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Winter
running comes with its fair share of challenges—freezing
temperatures, icy paths and limited daylight. But for
Edmonton’s Priscilla Forgie, a top Canadian trail
runner and coach at Sunstride Coaching, it’s also
the ideal season to lay a strong foundation for the year
ahead. Forgie, who’s gearing up for the iconic Western
States 100 in July after back-to-back top-10 finishes,
has practical tips to stay motivated when the mercury
drops.
Find strength in
numbers
Winter running is easier when you have support. Forgie
suggests teaming up with others to stay consistent. “Accountability
is motivation’s BFF!” she says. Whether it’s
a friend or a local running group, the buddy system can
help turn chilly runs into shared adventures.
Stay flexible and consistent
Forgie reminds runners that some days will be harder than
others. On those tougher days, commit to just 10 minutes
to get started. “Aim for consistency, not perfection,”
she advises. Adjusting your workout—like swapping
a speed session for an easy run—can help keep you
moving without the added stress.
Stack those bricks
Forgie suggests keeping your goals in mind: “Picture
yourself strong and meeting your goals, knowing every
winter mile is a brick in your foundation. Stack those
bricks!” Each run, no matter how small, contributes
to the strength and resilience you’ll need later
in the year.
Treadmills aren’t the enemy
While some runners dread the treadmill, Forgie emphasizes
its value in winter. Use it for structured interval workouts
or hill training by cranking the incline. A treadmill
session can keep you safe from icy roads while maintaining
your training momentum.
Honour the effort
Winter running doesn’t have to be
perfect. Forgie suggests celebrating even the smallest
victories, like braving the snow or lacing up on a hard
day. “Every step counts,” she says, and those
steps add up to something bigger.
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