Top 5 Reasons to Run During the Offseason

Now that most of the major running events have wrapped up what is a runner to do for the rest of the year?  The holidays are upon us and for many this can be the time of year the wheels fall of the wagon.  With all the holiday parties, bad weather, and lack of goals it can be hard to find a reason to keep running.  But, all is not lost, with proper planning you can keep racking up the miles on your favorite running shoes throughout the winter months.  Here are five tips to help motivate you to keep lacing up during the holidays.

1.  Jingle Jogs - Just because its not a marathon, half, or a 10K doesn't mean you can't take advantage of these 5 K runs.  They're perfect for newbie and veteran runners during the holiday.  5Ks are short enough for you seasoned runners to introduce new friends to the sport.  You can run alongside your friends, work on faster turnover, or just go for an easy run after that night out at a holiday party.

2. Spring/Summer Bodies are made in the Winter - For many folks the winter time is when they like to hibernate.  I tend to agree... with the cold months, rain, sleet, and slow it can be quite dreary and easy to just stop exercising and running.  But did you know for every week you take off from running it can take up to 2 weeks to regain lost fitness?  Or for some it can take 8-10 weeks to see results they're happy with.  Looking for that spring or summer body?  The winter time is when you need to put in work.  Want a new personal record (PR) in the spring?  Don't care about all of that and just want to take in the holiday cheer... for every mile run you burn about 100 calories.  1 mile, 1 beer, 3 miles a nice cocktail. Keep running!!

3. Winter/Spring Marathons (Half) - Need something more concrete to keep moving?  Register for a winter or early spring marathon (half).  Most training plans are 12-18 weeks long.  This can be the very thing you need to get you through the dark days of winter.  When you know you have a 12-20 mile long run scheduled the next day it becomes easier to turn down that fruit cake or eggnog.

4 - Run Challenge - Social media, run groups, or personal challenge... whatever the reason... just start a challenge with yourself or friends.  Challenge each other to run a 15 minutes, a mile, or 5 miles each day.  If you're new to running then start off easy by running each day from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  1 day at a time, 1 mile at a time.

5 - Money, Money, Money - Who doesn't like money?  Create a money jar and pay yourself to run.  Want a new pair of shoes, new watch, or glasses?  Whatever the goal then pay yourself to run; 1 mile, $1.  At the end of the winter you can go on your well deserved shopping spree.

Winter running doesn't have to be a drag.  These are my 5 reasons to run during the off season... what are yours?

Keep Running!!