For those of us in the Northeastern United States (where I live) and other snowy climes, we know that if you train outdoors through the winter than you’ll be a beast in the spring! Why? Snow is hard to train in. Snow running, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking, even simply hiking in the snow all offer a tougher workout. And the harsh weather increases your mental toughness as well as your body’s climate tolerance.
Ultrarunning legend Scott Jurek recently wrote a nice, little piece for Competitor.com that sums this philosophy up well and shares his own experience training through horribly cold and snowy weather. So, rather than rewrite the same thing here? I’ll just link you over there… You may still choose your treadmill or spin class, but I’d encourage you to at least get outside once/week for a winter hike or sledding with the kids (pull the kids back up in the sled and you’ve got some super tough hill repeats!). Believe me, your athletic game will be that much better come spring!
(And you might want to check out these “Five Essential Winter Running Tips” while you’re at it…)
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