Bust your winter training excuses!

Participants may not be lining up at the start of the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon until May 24, but the road to race day starts now, even if that road is covered in snow and ice.

Winter running can be tough to enjoy at first. Cold air, shorter days, and slippery sidewalks can make that warm blanket and cup of coffee way more tempting than a pair of running shoes and fleece lined leggings. But, before you hang up your gear until spring, we’re here to bust the five most common winter training excuses, and remind you why training through the colder months can set you up for your best race yet!

 

Excuse #1: “It’s too cold to run!”

Actually, it’s never too cold, it’s just about having the right gear. Investing in a few quality winter pieces makes all the difference. A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulated jacket, gloves, and a good toque will keep you comfortable without overheating.

Remember, you’ll warm up fast once you start moving. Running in the cold can improve your endurance, strengthen your lungs, and make those spring temperatures feel easy by comparison.

Excuse #2: “I’ll wait until spring to start training.”

If you’re participating in the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon or ANY Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend event, waiting until spring means missing out on valuable base-building time. Winter is the perfect season to build aerobic fitness gradually, focus on consistency, and develop mental toughness.

By the time the snow melts, you’ll already have a strong foundation, and that will make the peak training months or weeks leading into race day feel that much more manageable.

Excuse #3: “It’s too dark and dangerous.”

Short days can make it tricky to fit in your miles, but with some planning (including lights and reflective gear), you can run safely. Choose well lit routes, wear bright clothing and a headlamp, and consider joining a local Ottawa or Gatineau running group.

Running with others adds accountability and keeps safety top of mind. Plus, the company makes those early mornings or dark evenings way more fun!

Excuse #4: “I can’t run outside in snow and ice.”

True, winter footing can be unpredictable, but there are plenty of ways to adapt. Trail shoes or spikes offer extra grip on icy surfaces. And if it’s truly too treacherous outside, mix things up with an indoor workout on a treadmill at or by doing some cross training. Most community centres and gyms have a single day drop-in fee. 

In Montréal, for example, the ParkCours crew trains all winter long inside an underground parking garage, transforming concrete levels into a buzzing training space every Sunday morning. The group welcomes everyone, from seasoned marathoners to new runners and stroller-pushing parents, proving that creativity and community can make any environment a great place to train.

So if the ParkCours crew can find a way to make a parking lot fun, you can definitely find a way to make winter running work for you!

Excuse #5: “I’ll lose motivation running in the cold.”

Running through the winter can be one of the most rewarding parts of your training season. Crisp air, quiet streets, and snow-dusted trails create a sense of calm you just don’t get in the summer months. Switching things up with new routes, podcasts, or running with friends, can help keep things fresh.

And remember, signing up for a goal race (like the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon!) gives your winter training a purpose. Having a race day on the calendar helps turn “I should run” into “I get to run.” And every kilometre in January gets you one step closer to that finish line in May!

 

Winter running isn’t about perfection, it’s about consistency, resilience, and showing up, one chilly kilometre at a time. So grab your gloves, layer up, and embrace the cold! By the time spring arrives, you’ll be ready to conquer Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend  on May 23-24!

Register today and start your training season strong!