Running Reframed

Welcome to Running Reframed! Here, we focus on progress over perfection, building strong habits, and connecting with yourself through running. I’m so glad you’re joining us this month.

Monthly Reflection

I won’t sugarcoat it — this winter has been tough here in the Northeast (and across much of the country). Snowstorms, sub-zero temperatures, and days when simply stepping outside feels like a mental hurdle.

I’m the type of runner who treasures my outdoor runs. Some days that means layering up, bracing the cold, and heading out when staying inside would be easier. Winter running isn’t easy, but I keep lacing up and putting one foot in front of the other. That’s how I show up for myself.

My mantra for 2026 has been: do things today that will make you stronger tomorrow. I’ve had to remind myself of that more times than I can count this season … and believe me, it’s been a lot. Every season asks something different of us. Winter asks for patience, resiliency, and trust. It doesn’t need to be something we dread. Instead, learn to invite it in. Embrace it.

Running outdoors, especially in the winter months, has become a way for me to reconnect with myself — to ground myself, to disconnect from the noise, and to simply be present. There’s something about cold air, quiet streets, and steady breathing that strips running back to its essentials.

Winter running builds strong runners — physically and mentally. Darkness, snow, sleet, biting wind… this season is where mental toughness is forged. Winter isn’t the time to chase PRs. It’s the time to build consistency, patience, and resiliency.

This is a season to reframe your training. Shift the focus away from outcomes and toward honing your craft. Use winter miles to tune into your breath, your effort, and how your body responds. Let the cold, crisp air bring you back to yourself.

That said, safety always comes first. Be mindful of footing and weather conditions. The last thing any of us want is an avoidable injury that sidelines us heading into spring. As a coach, I’d much rather see an athlete adjust a workout, shuffle days around, or substitute a run than push through unsafe conditions just to log miles.

When spring arrives and the layers come off, you’ll be physically and mentally stronger — ready to handle what’s next. Just keep moving forward!

Looking Ahead

February can feel long. Winter is still very much here, and the weather can be unpredictable — snow, ice, rain, and cold mornings or evenings that test us. But it also carries a quiet reminder: spring is closer than it feels.

This is where consistency matters most and habits are formed. Motivation comes and goes. It’s reactive, tied to emotion and circumstance, and changes from day to day. Habits are different. They’re steady. They don’t wait for you to feel ready. They simply ask you to show up.

When sustainable habits are in place, the decision to run has already been made. There’s less negotiation, less mental back-and-forth. You lace up because that’s what you do, not because motivation happened to show up that day.

Progress may not feel evident right now, and that’s okay. Not every run will feel great — that’s part of training. Use this month as an opportunity to build steadiness. Let imperfect runs be feedback, not failure.

Set small, achievable goals so each run feels like an accomplishment, regardless of conditions. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It happens through discomfort, repetition, and choosing to show up when it would be easier not to.

Progress isn’t linear, but every step you take this month is shaping a stronger, more resilient runner. Running is a lifelong journey of rediscovery. This is your path. Use February as a chance to disconnect from the metrics and reconnect with yourself.

Coaching Tip of the Month

You don’t need perfect weeks. You need repeatable ones.

Adjusting a run, slowing down, or swapping a workout isn’t failure — it’s training intelligently. Stack consistent weeks and watch progress come your way.

Monthly Challenge

As February unfolds, we’re also starting our 28 Miles Until Spring challenge, a simple way to stay consistent through the final stretch of winter.

The goal isn’t speed or pace. It’s showing up. Over 28 days, you’ll log 28 total miles, whether that’s running, jogging, or walking. All of it counts.

This challenge is about building momentum, honoring consistency over perfection, and meeting yourself where you are as we transition toward spring. Think of it as a reminder that every step, no matter how small, moves you forward.

If you’re looking for gentle structure to carry you through the last few weeks of winter, this is a great place to start.

Learn more about the 28 Miles Until Spring challenge here.

If you don’t have a Strava account, send us a note at wayfinderrunningco@gmail.com and we will send you the 28 Miles Until Spring template.

Lets Hear From You

What are some topics you would like us to cover in future newsletters?

Send us a note at wayfinderrunningco@gmail.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Wayfinder Running Co.

Thank you for reading Running Reframed. I hope something here resonates with you and encourages you to keep moving forward, step by step.

Interested in 1:1 Coaching?

Wayfinder Running Co. offers virtual and in-person 1:1 coaching for runners seeking personalized structure, guidance and sustainable progress. We coach runners of all levels and believe in creating a space where runners can run freely and discover what they’re capable of.

If you’re looking for support, accountability, or guidance that fits real life, I’d love to connect.

You can book a free 1:1 intro consultation here.

Keep Moving Forward,

Coach Lauren