Running column: Winter miles bring spring race smiles

Just when you thought it was safe to put the Yaktrax away, another dumping of the white stuff greeted us upon waking up. The dictionary defines snow as “precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals,” which sounds nice and desirable and while Elsa made it popular, I call snow by another name.

Opportunity. Snow is simply an outward representation of the troubles of training in the winter in Michigan and how we chose to face it directly affects our goals as runners and walkers.

Every year as the first flakes of snow come down, I get excited to jump on the trails and have adventure runs in areas that are unrunnable most times of the year. I love running across frozen swamps and in fields where high grass is hidden beneath a frozen blanket.

Those first few runs are magical and full of fun. After a few weeks of this though, the ordeal begins to wear on me. I dread the first few minutes of feeling cold and the whole hassle of dressing in far too many layers to feel like an athlete while traversing the streets and trails. The thrill of crunching on snow quickly gives way to the stress of slipping and sliding all run long.

The alternative, the Dreadmill as I call it, rapidly falls by the wayside as I realize why hamsters seem to gain weight even with their exercise wheel so close by.

In case you were wondering, we are less than 80 days away from the Boston Marathon this year, which happens to be my goal for this spring. So, the option to skip out on the training for inclement weather or to take some time off for the roads to thaw is not an option.

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As many runners and walkers plan out their year of racing, we pick exciting spring events that offer the hope of ideal weather and tasty PR opportunities. We overlook the fact that winter miles bring spring race smiles. Before you know it, the countdown is on until your race and each skipped workout taunts you.

So with all this negative attitude, how do you combat the urge to give in and stay warm and cozy eating all the snacks under a blanket while watching Netflix? For me, it’s about making small commitments and sticking with them.

Before you head out for your run or walk, create a time goal. For me, if I can get to 10 minutes of running in the snowy wonderland, I know my body will be warmed and my mind used to the conditions.

When the roads are rough, I ignore the miles and focus on the minutes, as time on my feet, no matter the pace, equals victory over Mother Nature. As bewildered drivers pass by, I imagine them thinking of my dedication as impressive and honorable.

As the minutes tick by, I am rewarded far deeper than on any normal run. There is a feeling of accomplishment, entirely self-derived, that could be a cousin to the famed runner’s high. And chasing that elusive sentiment through the elements rarely feels unsatisfactory. In fact, it feels like possibility turned visible.

Mike Andersen, a 2010 graduate of the University of Dayton, Works for Playmakers as a fit specialist, staff educator, and most recently a coach. The father of two daughters is the 2014 Detroit Marathon winner and a member of Team Red with Altra Running. He is still trying to run competitively, although the challenges of parenthood and professional life are proving adequate foes. He lives in Brighton with his wife Katie and daughters Alexandra and Madelyn.