Topic: Winter Running Advice
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Riel
AB
Member Since:
08/26/2005 Total Posts: 20
2.8 Years Ago
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Hi Everyone,
I live up in snowy Canada (well snowy at this time of year anyway) and took up running at the end of the summer. I absolutely love it now and look forward each day to getting outside and running. But that's the problem. I absolutely HATE running inside on a treadmill and am determined to stick with the running outside as much as possible. So far this winter I've done extremely well but I need some advice from any of you who have a little more experience navigating the winter trails.
Do any of you use different footwear, and any suggestions for clothing (I layer like mad but have started purchasing a few proper outdoor running clothes for the winter and find it makes a huge difference... however it's expensive so I'm wanting someone to giveme advice before I spend too much money).
Also, I am starting to accept the fact that I may not make it the entire winter never running indoor but at what temperature do the rest of you give in and accept the treadmill. I realize some of you are blessed with a warmer winter climate so realize right now I am happily running at -10C (I don't know what thatis in F so forgive me). At some point it can't be good for you so does anyone know anything on this?
Thanks for your advice in advance. |
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Re: Winter Running Advice
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Deborah
MI
Member Since:
08/03/2005 Total Posts: 47
2.8 Years Ago
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Good wintery morning! I walked the mountain bike trails yesterday in the snow. In the few days before yesterday, it had rained constantly, so I was very careful about how I walked because of the ruts, what was/could have been underneath the snow. I know what's there usually, a mix of gravel and leaves (which can also make you slip around) I couldn't bring myself to go inside to the gym yesterday, I had a "calling" to be outside, and it was beautiful!! As far as clothing, I have great boots, ($119.00 value for $29.00!!) They are Merrells and I bought them online at http://www.finishline.com. My socks are thin Smartwool. My coat is a Columbia, that is actually two peices. When I take the shell off after exercise, it is totally wet. The first time that happened, I was like, "what the heck, this is totally wet!!" but I was 100% dry, the inner liner and the shirt I had on as well. I has the zippers in both peices so you can cool off quickly. I use those 180 ear warmers instead of a hat, and they keep my ears toasty warm. The only mistake I made yesterday was to wear jeans--duh! My jeans were wet up to my knees. I do have waterproof breathable pants for biking, I will wear those next time. Yesterday, it was about 27 degrees outside and to speak of, no sun. It was a bit windy. It wasn't the coldest I've walked in. Oh, try http://www.sierratradingpost.com or http://www.campmor.com for your gear. They have some great buys! My coat was a $200-some coat and I paid $59.00! Also, I use a walking pole and that really helps with stability on the trails. It's easy to still sprint or run holding it. I only ran a bit in the parking lot that was plowed, I did not want to fall or break anything!!
Deb Baker in Crazy-Weather Michigan (last Thursday it was 59 degrees and I was riding my bike :) |
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Re: Winter Running Advice
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Tammie
WI
Member Since:
10/10/2005 Total Posts: 571
2.8 Years Ago
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Riel,
All of the advise about the clothing sounds right. The one other thing that I use for my foot wear is called "Yak-Track". They are a rubber track with steel coils that attach to the bottom of your running shoes. They keep you from slipping on the snow & ice. I feel that they are a must have in the cold and snowy climate if you plan to walk and run outside. I got mine as a gift, but I've seen them in hardware stores, and camping/hunting stores for around $30. Good luck & keep moving.
Tammie |
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Re: Winter Running Advice
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Seema
PA
Member Since:
01/20/2005 Total Posts: 176
2.8 Years Ago
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The Yak Trax are great. The other thought is a pair of "running" snowshoes if you can spring for them see http://www.runningtimes.com/issues/03janfeb/snowshoes.htm (around $250). I find that a snugish layer of some high tech material next to my skin, a layer of fleece, a wind proof layer and then a jacket (love the light weigh EMS thinsulate) gets me down to +10F which is about -12C. I think below around that temperature, it gets tough. I do also use toe warmers and hand warmers and fleece socks, all of which make a big difference for me |
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Re: Winter Running Advice
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Tammie
WI
Member Since:
10/10/2005 Total Posts: 571
2.8 Years Ago
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Chris,
I've never had a problem with the Yak-Trax sliping off. They fit pretty snug onto my running shoes. As far as ice, they really do work well on ice too. I am in love with them. I live on a country road, and really need them in the winter to go for a run. They have given me the freedom to get out there and run all winter long.
Tammie |
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