As I stared out the window, all I could think about was running in the snow and taking shots on the net.

It was winter and I was daydreaming. After school I would get right outside to play street hockey. The snow added another element to the games. The ball would slow down in the snow, making passes more challenging.

We just got our first snowfall of the season here in WNY. About half a foot where I live. For the next few months it will be rare to see anyone outside running. Definitely no roller-blading. Does anyone still do that?

With people less active here in the winter months (except you crazy skiiers/snowboarders) there's an even bigger need for gyms/indoor workouts.

Even if you despise treadmills, there's still a way to benefit from running indoors. If you are lucky enough to have a turf area at your gym then do some sprints. Set up a cone or two and do intervals. Short bursts followed by walking. Repeat. Don't go too hard at first. Ease into it. If you were to use a scale of 1-10 (10 being all-out sprint) go to 7 your first time out.

If your gym doesn't have turf, you can do incline sprints on the treadmill. These are tough and much better than just running on a treadmill at a medium pace. That's my opinion, but if you enjoy the moderate pace running then go for it!

At the end of the day, you are the one who has to find a fitness plan you can stick to. This aspect can't be emphasized enough. Find something you will stick to. This doesn't mean it has to be the same every time either. Change it up. Variety may be just what you need to stay interested and motivated.

Don't be afraid to try new things. If something doesn't feel right, there's an alternative. And if you want to run in the snow, don't let anyone tell you that you can't! Just don't expect to see me out there. I don't like running OR the snow and if there's a way to avoid both, I do so.