will be easier to stay active. You might discover a new favorite race or find that your winter race PR is faster than you expected.
Make It an Event
Friends and family make things more fun. If you are still building your running community, see what’s on the docket with the local running groups mentioned above. They likely have fun winter events on the agenda. Or plan something with your own running buddies, like:
- A neon night run: Gather a group, plan a safe route and run decked out in neon and glow sticks.
- Winter trail run: Visit someplace you usually only see in warmer weather. Notice the difference in the scenery, your pace and your state of mind.
- Family pajama run: Run in your PJs, then get hot chocolate.
- Galentine’s Day run: In February, gather some ladies who
lunchrun. After your run, have brunch or a crafternoon (or a “Parks and Recreation” marathon to celebrate the original Galentine’s Day).
- Progressive run: Kind of like a progressive dinner (appetizers at one house, main course at another, dessert at a third). Do dynamic stretches at one house; run to a second house where you stop for water, fuel and a bathroom break; then run to the final house, where you have a post-run stretch and snack.
Whatever goes on your winter running bucket list, the season will be more fun if you explore new things, stay active and spend time in community.
Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane with her husband and two children. She is looking forward to her first snowy run this winter and is registered for a couple of spring half marathons.
