The weather is changing, and as winter and the holidays come, it can be tough to stay motivated to stick with your running – especially here in Chicago! My friend, running coach, Sara Larsen recommends joining a group. Here’s why:
“It’s tough to get out from under the warm covers in the morning, it’s tough to get motivated about your progress with an extra ten pounds of clothes slowing you down, and it’s tough not to hit the snooze button because of the snowy, wet, and miserable conditions.
The number one thing that has helped me continue to run during the winter is running with a group. The group holds you accountable for being there each week. When you know you’ll be missed, it’s amazing how it can get you out of bed for the early weekend long run.
Here are the reasons why you should join a running group:
- Accountability. Not only does the group keep you accountable by forcing you to show up but misery loves company. Running in below zero temperature isn’t as bad when you have few running friends by your side to commiserate with.
- Motivation from Others. The ongoing support from a fellow group member when you’re completely exhausted or freezing helps you get through the tough runs. There’s nothing more motivating than a group member saying, “You can do this!” during the moments you feel like you can’t.
- Running Friends. Enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow group members. It’s a great way to meet new friends and training partners, along with having a group to go to brunch with to talk about your favorite race story.
- Advice. Working with a training group allows you to share your knowledge and get tips and tricks from other coaches and runners to help you work toward your running goals. It’s likely you’ll find others in the group facing the same challenges you are, which gives you support in preparing for those specific elements.
If you’re in Chicago and interested in staying fit this winter you should consider joining Chicago Endurance Sports Winter Warriors Half Marathon Training Program.
The Winter Warriors program is now available in three Chicago-area Fleet Feet Sports stores!
- Tuesdays & Saturdays at the NEW South Loop location (150 W Roosevelt, Roosevelt Collection)
- Wednesdays & Saturdays at the Old Town location (1620 N. Wells St) OR
- Thursdays & Sundays at the Lincoln Square location (4762 N. Lincoln)
Chicago Endurance Sports will be hosting an Open House at the three training locations. This will give you the chance to meet the CES Coaches, CES Pace Team and
ask questions about the program. The Open House is free to those who RSVP.
- Saturday 11/2/13 at Fleet Feet Sports — Old Town (1620 N Wells St)
- Sunday 11/3/13 at Fleet Feet Sports — Lincoln Square (4762 N Lincoln Ave)
- Saturday 11/9/13 at Fleet Feet Sport — South Loop (150 W Roosevelt, Roosevelt Collection)
Not only will you receive the benefits from group training that I listed above, but there are a lot of other great perks:
- 12 weeks of wonderful, winter training to keep you motivated through the holidays and in shape into the spring
- Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon Race — guaranteed special pricing!
- Professional, experienced (and nice!) coaches (more details)
- Personalized, daily training schedule for all levels — delivered via FREE
- Training Peaks account
- Running and Run-Walk training programs and pace groups with coached group training — 2X per week
- Post-workout flexibility sessions with pacers & coaches
- Weekly newsletter with tips on training & program updates and weekly tips for training & Q & A at all training sessions with our coaches
- Custom, lifestyle hoodie from Mizuno! (First 500 Group Training Members only)
- Smart ID shoe tag — run safely!
- Discounts/promotions from our partners: FREE Clif Bar product samples, FREE Fitness checkup or Injury screening at AthletiCo Sports Medicine and discount on Video Gait Analysis at AthletiCo
- Educational seminars & clinics, and fun team social activities like the “CES Holiday Run”, a fun predictor run, with prizes, yummy treats and more!
If you’re interested in joining the Chicago Endurance Sports Winter Warriors program you can register HERE“
I agree with Sara. If you live here, try CES Winter Warriors, or another group. If you live elsewhere, find a group or a training partner who you would not dream of leaving out in the cold by him or herself. Maybe it is me and my guilty conscience, but this works for me! One other thing that gets me running – signing up for a race. I picked the Houston Marathon in January and the NYC Half in March for my cold weather training motivation!
Another thing that helps me with winter training is having the right gear! So… to sweeten the deal, I am hosting a few giveaways for winter!
In the dark and cold, I also think more about safety; I always feel more comfortable with my Road ID shoe tag on my shoe. Road ID is a simple ID tag that has your information and emergency contacts listed in case you were to encounter trouble during a run/bike and were unable to provide your information. The IDs come in various forms: bracelets (above), ankle ids, shoe tags and shoe pouches. You can also list any allergies or medical conditions. Even if you aren’t a runner, you can get one for your kids (or yourself) with emergency numbers and allergies listed on them. All RoadIDs are custom made with your specific information, contact numbers, allergies and any information you think is necessary. They also have a free Road ID app for iPhone for safety and notification of emergencies on the run.
I have been offered a $35 gift certificate to give away to one lucky reader – so please enter using the Rafflecopter below! Thank you to Outside PR for the opportunity to offer this giveaway! I am a big fan of Road ID – all opinions are my own.
New gear also always keeps me motivated. At the end of the season, I always buy too many things on clearance. I am going to raffle off one pair each of Saucony Ulti-Mitt (I have a small in orange and a medium in pink), one pair of Smart Wool glove liners (I have two – one M, one L – these are more men’s fit), one pair of smart phone gloves (I have pink and blue) and one hat (unisex) from the Calgary Marathon (I got the woman in that booth a water at the Chicago Marathon Expo and she gave me a hat!) Giving away one of each of these will leave me set for the season and will help me to feel like less of a hoarder – so thank you for your help! Please enter with the Rafflecopter below.
Both giveaways are good for US residents 18 years of age and older. Void where prohibited. All prizes will be drawn on November 5th. Gloves/hat will be 1st choice to 1st winner and so on.
PS. Don’t forget my “Not Your Standard Energy Bar” (LAST DAY) and my Sony Sports MP3 Player giveaways, too!