7 Ways to Have More Enjoyable Winter Long Runs

• By Megan Harrington​

The crisp autumn days are behind us, and it's now dark and cold in most places. Winter doesn't always provide ideal conditions for running, but if you're training for a spring half or full marathon, your highest mileage weeks still lie ahead. Logging double-digit runs during the winter can test even the most dedicated runner, but there are some tricks to make things a little easier.

Wear the right gear.Invest in some key pieces—a running jacket, water resistant gloves, a warm hat and a decent pair of running tights. Bonus points if they're reflective! There's a ton of great stuff on the market these days, and the right gear will make your miles so much more comfortable. It's also good practice dressing for running as though it's a bit warmer than it actually is. For example, if it's 32 degrees, dress as you would for an easy walk on a 50-degree day. It may not seem like it at first, but your body will warm up as you exercise.
Start your run against the wind.Wind is one of the toughest things about winter running; it can chill you to the core and make the temperature feel much lower. Check out the weather report and then start an out-and-back run facing into the wind. When you turn around (and are sweaty) the wind will be at your back, and the second half will feel much easier.
Break a sweat before you begin.Warm up by doing some dynamic stretches (try lunges or burpees), a few jumping jacks or running a couple flights of stairs. If your body is already warm, heading out into the cold won't feel quite as bad. If you really need a boost, toss your running gear into a warm dryer for a few minutes.
Find a running BFF.Join a local running club or recruit a friend to train with you during winter's dark, cold days. It's always going to be tough to get out of a warm bed in the morning, but if you know you have someone waiting for you, it'll be harder to bail. No running buddies in the neighborhood? Try joining an online running community or DMing with your favorite Instagram runners to build some accountability.
Adjust your running schedule if possible.Running around noon will allow you to enjoy the day's warmest temperatures and avoid darkness. Try aligning your training schedule to include long runs on days off from work so you can head out midday instead of early morning or evening.
Have a post-run action plan.There's nothing worse than finishing a run and then sitting in cold sweat on your drive (or subway ride) back home. To keep your body temperature from dropping too rapidly, change into warm, dry clothes as soon as possible. If you won't be able to shower for a while, throw on a dry hat and sweatshirt or at the very least treat yourself to a hot beverage.
If conditions are bad, head inside to a treadmill or indoor track.Wondering where to find inside options? Check out your local college campus to see if they allow community members to use the facilities. Even if you prefer logging miles outside, an occasional run on the treadmill or track can be a nice break. Queue up your favorite podcast, audio book or playlist to help pass the time. Overwhelmed by a super long run indoors? Break it up in chunks—if you're at the gym, try running five miles on three separate treadmills. Or if the weather isn't too bad, try doing half of your run outside, then strip down to shorts and finish up inside.
READ THIS NEXT: What Happens to Your Body During a Winter Run

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REGISTER NOWAbout This ActivityThis will be our Seventh Annual Purple Run/Walk For a Cure! This event has been such an inspiration for all who participate as everyone is not only walking and running, but fighting cancer at the same time!  If you have any questions, you can contact us at info@purplerun.net or by phone at 413-313-2525 
This event will be taking place in Look Park, located in beautiful Florence, MA and will be a real nice run and walk. This year, including a half-marathon route! The route can be found at our main website, www.purplerun.net
Purple Run check-in on the day of the event will take place starting at 9:00am at Look Park. The Run will start promptly at 10:00am for both the runners AND walkers.
There will be a vendor/craft fair on site to help us raise even more money for the effort before, during and after the race, so please bring extra cash... We are also going to have food trucks there to help feed you after the race! 
Keep checking the web site for more details as they become available, AND you can also sign up for our newsletter on our website.
Event details and schedule

Registration and Check-In will start at 9AM at Look Park. The Run/Walk will start promptly at 10AM! 
Any updates will be published at www.purplerun.net
 
We will have all times available and the winners announced, trophies awarded by 1pm.
There will be several drawings, a 50/50 drawing as well as a giveaway after the race. 
We are always looking for great sponsors to help us put this event on every year.

OVER THE LAST 24 HOURS, 3 MORE 5K, 2 MORE 10K AND A WALKER! Welcome to the Purple Run! 

​We can only take up to 2500 participants, so we urge you all to register now before can no longer do so! 

As of 5 am this morning, (January 3rd) we had 18 more participants register for the 7th Annual Purple Run! Who's next???

Let's commit to, not only the Run, but getting healthier in this calendar year. Let's commit to helping to find a cure! 

Let's add the focus of Children's cancer to our cause! (more details coming soon)

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I often find myself in a reflective space this time of year. Looking back on the things I've accomplished, attempted to do. The people I have come in contact with, and how I've treated them. And, I find myself wishing I could've done more, always... 

This morning, on this Christmas Eve Eve Eve (thank you Eloise), I found this story as told by the California Highway Patrol, an adaptation of Retired Ohio State Trooper Bob Welch's poem, 'My Christmas Eve'.  {even as I am typing this post, I am tearing up} 

This story, speaks for itself, should you watch the entire 5 minute video. But I have to say this in addition to the video. Kindness matters. No matter how big or small, every act of kindness counts with them all.
Thank you, CHP, for allowing us all to enjoy this story... AND, for continuing, as with all your brothers and sisters in Blue, to be there to help us out of a dark place!

From the CHP...
​"There are some stories that truly speak to the heart and retired Ohio State Trooper Bob Welsh’s touching poem, “My Christmas Eve”, is certainly one of them. With his permission, we had the honor of recreating his poem (original can be found here- https://chp.click/bobwelsh). Mr. Welsh’s poem represents our mission to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to those we serve. This is something which is truly shared by every member of public service, no matter the patch, badge, uniform, or job description. The opportunity to serve the people of California is the greatest of gifts and this poem is a great reminder to us all that even the smallest gesture or action can have a positive impact on those around us.

The underlying message of this poem brings to light how impaired driving can impact not only your life, but the lives of those who love you. We urge you to never drive impaired. Please have a plan in place to get home safely before you celebrate this holiday season.

While this video was produced internally, entirely by CHP employees, we could not have done it without the help of many people and wish to extend our gratitude to: Bob Welsh, CHP - Truckee, Michael A. Del Puppo, the CHP Museum, Loch Leven Lodge, Jax At The Tracks, Milne Towing Services, Cal-Nevada Towing, Michael Bittner, Mr. and Mrs. Calcutt, Mr. and Mrs. Wayland, and Mr. and Mrs. Ball. More of Bob Welsh's poems can be found at www.BobWelsh.com"

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