The February 2017 Minnesota Race Guide
It’s nearly Christmas, have you finished your shopping? (If not, we have some ideas to help the process.) With the metro area covered with another layer of snow, it may sound appealing to begin to decrease your miles and enter a self-induced winter running hibernation. While the holiday season is a good time to spend less time running and more time with family, don’t quit completely! It will be an arduous journey back to fitness once you decide to start ramping up those miles. With this in mind, a February race might be just what you need!
Below you’ll find our list of February races in Minnesota. (Here are some ideas for January, too). My winter races are always less intense. They simply act as a way to keep me motivated, and at least guarantee I’ll have some sort of harder effort during the colder months of the year. It’s also a good excuse to drink copious amounts of hot cocoa after a hard winter run.
In February, there are lots of “events” to choose from around Minnesota, be it a stair climb, triathlon, undie run or Valentine’s day run. There are many ways to stay active this winter, but staying motivated may be your hardest challenge yet.
Finding Motivation
The most difficult part about winter running is simply getting out the door. When it’s cold and dark, it can be easy to convince yourself to take an extended break. Here are three super simple tips that always help me stay active during the winter.
- Run with Friends - Make a point to show up at your local running store’s group run, or make it an even bigger priority to do your weekly long run with friends.
- Get dressed in a Warm Room - This seems simple, but if you’re bundling up in a room that’s warm, it won’t feel quite so cold when you go outside.
- Schedule a Race - Yes, paying the money and making a commitment to a date on the calendar will, more often than not, inspire you to drag your body outside this winter. Even if it’s just for a few quick miles, it’s better than nothing!
If you have yet to find a race in December, January or farther out, make it a priority to signup for one and work towards getting in shape for the race. Keeping up your fitness will pay off tremendously when the roads thaw and you resume your regularly scheduled routine.
Happy running!
Featured Events
Valentine’s Day TC 5K - February 11, 2022
Looking for a way to spread some love in February? You’re in luck! The Valentine’s Day TC 5K on February 11 is the perfect way to spend the day with your loved ones. Put on by the good people at Twin Cities In Motion and Fleet Feet Marathon Sports, you get all sorts of great swag, a post-race party, and special “relationship” status backtags that may come in handy. Register before January 3rd for the best price.
Hot Chocolate 5K, April 15, 2022
If, like us, you’re already dreaming of warmer weather, and also happen to like chocolate and less common race distances, check out the Hot Chocolate 5k or 15k on April 15, 2017, in Minneapolis. A well organized, chip timed run along the Mississippi river, this race will reward you with a very sweet finish!
February Races
Note: All races updated for the current year.
