I am not a runner…or maybe I am--I try to be--but dang it there are so many other ‘real runners’ out there. When I first started to run there was this crazy dialogue in my head during most of my runs – was I a runner? I was (sort of) an athlete when I was in high school, but definitely not a runner, and as life caught up with me I got further away from the ‘sort of athlete’ that I was and became a non-athlete. Fast forward a few years, a few jobs, a few kids, and a few pounds (okay lots of pounds) I had a turning point, one of those that shakes you to your core and you know you need to change. Well that day I decided I WANTED to be a runner. I approach running in crazy weather the same way I approached running when I first started. I started somewhere and I kept going. I am a list maker and step taker, so I am hoping these tools and points of focus offer a little bit to everyone from those just starting on their running journey to those who have been at it and are among the elite.

1. Have a plan. All the ‘experts’ will tell you “Don’t run too much, don’t run too little, cross train, take rest days, fuel and hydrate, work on speed, work on hills, etc.” My opinion: find what works for you (whichever method you prescribe too) and follow it. Stay committed to a plan, the big picture of the plan, but course correct if you need too. Running through the winter can be intimidating, but if you know how far or how fast you need to go this week you can put 100% of your energy into stepping outside and starting your run.
2. Track your progress. This is my favorite part of the plan! Despite the ups and downs of my running in certain weeks or months, I see how far I have come from when I started. I have a printed outlook calendar from a few years back where my goal was to run .5 miles a day – or 5 miles a week. This weekend I finished my 12^th half marathon of the YEAR. You have good runs, you have great runs, and you will have those runs you don’t want to talk about. They are all important in your growth and progress as a runner. Keep track of your distances, your paces, the hills you conquer, the places you used to walk and don’t anymore, etc.
3. Get the gear. Running is a technical sport and requires the right equipment. Especially when training in the winter, GET THE GEAR. Get the warm lined tights from your favorite shop, get the extra warm running socks, get the utility stuff to attach to your shoes so you don’t slip on the ice, get the running gloves that have reflective stripes on them, get the blinking lights to put on your shoes or jackets, get the lined jacket that vents if you get hot and has a hood and is maybe water proof, get the hat that has your favorite logo or color that covers your ears and makes you feel good. GET THE GEAR. Running is a sport. It requires equipment. Any athlete will tell you their pulse quickens when they put on their uniform. Put on YOUR uniform so you are psyched up and prepared to run no matter what the temperature or weather.
4. Make a backup plan. Even though I said GET THE GEAR, I know there are some of you that just don’t like the inclement weather. I hear you – I have wimped out on a few occasions. But have a backup plan. Take it to the treadmill or a cross training session. Don’t skip your plan and try to catch up later.
5. Have a mantra or a ‘fight song’. Yes, one of those. I saw a video a few years ago that lit a fire in me. Albeit that fire goes out sometimes because I get tired, or overwhelmed, or busy, or caught up in the chaos of life in being a mom of 4 young children, a business owner, a traveling consultant, and a runner. When the fire is out for my running soul I relight it with the video I found a few years ago and a slide show of my kiddos. Find yours. Find what works for you. Find what inspires you and makes you feel like you can take that first step. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Yours is out there.
6. Don’t give up. The key to success, according to those that have gone before us, is to keep at it. Your next run could be your best run. Your next run could be your PR. Your next run could be the run that allows you to climb that hill at the pace you want or to beat the mental chatter in your mind – whatever your brain tries to convince you of. Just get out there and do your very best in that moment. There will be a day when you can’t physically run, and today is not that day.

Bottom line: if you RUN at all, you are a RUNNER, and if you are a RUNNER and you are part of this race series then you have already made the commitment to do the running when it’s not always fun to run. Keep running this winter season and continue to make progress in your running journey and your life.

Briney Gunshore is a mother of 4 from Highlands Ranch, CO. She owns an Orange Theory Fitness in Aurora, CO and has participated in 10 REVEL events.

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