Turning Winter Blahs, into Winter Ah-has!

If you’re living in the Northeast right now, especially around NYC, you know the feeling. We’ve had a heck of a winter so far. Every inch of our beloved single-track is currently buried under a thick, relentless blanket of white.

For those of us who live for the dirt, the "winter blahs" are real. It’s that feeling of being sidelined, watching the weeks go by while the trails remain inaccessible. But this year, I’m challenging myself (and you) to a mental flip: Let's take those Blahs and turn them into Ah-has!

When the trails are a no-go, the temptation is to either hibernate or stick strictly to the pavement. But as I’m reminded every year, the road and the trail are two very different beasts.

The Pavement Problem

Last weekend, I headed out for a 13-mile long run. With the trails buried, I had to stick to the hard stuff. My partner and I mapped out a really fun route around the city to help pass the time, but around mile 10, my hip flexors started to "bark" at me.

Road running is a "necessary evil" this time of year, but that repetitive, hard-surface pounding hits the body differently than the varied, soft terrain of the woods. If your muscles are feeling the strain of the sidewalk, it’s a sign that your body is craving a change of pace and a different kind of movement.

The Catskills Pivot: Leg Strength in the Deep Stuff

When we can’t run the trails, we head to the Catskills. If you’re feeling stuck, I have to tell you: there are better ways to build "mountain legs" than just grinding out repetitive miles on the shoulder of a highway.

Snowshoeing is the ultimate winter secret weapon for trail runners, or at least for us. If you’ve never tried it, don't be fooled by the "scenic" vibe. Breaking trail through 14"+ of fresh powder is a workout in and of itself. It forces you to lift your knees (the "Lift, Don't Shuffle" rule in action!), engages your core for balance, and strengthens those stabilizer muscles in your ankles and hips that road running often neglects. That is your first big "Ah-ha": realizing that winter isn't a delay in training, it's a specialized strength phase.

Slow Down to Speed Up

Beyond the physical gains, there is a mental shift that happens when you swap the sneakers for snowshoes. It’s an amazing opportunity to slow down, take in the "winter wonderland," and get the work in without the pressure of a pace clock.

You’re still building that engine; you’re just doing it in a higher gear. The "Ah-ha" here? You don't need to be fast to be getting stronger.

Don't Have the Gear? Don't Worry.

If you don't own a pair of snowshoes, rent them! Most local outdoor shops offer rentals for a few bucks. It’s the cheapest leg-strength session you’ll find all year.

And if snowshoeing isn't your speed, look into Cross Country Skiing. It’s arguably the best cardiovascular cross-training on the planet for runners, keeping your heart rate high while giving your joints a much-needed break from the impact.

Being inspired by the Winter Olympics, Ski Mountaineering (Ski Mo) might just be on my list to try next year as well!

Keep Moving

The winter blahs only win if you stop moving. Whether you’re finding creative routes through the city or breaking trail in the mountains, keep those legs moving. The spring thaw is coming, and when the dirt finally reappears, you’ll want to be ready for it.

See you out there (in the snow),

Mark Founder, On Trail Gear The Venture in Your Adventure