As November rolls in, we’re greeted with colder temperatures and the reminder to fall back, granting us an extra hour of sleep but also shorter days. To shake off any winter blues, the Wyoming Valley Striders would like to share some tips for staying active during the colder months.

Get Out Early

With daylight fading earlier, now is the perfect time to embrace those crisp morning hours when the light is still bright. This seasonal shift offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of morning runs or walks, savoring the last autumn scents before the hustle of the day begins. So, bundle up and take advantage of the beautiful early morning light while it lasts!

Bring Your Pet Along

Barb Rupert is a dedicated WVS supporter who volunteers at our races and does an amazing job selling our swag. She’s also the secretary of the Susquehanna Warrior Trail Council and often brings her dog, Ripley, along for her trail workouts. “We usually go to the Susquehanna Warrior Trail three or four days a week year-round, unless it’s icy or the snow is too deep,” she shared, noting that last winter they missed very few days. She also brings Ripley along for winter 5Ks, laughing as she mentioned that he gets pushed in his stroller—3.1 miles is a little much for his short legs.

Indoor Training Options

As the colder weather sets in, indoor training options become a valuable resource for staying active and maintaining your fitness routine. Whether you’re hitting the gym or setting up a workout space at home, there are plenty of ways to keep your momentum going. Treadmills, stationary bikes and rowing machines offer great cardio alternatives, while strength training can easily be accomplished with free weights or resistance bands. Embracing indoor training not only helps you beat the chill but also keeps your workouts fresh throughout the winter months.

Mixing it Up

WVS Board member David Bass shared that winter is a great time for him to shift the focus from racing and speed to building a solid foundation and developing good habits. During the off-season, he swims a few days each week, goes gravel biking when the weather permits, strength trains and practices yoga. He also tries to run outdoors twice a week, checking the extended forecast to schedule his runs on the warmest days and often at the warmest times of day to make it more bearable. To keep things fresh, he includes a yoga class on Saturdays and Sundays.

Keep Your Sights on Upcoming Events

As the winter months approach, focusing on upcoming runs and races can be a great way to stay motivated and connected with fellow runners. These events not only challenge you but also offer opportunities to socialize, leading to new friendships and training partners.

One such event is our New Year’s Day Social Run at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre. For forty years, the Wyoming Valley Striders have gathered on this day for an informal run, a chance to connect with friends, ring in the new year, share a few laughs and get that first workout of the year in!

Join us on January 1, 2025, for our first event of the year as we launch our year-long celebration of 50 years as a running club! Everyone is welcome to participate for a noon start, whether you want to run or walk; all distances and paces are welcome.

Stay Positive During Winter Training

Staying positive during winter training is essential for maintaining motivation and mental resilience. Embrace the challenges of the colder months by setting achievable goals and celebrating small victories along the way. Instead of succumbing to the temptation to stay indoors, find joy in your workouts, whether it’s exploring new indoor activities or layering up for outdoor runs. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll emerge from winter with a stronger foundation for the spring ahead!

The Wyoming Valley Striders 2025 races will start next spring, and we’d love for our events to be the highlight of your winter training plan. Learn more by visiting our website.