Ah, December in Minnesota. The roads are icy, the air is biting, and the sun is on vacation until further notice. Perfect conditions to…train for a June marathon? Yep, welcome to the wild world of Grandma’s Marathon prep. If you’re running Duluth’s legendary race in 2025, the time to lace up and get serious is now—cold, darkness, and hotdish cravings, oh my!
But staying motivated to train when staying cuddled up next to the fireplace feels like a much better idea? That’s a different marathon altogether. So, here are a few ways to stay focused, keep moving, and channel your inner Minnesotan grit to get to that June starting line (and finish line).
First, remind yourself why you signed up. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about that feeling of crossing the finish line by Lake Superior in June, the cheers of the crowd, and, let’s be honest, the post-race beer and food! When you’re tempted to skip a run, picture that glorious June day in Duluth and how good it’ll feel to say, “I trained through a Minnesota winter for this.” To make the cold manageable, invest in high-quality winter running gear. Thermal tights, moisture-wicking layers, gloves, and Yaktrax for your shoes will keep you warm, safe, and focused. Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothing choices. Of course, there’s always the trusty treadmill at the gym, and on the most brutal days, running indoors can be a lifesaver. Whether it’s zoning out to your favorite show or playing mental games with intervals, treadmills are a perfect way to stay consistent. But don’t forget—you might still need all that winter gear just for the trek from your car to the icy cold door handle! I hear this year, unlike last year, it’s supposed to be a cold one!
Indoor running doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Spice it up with varied workouts like tempo runs or sprints to build stamina while breaking the monotony. Some gyms even have indoor tracks, which can be a great way to simulate outdoor running without slipping on ice. Combining indoor runs with outdoor training will help you stay balanced and adaptable, so you’re ready for anything Duluth’s June weather might throw at you—probably just a gentle breeze, but hey, you never know!
It also helps to set small, achievable goals to make June feel less daunting. If you’re starting your training in December, start by committing to running three times a week and gradually increase your long runs by March. Reward yourself for hitting milestones with little treats like a cozy night in or some new running gear. Tracking your progress, whether in an app or a journal, can also be incredibly motivating as you watch those miles pile up. Don’t forget to mix things up to avoid burnout—try cross-training with snowshoeing or ice skating, or even tackle some driveway shoveling—kill two birds with one stone, why don’t ya!
A training buddy can be a game-changer during these long winter months. Misery loves company, and there’s nothing like commiserating over frozen eyelashes with someone who gets it. If you can’t find a friend willing to brave the cold, consider joining a local running club to keep you accountable and motivated. Running in the winter also comes with its own absurdities—think frozen snot, ice-crusted beards, and neighbors wondering if you’ve lost your mind. Embrace the humor, take frosty selfies, and laugh off those inevitable slips on the ice.
When the cold feels relentless, lean into your inner Minnesotan spirit. Snow? It’s resistance training. Wind? Free propulsion. Darkness? Just another excuse to buy a cool headlamp. Remember, training in these conditions makes you tougher than most. And don’t let the winter blues fool you—summer will come. Keep a countdown to race day, bookmark pictures of the course, or even buy some sunscreen to remind yourself of the warm days ahead.
Training for a marathon isn’t easy, and doing it during a Minnesota winter is downright heroic. But every frosty step, every snowy mile, and every treadmill sprint is preparing you for an unforgettable race day. So bundle up, lace up, or hop on that treadmill—just keep moving. June is just around the corner, and Grandma’s Marathon—and all its glory—awaits. You’ve got this!



Elvis Rivera
Elvis is a 2025 Grambassador. Meet the other ambassadors here.
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: I ran Grandma’s Marathon for the first time in 2022, having tackled my first two marathons in 2020 and 2021. I’d heard of Grandma’s before, but as someone still pretty new to long-distance running, I had no idea it was such a big deal. Thinking I had plenty of time, I put off booking a hotel until three weeks before the race—rookie mistake! By then, everything was booked solid. Desperate, I turned to Airbnb and found…a tent. Yes, a literal tent in some generous stranger’s backyard. It wasn’t the Four Seasons, but hey, it had a zipper, and that’s all I needed, right? Fast forward to the night before the race—it was not exactly balmy, and I spent most of it tossing, turning, and regretting every life decision that led me to this moment. But, despite barely sleeping, I got up, laced up my shoes, and ran that marathon. It was an incredible experience and, let me tell you, a very valuable lesson learned: book early, or you’ll be “glamping” the night before 26.2 miles!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Stress doesn’t come from hard work—it comes from not taking action on things you have some control over.” I always tell my kids: if something’s bothering you, you have two choices—complain endlessly or take action. Always choose action. Life starts and ends with what you decide to do.
A song that must be on your running playlist: Harley Quinn by Fuerza Regida and Marshmello and DNA. by Kendrick Lamar
Running superstition: Never stop or you won’t finish
2025 running goal: 5 hours
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Fun, disciplined and determined.