Ladies, grab your fuzzy socks and coffee because we need to have a heart-to-heart about winter training. After crushing 3 half marathons, 2 15Ks, and 5 family-friendly 5Ks this year (with a grand total of 366 training and racing miles under my belt!), it’s time to switch things up. And between us? I’m having ALL the feelings about it.
Breaking Up with My Long Runs (And Why I’m So Damn Emotional About It)
Can we talk about how breaking up with my long runs feels like saying goodbye to my favorite Netflix series? These weren’t just runs, my friends – they were my therapy sessions on feet! You know that magical moment around mile four when your brain finally shuts up and lets you just… exist? That’s my happy place. And now I’m trading it for sprints. (ugh)
Let’s be real – sprint training demands ALL your attention. There’s no zoning out, no peaceful me-time, just pure, focused intensity. But twenty minutes in, and BAM! I’m suddenly feel like Wonder Woman in running shoes. Do I love it? Let’s just say… it’s complicated.
2025 Goals: Because Mama’s Got Big Dreams
Want to know what keeps me going when my legs are screaming “enough”? Two words: destination races. In 2025, I’m not just crossing finish lines – I’m crossing borders! I’ve got my sights set on an out-of-state half marathon AND the Detroit International Half Marathon where we literally run into Canada. How cool is that?!
The Michigan Winter Reality Check
Here’s some real talk from your Michigan running buddy: there’s no such thing as “getting ready for spring” when you live in the winter wonderland. Mother Nature throws everything at us, so we’ve got to stay ready. My game plan? 3-4 days of strength training (because strong is the new sexy), 1 day of sprint intervals (pray for me), and 2 shorter runs (keeping it under 6 miles). Every time I want to quit, I picture that starting line. Works like a charm!
My Progress Tracker: The Monthly Mile
Here’s my secret weapon for staying on track: once a month, I run a timed mile. It’s my way to see if all this sprint training and strength work is actually doing its job. Nothing beats the thrill of watching those seconds drop month after month. It’s concrete proof that even when winter training feels tough, I’m getting stronger and faster.
The Treadmill Situation
Let’s discuss the elephant in the room: The Treadmill (yes, capital T – it’s earned it). When Michigan decides to turn into an ice rink, it’s either the treadmill or nothing. I’ll be bundling up for outdoor runs whenever possible, but when Mother Nature says “nope,” you’ll find me on the treadmill, dreaming of spring races.
The Bottom Line
Here we are, trading our peaceful long runs for sprints and our open roads for treadmills. But you know what? Every interval, every strength session, every treadmill mile is getting us closer to those 2025 goals. And while the treadmill might not be our favorite, those future start lines are going to be worth every single step.
How do you stay motivated when winter hits? Let’s share our secrets because winter training is better together! Drop a comment below!
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