With the Northwest chill and endless billow rollingin off the Bay, the short span of light, puddles collecting on trails, and all the laundry from all the layers of weather wicking – winter running is on the rise. Motivation can take a hard hit, but we’re here for you. Want to know the best way to keep consistent and endure the dark days? Company. It’s proven. Here’s 15 other motivator’s that can help you keep on keepin’ on:

1. Remember when you were injured or had to take a break and couldn’t run? How badly you wanted to be out there, to feel the air, the ground, to log the miles, even if few? It’s often we inhabit the “Grass is Greener” mentality, or indulge in our anxieties of living ahead of the moment we’re in. Practice presence. Be thankful for that which you used to not have. Live in the moment today, not in the dread of the cold or the dark. Do it for the person who couldn’t.
2. “Try a tri” – “Logging a chunk of your weekly miles in the pool and/or on the bike can invigorate your mind, body and running.” You can do either indoors if the weather is particularly off-putting.
3. Errand-Run – In Boulder, Co, I used to pack my debit card and ID and run to various thrift shops or to major retailers for things we needed at home. I’ve run home single seat sofas, picture frames, books, wine and copious amounts of clothing, sometimes in track bags on back, or draped over my shoulders. You don’t have to indulge to this extent, but having a multi-tasking purpose to your run re-aligns your goals, your abilities, your sense of humor, and really, I had the time of my life and felt very accomplished doing so.
4. Brew-Tour – Run to restaurants, breweries, a lunch date. Plan ahead to have someone pick you up or take you home post. Probably best not to run after, though it is possible.
5. Volunteer. Bellingham, BC, Seattle – There’s a lot going on throughout the Fall and Winter including holiday runs and various events in need of volunteers or race directors and homeless shelters and community needs are essential as the weather turns. Gather your slightly used shoes and drop them off at locations like the Cold Weather Shelter for Women in Bellingham, or the Lighthouse Mission; give them a call to see what is needed most. The GBRC (Greater Bellingham Running Club) always has events going on, and are in need of volunteers. Specifically they are looking for help with the Padden Mudfest set for Sunday, March 6. If interested contact Tjalling Ypma at 360-362-9655 or tjalling.ypma@wwu.edu. In helping your community, via races or basic care needs, you put forth and engage in energies that revitalize more than just you.
6. If you aren’t enough, find a reason. Find a charity you believe in and want to support. Find a way to make it worth their while. Race for them. Work towards racing for them, to raise awareness. Take some of their members on a run. Create a plan for someone who needs to feel revitalized. There are many ways, the first step is determining who or what.
7. Expectations – Not every day will be better than the last. Some are slower, sloggier, wetter, more dramatic, some hurt. But as long as you are out there, you’re reaping rewards. If it were easy…you know how it goes. The hard days make us better, and they make the good days better. Remember, you almost always feel better after a run than you do before it.
8. Hills – Want to beat the whiner out of ya? Do hills. Long slow or short quick repeats. Run the Chuckanuts, plan for daylight, wear good trail shoes with traction. Whatever the workout and attitude adjustments you endure during, you will feel invincible post.
9. “Pay Yourself” – “Set a price for attaining a certain weekly mileage goal. When you hit it, pay up. Keep your mileage money in a jar, and once it accumulates, buy yourself that new running jacket you’ve been ogling.”
10. Tackle it Early – 100% if you do it earlier rather than later, you’re more likely to get it done. “Waiting for the perfect time to run usually just means more unhelpful mulling.”
11. “Exercise improves sexual performance.”
12. Seahawks. If the Hawks (or whatever team your follow) are playing, you better get your butt out the door prior, earn those snacks and brewskies, and get amped in the competitive energy that is Wilson, Lynch, Chancellor, Lockett, Sherman, or [Insert your player-faves here].  If they’re busting themselves, you can!
13. Read the cult classic, Once a Runner, by John L. Parker Jr., which “captures the hard work and dedication required of fictional collegiate miler, Quenton Cassidy.” Or Watch, “Chariots of Fire,” the 1981 Oscar winner for Best Picture and British historical drama about two men preparing for the 1924 summer Olympics.
14. Buy or borrow a dog. Dogs need exercise. Some are born to run. You’ll always have a reason. Check out Outside Magazine’s 20 Best Dog Breeds for Runners. Christmas is coming. I always like wrapping animals…
15. “Create a blog where you post your daily mileage, and share it with your friends, family, teammates. Do you really want Aunt Ellen to ask why you skipped your four-miler on Wednesday?” I mean, don’t be annoying, but this is truly an excellent way to keep up with your goals and be consistent. It asks you to check in, while at the same time allows you track niggles, build ups, consistency, what went right or wrong, and it allows your support system to be a part of your journey. Plus, we’d love to read it.