Staying motivated to strive for health and fitness goals during winter weather conditions is hard. I am not going to sugar coat it. One has to battle the elements to workout outside … or to drive to get to the gym. Fresh produce doesn’t seem so fresh when it is subzero temperatures and everything is dead outside.
Living and training in California the past 10 years has made me soft. I could run outdoors year round. The worst winter weather conditions I encountered was running in the rain with temperatures in the low 40s. Oh the horror! Ha! Fresh produce was still fresh. I didn’t realize how good life was in those regards.
Now that I have moved back to the Midwest… I am having to adjust my complete mindset when it comes to training, eating healthy, and staying motivated during the cold winter months.
I have had to buy new winter running gear! No more capris and long technical shirt winter running for me.
I have had to buy the boys snow pants, snow boots, gloves and more! No more fleece hoodies and calling it a jacket.
I have had to combat the urge to binge on comfort food during these cold spells.
I have come to enjoy and treasure the sunshine when it comes out to melt the white stuff… and enjoy the outdoors when the temperature is above freezing (or even close to double digits).
Life here in Missouri is different than it was in California… but we are adjusting. I am finding that I am a tougher athlete, more flexible mom (no more throwing kids outside to get their wiggles out), and am slowly warming up to calling this new-place our home.
My Boston Marathon training is still going strong. I will be honest, I haven’t taken this blessing as seriously as I should be. Life lately has been crazy and my training isn’t a priority. I am getting miles in… but am seriously lacking in my cross training and strength training since the move.
Last Week’s Training Plan (What I did):
Monday: 12.7 miles on hilly trails while pushing T in jogger
Tuesday: 2 mile walk + PiYo
Wednesday: 6.12 miles pushing T in jogger (attempted tempo)
Thursday:
Friday: 3.1 miles chasing boys on bikes
Saturday: 13.1 miles on the paved trails around the lake (rolling hills & comfortable pace)
Sunday:
This Week’s Training Plan (What I plan to do) :
Monday: snow shovel + Body Pump
Tuesday: 3 miles easy
Wednesday: 7-8 miles fast
Thursday: 6-8 hill repeats + Body Pump
Friday: 3 easy + Body Pump
Saturday: 15 miles (solo)?
Sunday: P’s 7th Birthday! rest
This week my main focus is to get miles on my feet, lift heavy weights, drink lots of water (and Nuun Hydration), recover with my ProCompression gear (40% discount code: PRES) and eat healthy whole foods… as best as I can. I am solo parenting again the better part of the week and my meals will be kid friendly… but also Mommy friendly.
I will be snacking on Stonyfield Organic Yogurt and Balance Bar’s to help combat my sweet tooth. I will be chewing yummy JuicePlus+ Chews for my sweet fruit/veggie fix. I will be drinking my Shakeology to get all the necessary nutrients that I may be missing in my diet.
Oh… before I forget… I am finally getting around to planning my 2015 running and racing calendar. Besides Boston… I will be running 3 Rock N Roll races. As a RockNBlogger Ambassador, I am able to share a discount with you as well as run three races for free. I love the Rock N Roll race series… and think everyone should rock and roll one of their races!!
You can save $15 off your Rock N Roll registration by using the code: RUNNINGRACHEL15
I haven’t narrowed down (or registered) my races yet… but am looking at St. Louis, Chicago… and somewhere else fun. Any suggestions for my third Rock N Roll race for the year?
How do you stay motivated when the weather and temperatures make you want to curl up and not workout?
What are your favorite healthy cold weather meals and snacks?
Have you run a RockNRoll race?
Join me and Janice, from the Fitness Cheerleader, by linking up with #MotivateME Monday. Let’s help encourage and motivate each other to reach our health and fitness goals… even during these cold winter months!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
Thanks for sharing the link up! I will do that now 🙂 That ecard about the summer heat is so funny and true. I’m wishing for summer now and know once it gets here I’ll be hating the heat and humidity lol. That is why fall is my favorite season!!
katie says
It’s a little tougher way of life here but it looks like you’re getting the hang of it! Can’t wait to get together
Margo says
I am OVER this winter weather. Days like this make me wonder why I left California!
Linda @ the Fitty says
Do you have a gym membership that you attend Bodypump classes? I love that you’re running 12+ miles like its nothing! You’re great.
Rachel says
Hi. No. No gym membership. I own the body pump DVD’s. 🙂
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
I’m considering signing up for the Rock n’ Roll Half in Nashville in April..not sure because of the weather though! We shall see!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
This weather must be quite the transition for you all. Nice job getting in that long run with the stroller!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Staying motivated in the winter is always super tough, especially when its weather that you’re not used to. Last winter I was super scared to run in the cold, but I’ve tried to embrace it more this year. But there are some weather conditions, like the below zero wind chills that we’ve had for the past couple of days, where I say I’m too scared to face that, in which case I just head straight for the treadmill at the gym.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I definitely struggle with staying motivated in the winter. Luckily, I have access to a treadmill for days when it’s just to darn cold to get outside (every day haha), and just started CrossFit. The class format and community keep me accountable for getting my butt up and getting to the gym!
Kate @KateMovingForward says
I like to make sure my backup plan has a backup plan so I’m sure to get my workouts in! Also, find ways to get out of the house with your kiddos, even just to the library or to play with the trains at Barnes and Noble!
Sandra Laflamme says
Training in this crazy nutso cold will truly make you hearier but I can imagine the transition must be tough. Although now you get to suit up in some really cute winter gear so I guess that’s the bright side????
MCM Mama Runs says
I don’t mind the cold, but we’ve had quite the icy winter this year. I’m pretty much over that. Add in a dying treadmill and I’m a little bit crabby.
jill conyers says
I said the same thing about moving to Ohio. Life is different here compared to living in CA is an understatement 🙂
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) says
I retreat to my treadmill for running when it’s this cold. With my kidlets, it’s the only running option I have for the winter.
I love my cross-training class so much that I don’t care if it’s -40 and blizzard, I WILL get there.
RFC says
It seems like winter is RELENTLESS this year! Every Monday we get a snowstorm, haha. Honestly, it hasn’t been hard for me to stay motivated this year because exercise is seemingly the only thing keeping me sane in this weather! Plus I work at the gym, so I have no excuse to NOT be there 😉
Carmy says
haha I TOTALLY count shoveling snow as cross training. It’s literally strength training!
Katie@Run Wild in Alaska says
You’re brave to get right to it outside. This is my sixth winter here in Alaska and the first one where I have ever attempted running outside! I’m from California too, and I just stuck to the gym for my first few winters here! Buying new running gear is always fun though, right?!
Janice - Fitness Cheerleader says
Way to get it done girl!! I love that you are embracing the winter cold, I was so jealous of your California weather :blush: Which RockNRoll races are you doing this year?