By: Susan Dunklee, Running Director of Craftsbury Outdoor Center

We’re proud of our seasons here in Craftsbury but “mud season” tests the resolve of even the most staunch Vermonters. Starting in March or April, the dirt roads turn sloppy. Melting moisture near the surface has no way to drain through the frozen layer beneath, so it pools on top, thus mud season begins. Each passing car etches deep ruts in the soft roadway, creating a tapestry of woven tire tracks. Local newspaper headlines claim that 2022 has been the worst mud season in a generation, despite heroic efforts by our road maintenance crews. This year many a Prius has needed a tow and numerous detour signs have spring up. 

Mud season is a challenging time of year to be a runner. The roadways are rough and most trails are closed to protect them against erosion. Even if you don’t live near dirt roads or trail networks you still must contend with erratic weather. Sideways rain, snow, sleet, gale force winds- these are all hallmarks of spring in the north.  

So when the going gets rough, how can you motivate to go out running?

Here are a few tips:

1.   Embrace the Adventure 

OK, so it’s raining cats and dogs. You have two options: either prance daintily around every puddle and try to keep your feet dry OR seek out the biggest puddle (read: gooiest dirt road morass) you can find and splash right on through. As long as you have some boot dryers, crumpled newspaper or a second pair of shoes ready to rotate in for tomorrow, there’s no good reason not to savor a good mud puddle.

2. Know your “Why”

Ask yourself what is the purpose of your running. Running is not an easy pursuit and it won’t always be comfortable. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing. Remind yourself why it is important that you commit to the routine of running each day. Write down your purpose if that helps. Elite athletes often use this trick and post their goals somewhere they will frequently see them, such as on the bathroom mirror.  

3.   Minimize Day-Of Decision Making

If the forecast is crummy and uninspiring, do more prep work ahead of time. Lay out your workout clothes the night before. Have your loop already picked out. Commit to a time that you are going to leave the house. Every decision you make requires energy so do yourself a favor and reduce the decisions you need to make to get out the door.

4.   Run with Friends

Make plans to go running with buddies at least a couple times a weeks. They will help hold you accountable to getting in your miles plus you’ll enjoy the opportunity for a quality catch-up. If conditions are miserable then you’ll have a great memory you can laugh about together in the future.  

5.   Adapt the Plan

Sometimes it makes sense to be flexible. Is the wind howling at 40mph? Perhaps running in the sheltered forest is going to be a better option than the route you had planned along the shore. Did you drive to the trailhead only to discover the trail is an impassible slimy mess? Then it sounds like it is a good day to reroute to a road loop. There are usually alternative options available. Don’t be afraid to reassess the situation and ask yourself if there are better options for what you are trying to accomplish on a given day.