After all, shoveling some snow is weight-lifting enough. When the hibernators begin to notice that their summer shirts won't button and lumps of flesh are hanging out the bottom of their shorts, they suddenly hit the pavement and go full-throttle. Even if you've kept yourself in shape throughout the cold half of the year, it's never a bad idea to slowly acclimate from the gym to the fluctuating temperatures and uneven terrain of the outdoors.
Proper pacing is key, especially for runners and joggers.
Start by walking for five minutes and running for three minutes, up to about 30 minutes per session. Then, over the next few runs, slowly decrease walking time, add more running time and extend the workout. Go for overall conditioning. Work the whole body whenever possible, incorporating resistance techniques or weight training. Take advantage of free outdoor training equipment in Milwaukee-area parks, or use the jungle gyms or even park benches to aid in stretching.