Plans For Winter Workouts?

Now that cross country season has ended, I am beginning to slow down on the running. I have been running for over 7 months straight now without resting more than 3 days. I think it's time to give my body a break from all of the pressure and stress that running brings. I plan on running 2-3 miles about 3 times a week. The challenge is now trying to get in better shape for training for track in the spring. Track starts in February/March. I have plenty of time to build back up and resume running. What will I do in the mean time to get into shape? Why, lifting of course. I've missed it so much in the last 3 months. I just started back about a week ago and have been seeing some results already! I'm amazed and I realized how much I love it.
I know that lifting is going to be very effective in getting me stronger and faster over the winter to prepare for the spring. We all know that muscle mass increases the resting metabolic rate, but there are so many more benefits. (Not to mention this could not have come at a better time because those inevitable off days from healthy eating will come and by having extra muscle, I'll burn off Thanksgiving dinner quicker.) I know that I will miss running every day but I have to keep reminding myself that I need to take a break. I will have plenty more seasons in my running career and I want to improve my times. The benefits of weight training will bring me that stronger core and solid muscle to help propel me in the right direction. It's a lot of hard work but it's really encouraging when I can see and feel myself getting stronger. 
I've found it helpful to switch up the workouts frequently to maintain interest. We've talked about lost motivation and what you can do to save it. Switching up and altering workouts is a great way to get yourself excited about what you do. Working out with friends is also really fun to do. I lift with my cross country guy friends and I've learned a lot of new exercises from them that I had never even thought of before. Ellie, (All Things Athletic) has taught me so much about squatting in the last week that it's completely changed my form! Help and inspiration from friends is really nice. 
I'm just beginning my quest to get stronger over the winter and so far it's off to a great start, I just hope that all goes well and it'll only help me in the future. (446)