1. Take a trip! I have never done this unfortunately and don't have the budget for it. But I can only assume it is the best possible senario. It is warm somewhere so why not go there? I guess this is kind of cheating, but it makes the list because some people are lucky enough to take advantage of this.
2. Suit up and go outdoors! Just the thought of riding in the cold will give you shivers. If you get the right gear (and lots of those heat packets) riding outdoors can be tolerable, and lots of fun! It is a little cold to get started but within 5 mins you are warm and ready to go. Great time to get out on the cross or mountain bike, fat bikes are becoming very popular for riding in the snow. Many of the trails and gravel roads are still sheltered, at least more-so than most paved roads I ride. This will help you hide from the chilly wind and keep you warmer. I also highly suggest investing in some proper winter shoes, booties will not save you! Trick-tip: do not over dress, as soon as you start to sweat you have lost the battle. This will make your clothes wet and then you will freeze. If you don't feel a little cold as soon as you hop on your bike you probably have too much on.
3. Or stay inside and ride with friends! This is one of my favourite ways to get through winter. I like to hit the spin classes at the school gym (even teach a couple!). While spin classes tend to be high intensity for short periods of time, there is nothing stopping you from doing the class with slightly less gearing. You can build you base, still participate, and absorb the motivation from everyone around you! The time just flies by. If you can't hit a spin class, just get together with some buddies with your trainers and do your workouts together. Computrainers would make this even more fun!
4. Videos! Alright you are stuck by yourself but need some motivation. I haven't used a video yet, but many swear by some of them such as the famous "Sufferfest" videos. I might try one out this winter to see what the hype is about. It has to be better than the last option...
5. Sitting on the trainer solo. You need music or something! This can be extremely boring and leaves you pedalling the bike contemplating life, and wondering if you should just give up racing now. It gets the job done nonetheless but the time just drags by. There are better options but sometimes they just don't fit into your schedule and you need to harder up and get on that trainer!
Just remember we are all going through the same weather, and you can make it through this! Warmer days will soon be upon us, and you will be back to kicking everyone's butt that decided to slack off during these dark months soon.
