Winter Doesn’t Have to Be a Write-Off

Manitoba winter: long, cold, dark… and somehow really good at convincing you that moving your body can wait until spring. For those of us in medicine, it quickly becomes hospital → car → home → repeat, with almost zero daylight or fresh air.

But here’s the thing: winter doesn’t have to shut you down. It can actually be one of the best times to get moving, if you keep it simple, flexible, and social

Winter movement doesn’t have to be intense (or expensive)

One of the biggest barriers to winter activity is thinking it has to look a certain way: fancy gear, Arc’teryx jackets, gym memberships, or perfectly structured workouts. In reality, winter movement can be incredibly approachable.

Some of my favourite (somewhat biased) winter activities

🏃 Run clubs: The easiest way to stay accountable is showing up for other people. The endorphins are real.

🚶 Walking: Yes, it counts. Around the block, to a coffee shop, or during a lunch break. I dare you to text a friend and ask them to catch up on a walk.

⛸ Skating: Full disclosure: I can’t skate. But I am so here for it.

💪 Forks Winter Wellness: Every Sunday @1 p.m. I lead an outdoor 45-minute workout. And if you’re only coming for the Tall Grass Prairie cinnamon bun and Harrison’s Coffee matcha, I won’t judge.

⛷ Cross-Country Skiing: We may not have mountains in Manitoba, but we can still ski. Windsor Park or Birds Hill are great options, and equipment rentals are available too.

🛷 Tobogganing: You’re not too old. Grab your kids, your nieces/​nephews, or go solo. Sometimes it’s just good to feel like a kid again.

Yes, RALLY runs all winter (yes, even in Winnipeg)

For anyone who needs a little nudge, RALLY runs year-round:

📍 Wednesdays 6:00 PM @ Good Neighbour Brewery (110 Sherbrook St)

📍 Fridays 6:30 AM @ Thom Bargen (743 Corydon Ave)

$ Discounts for RALLYers included btw $

All paces are welcome: running, walking, or a mix of both. The goal isn’t performance — it’s showing up (and getting discounted Thom Bargen coffee afterwards), getting some fresh air, and remembering that winter doesn’t have to be spent entirely indoors.

Post-winter ritual: don’t skip the reward

One of my favourite parts of winter movement actually happens after. Warming up intentionally matters:

🛌 Buy a heated blanket. It’s worth every penny, I promise.
🔥 Sit by your fire (the TV fireplace channel counts).
🛁 Take a hot shower or bath.
☕ Sip a big mug of tea or coffee.
🥣 Cook or meal-prep a cozy soup.

Pairing winter workouts with something warm and comforting gives your brain a reason to say yes next time.

Dressing for winter: less complicated than you think

People often ask how to dress for winter workouts. Don’t overthink it — but a few tips help:

🥾 Spikes or crampons are great for icy sidewalks and roads.
👟 Trail runners work well for winter running or walking.
🏬 City Park Runners @ 2091 Portage Ave will absolutely hook you up with solid winter gear — tell them RALLY sent you ;)

The takeaway

Winter movement doesn’t need to be heroic. It doesn’t need to be daily. It doesn’t need to be perfect.

It just needs to be:

✅ Doable
✅ Flexible
✅ Social (when possible)

Especially in demanding careers, winter activity can be less about fitness goals and more about mental health, daylight exposure, connection, and remembering that you’re a human — not just a professional getting through the coldest months of the year. And if that looks like a weekly run or walk with others, bundled up and laughing at how ridiculous we all are for choosing this (and yes, this happens every time), even better.

Want an extra nudge to actually show up?

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