Hey Kalley,

To answer your question, I would say, whenever the weather in Minnesota is nice during the winter season (and right now in the fall), run outside whenever you can instead of on the treadmill. Nothing says you can't gear up with some layers and head outdoors when it gets cold, (obviously common sense is wise here, sometimes it's not smart to venture out on a run during a blizzard). Then, you set an objective for your run,a goal or a purpose. Someone I find to be very wise once said, "The most important thing about ANYTHING, is its purpose", and your purpose here is to enjoy running One way I find I can get great enjoyment out of a run is to find the beauty in running. Moving our bodies and being outside is where we belong, it feels good. To find beauty in your runs, be aware of yourself through breathing and focus on developing a breathing pattern. Once you have your breathing down, become aware of your surroundings. Always stay concious of what is going on around you, but also let your mind begin to focus to positive thinking, such as, like myself, finding the beauty and marvelousness of everything you are experiencing.

Sometimes, it is just so indescribably awesome, on a December night, when there is already a few inches of snow piled up on the ground, to go outside and run when everyone else is inside. It's even better, if its a clear night, and you can see the moon lit up, and the stars, and the light reflecting off of the snow, and the stillness of everything, except feet crackling in the snow. THEN, its the best, if it's lightly snowing. The snow fall brings a whole new experience to running.

And when the run is over and you go home, there is such a renewed freshness to life.

Let running bring you an experience EVERY time.

Now don't get me wrong here, the bad days come with the good. So when they do, remember your past experiences that brought you peace and joy.

Another great thing I do while running, plan my day if I'm running in the a.m and then reflect on my day if I run in the p.m.

I hope I helped,

Nicole Webber

LTF Mansfield Running Coach