I Miss Running Outside – Is This Winter Ever Going to End?

I miss running. More specifically, I miss running outside. Between the cold and snow and a lack of decent sidewalks and did I mention all the snow?!?! It’s just not worth the risk of injury for me to take any chances, but since I love running and I hate excuses I’ve been spending a lot of time on my treadmill this winter. You know, the winter that feels like it’s never going to end? Yeah, that one. Running on the treadmill is just not the same as running outside, though. Don’t get me wrong, buying that treadmill and its strategic placement have helped me maintain my sanity, but I’m craving the warm air, sunshine, and a track under my feet because those things feed my soul in ways no piece of fitness equipment ever could. But I know it’s going to be a very long wait until I can run outside wearing a tank top and shorts with my skin slathered in sunscreen so I’m trying to make the best of it and not lose focus on my health and fitness goals. I’m going to keep plugging away and pounding the belt of my treadmill because summer will be here eventually, right? No, really, it will arrive at some point and the mountains of white stuff will be gone and no matter how hot it gets I will never ever complain. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to stop whining, pop an extra Vitamin D tablet, crank up the volume on my Pandora Radio Pitbull station and log some miles on the treadmill. 

The sky outside is blue and the sun is shining in through the window, so I suppose I could pretend it’s August. Then again, I’m not really in the mood to use my imagination right now. How about you? What keeps you motivated to exercise during the winter?