Winter running doesn't have to be miserable.

In this episode of Why Run Today, I sit down with running coach Jaci Wilson to break down how runners can train through winter without burning out, getting injured, or losing motivation.

We talk about:

• Why mindset is the most important winter training tool

• How to warm up properly so you don't overdress or freeze

• Dressing in layers (and how to actually figure out what works)

• Why winter is the time to forget about pace and run by effort

• Balancing running with strength training, hockey, skiing, and real life

• Whether you really need a rest day—and how to think about recovery

• When to shift from "maintenance mode" into race-specific training

• How missing one workout can turn into a dangerous habit—and how to stop it

• Treadmill vs. outdoor running (and why it doesn't have to be all-or-nothing)

• Hydration mistakes runners make in cold weather

• Why ski and mountaineering brands often beat running brands for winter gear

If winter running has ever made you question your motivation, your training plan, or your sanity—this episode will help you reset expectations, simplify your approach, and keep showing up through the hardest season of the year.

Because winter isn't about crushing workouts—it's about consistency, balance, and learning how to play again.

In this episode of Why Run Today, we sit down with Greg Schake—a truck driver turned endurance runner who's completed an incredible 66 half marathons in just four years. Greg shares how a Vikings 5K sparked his running journey, his love for back-to-back race weekends, and the friendships he's built on the road. From biking century rides to tackling triathlons, Greg opens up about injuries, perseverance, and why the back of the pack might be the best place to run. Whether you're chasing medals or just looking for community, Greg's story is full of grit, joy, and inspiration.

Jaci Wilson never set out to be an ultrarunner — and she definitely didn't expect to win a backyard ultra. But somewhere between early morning road runs, strength training sessions, and walks with her hunting dogs, she built a life where performance, purpose, and joy all intersect.

In this episode, Jaci shares how she coaches real runners — from first-timers to sub-4 marathoners in all 50 states — by focusing on more than just the miles. We talk about why cookie-cutter plans fail, how to train your gut for long races, the power of rest, and what happens when you treat running like a lifestyle instead of a checklist.

Whether you're chasing a PR or just trying to run without hating it, Jaci's grounded, no-BS approach will make you think differently about your next run.