It is very easy to make excuses, but I'm not just pointing fingers here - I have personal experience along those lines. When the motivation is not at full throttle, it's easy to complain about it either being too hot, too cold, too wet or too slippery. But your competitors are likely not snuggling up on the sofa, with hot chocolate in hand and wrapped in a cozy blanket. They are getting it done instead of making excuses.

The picture below is Steve Stenzel who ran 11+ miles in -15 degree temperatures (-35 degree wind chill) in Minnesota. He is getting ready for the Securian Winter Run in St. Paul, a half marathon on January 30th, and this was one of his last long runs prior to the race.