Winter Training

It's tough to train in the winter. It's cold, dark, depressing and by time I get home, I just want to veg out on the couch with a hot drink and blanket. This year I have been trying to stay in shape and keep off that winter-warmth layer, but it hasn't been without it's challenges. I love to run but despise the treadmill and indoor track. I also love to do weights but find it tough to stay motivated to workout in the evening. Here are a few things I have done to stay motivated this winter:

Sign up for a race (or 2) in the spring time

Races: Ice Breaker 10 km and Police Half Marathon - both in April

Benefits: Signing up for races in the spring keeps me motivated to run even when it's -30 out. I prefer running outside, so to keep training, I bundle up in multiple layers, face warmers, gloves and leg warmers. It may be slow going when I have to slide across some ice, but my philosophy is anything is better than nothing.

Early morning weight routine

Routine: 20 min workout DVDs first thing in the morning before work

Plan: When the clocks turned back in the fall, I figured it would be easier to just get up earlier

rather than attempting to adjust to the time change. Now when I get up early, I do a quick 20 min workout before heading to work. The two workout DVDs that I enjoy are Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred and Get Extremely Ripped: Boot Camp.

Winter Sports

Sports: Cross-country skiing and Hockey

Plan: Rather than wishing the cold away and counting down the days to summer, I embrace the winter by getting involved in some winter sports. Since a young age my winter sports have been hockey and skiing, and nothing has changed 25 years later. Both of these sports keep me active in the cold months and make me look forward to the winter season.