When I moved to Sweden, its long winters and snowy majestic landscapes, I needed to find in me the energy to go out and keep training no matter the weather. I learned a lot about myself, my limits and the keys to motivation. Here are my Nordic inspired tips and tricks to keep being motivated in winter time!

We, passionate runners, are used to see how one season is replaced by another not only in the constantly changing landscape but also in that extra layer of clothes we need to put to get out and train. 

Marathon training in winter time

The preparation for a long distance race such as a marathon is a long time effort. Many months of commitment and numerous weekly hours spent on completing different trainings (intervals, tempo runs, long runs…) make the winter training unavoidable in the runner’s agenda.

The training for my first marathon lasted exactly 18 weeks. When I signed up for running the Limassol marathon in Cyprus – an early spring race, I knew that I would have to spend the crucial weeks of my training program running in winter conditions.

Winter is surely the most challenging season of them all ! It is cold, dark, raining. It’s really hard to get out there and run during this period… but because it is hard, it is also incredibly rewarding and inspiring.

What I love the most about the winter practice is the conviction that during those sessions I’m doing something important and that I work on myself. There is always something Spartan in the chilly morning runs and I always find in the music of the rain a not so distant echo of the Rocky soundtrack. Facing the winter hardship never fails to boost my self-confidence and self appreciation.

For that finding the right narrative is the key. Visualize what you are doing and be proud for every step taken outside !!!

How to motivate yourself to stay active? 

Winter is the most epic and most romantic time for training!  If you want to make a change in your life and daily habits, to do more sport and set new goals like me, winter months are the best period to start!

From the moment I moved to Sweden, 6 years ago, I directly fell in love with the white Nordic winters. Back then, I was imagining myself in a small red wooden house close to a huge window watching the snowfalls, thinking snowy winters are only a time for coziness while waiting for the outdoor life to start again with the spring. I changed a lot. Today I enjoy the most when I notice all those small things around the same wooden house but outside, while running and practicing in the snow, feeling proud of myself and ready to appreciate so much more the cozy moments afterwards.

Going shopping to buy a new piece of running gear never fails to motivate me to do more sport! It doesn’t need to be a “big” thing, a new pair of gloves or a winter hat that matches the color of the gear I already have give me a wish to go out and run, no matter the weather and the circumstances! This trick always works for me!

No matter whether you are a runner beginner or a more advanced runner, to have an objective with a deadline in front of you gives always the extra push we need for staying active and exercising. I always plan my race calendar in winter time. This gives me perspective on what I want to achieve (improving my PB, trying a new distance…) and also helps me to shift the focus from the challenging weather to my goals and stick to them. This winter I registered for running the Rhodes marathon in Greece ( https://www.rhodesmarathon.gr/...). It will be a new amazing adventure that I am very much looking forward to! The picture of me running on this beautiful island with the turquoise color of the sea in front of me is what I imagine while spending hours running on the treadmill at my local gym! 

Who is up for trying something new? I always am, particularly in winter time! J It is good sometimes for the daily or weekly sport routine to be modified and energized with another sport. Trying a CrossFit lesson, going to the pool for a swimming session or simply taking a gym or fitness app subscription can add the spice we miss in our winter training! 

Running is sometimes a lonely sport. In most of the times I like it to stay that way because it provides me with a form of meditation like no other activity. Still, I feel the happiest and most energized after I have been together with my ASICS FrontRunner teammates, running or racing together.  Find yourself a bunch of people that share your passion and join them! Also an incredible motivator for me is to share my love for running and training with the immense running community from all around the world through the social networks. When sometimes I feel like not doing anything, it’s enough to see some of the posts of my favorite IG running friends and I instantly get the wish to get out there and crush my goals! 

The winter running roads and trails are often adventurous and picturesque, but they can also be very dangerous if we are not properly equipped. The safety while running is of outmost importance especially in the coldest months of the winter when the roads are slippery and we can easily get cold. That’s why choosing properly your gear (your shoes and your clothes), is of paramount importance before to safely start on the icy roads the conquest of the weather and of yourself !


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