The image depicts my very first 30k run with team UltraForm last December.
A lot has happened since then. I’ve run a marathon, two ultramaratons, raced on the trail, and participated in numerous road races.
But winter is approaching us again.
It’s dark.
It’s cold.
And for a lot of runners, it feels like the season is over.
We just spent months scrolling through sun-drenched finish lines and glorious race medals.
The story we’re sold is that running is a summer sport.
For seasoned runners, it can feel like an ending.
For a beginner, it can feel like you’ve missed the boat entirely.
Watch the video to find out why that is a lie!
Let me tell you a secret: Your journey for next year doesn’t start next spring.
It is forged right now, in the dark, on the cold pavement, in the quiet consistency of winter.
These aren’t the “off-season” months.
This is the BUILD SEASON.
This is the time to do the unglamorous, foundational work that no one posts on Instagram.
- Building real strength in the gym so you’re less prone to injury.
- Figuring out nutrition that actually fuels you.
- Creating a routine so disciplined that you don’t need to rely on fickle motivation.
This is you, quietly building your future self.
My biggest goals for next year are a 20k trail race in Iceland and the Stockholm Marathon.
The outcome of those races won’t be decided on race day; it will be decided by the work I put in on cold Tuesday nights like this one.
The work you do in the dark is what allows you to shine in the sun. So let’s get to work.
What’s your big running goal for next year?
If you haven’t set any goal yet, take a moment and reflect on what you want to achieve next season.
Try to make your goals approach-oriented (e.g., “I want to finish a 10k” or “I want to build up a consistent routine around my physical activity) — not avoidant-oriented goals (e.g., “I want to lose weight”).
Research consistently demonstrates that approach-oriented goals are more likely to stick!
See for instance here:
Oscarsson M, Carlbring P, Andersson G, Rozental A (2020) A large-scale experiment on New Year’s resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. PLOS ONE 15(12): e0234097.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234097
I also want to tip you about this upcoming study: https://www.su.se/english/research/research-projects/fresh-start-2025-new-year-s-resolutions-and-strategies-for-goal-attainment
Feel free to reach out on Instagram or my email with any questions you may have!
Now go get after it!
