I'm standing at my kitchen counter looking outside at my beautiful snow covered yard as it glistens brilliantly in the sun. Every ounce of my being wants to put on my running shoes and hit the pavement. But even with the sun shining it's minus 5 degrees with a wind chill of minus 20. Definitely too cold to exercise outdoors.

Because I live in a Northern state, winter running practically becomes impossible for most of the winter. Even though I keep up a strict indoor training schedule throughout the cold weather there's always an adjustment period when the temperatures start to climb and the outdoor running season begins.

5 Things You Can Do Now To Get Road Ready by Spring

1. Mimic the outdoors, indoors. Use your treadmill to your advantage and mimic outdoor running as much as you can. Vary your speed and incline for the rest of the indoor running season. If you don't have a treadmill, run up and down your stairs, do jumping jacks or find an indoor track.
   
   
2. Strum Your Hamstrings. Keep up with your strength training. If you've been slacking this winter or haven't been strength training at all, it's not too late. Focus on your hamstrings which often are not as developed as quads in runners. Walking lunges, hamstring ball curls and dead-lifts are great for the hamstrings. Shoot for three sets of 15 three times a week. If you have questions about these or other exercises send your questions to Brie: cbccwellness@zoominternet.net
   
   
3. Jump on the Cross Train. Skipping workouts because you just can't stand to take another step on the treadmill doesn't cut it. Cross train. Comcast on demand has free on demand workout routines you can access in the privacy of your home 24 hours a day. Libraries carry an inventory of exercise DVD's and the internet is full of excellent sites.
   
   
4. Go Play Outside! If your neighbors are out walking the dog, throw on your coat, hat and mittens, grab your portable music player and go fill up your lungs with fresh air. Stay out as long as you can. Every time you see anyone taking a walk in your neighborhood it's your cue to head out for a brisk walk or a fun run.
   
   
5. Keep it Real. Let's face it: running outside on uneven pavement, battling the wind and grade changes are challenges you don't confront on the treadmill. It will take time to recondition your outdoor running muscles especially your shins and ankles if you haven't been targeting them all winter. Manage your expectations and set realistic goals and you'll be back at your outdoor running peak before the peonies are in full bloom.
   
   

Brie Evans is an AFPA certified personal trainer and nutrition and wellness consultant. Brie lives and works in Medina OH and recently appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show.

If you have a question for Brie or want her to create a program for you send her a note at cbccwellness@zoominternet.net