Running in Snow/Ice?

[RnbwSktles]

I am preparing myself to have to do some of my Dopey training in less than ideal conditions this winter. Last year, I got lucky and it didn't really snow until late December. I am not counting on that happening again.

I have a gym membership that I will gladly waste if I can run outside instead.

Has anyone tried something like YakTrax or Stabilicers? I will probably end up running on mixed surfaces, so I don't want something that will get destroyed on pavement.

 

[ANIM8R]

I'm of the same mind in that I would prefer to run outside if at all possible even in the dark. I have a LED flashing vest - sure, I look like a complete dork but at least people can see me - which leads me to my point...I haven't used the YakTrax but let me offer up one note of caution: my experience when running in the bad weather is that drivers are MUCH worse and more dangerous when there's snow on the ground.

I don't know if they're concentrating more on the road or just can't handle the elements but I notice a significant difference in near-misses and other situations in which I felt were more dangerous than in normal weather. So much so that I head to the gym/treadmill at that time.

So even if you do use YakTrax please, please, please, be extra cautious of the drivers around you.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Around here, it seems the parking lots get plowed earlier/better than residential streets. When there is a lot of snow, there are usually still huge piles of snow on the sides, especially near corners, and I just don't feel safe running down the middle of the street.
So sometimes I'll try and find an empty parking lot (like a school parking lot, if it's a weekend or school is cancelled) and run laps in there. Boring, but better than a treadmill.

I don't mess with ice at all. If roads are icy, no running for me.

 

[RnbwSktles]

I'm of the same mind in that I would prefer to run outside if at all possible even in the dark. I have a LED flashing vest - sure, I look like a complete dork but at least people can see me - which leads me to my point...I haven't used the YakTrax but let me offer up one note of caution: my experience when running in the bad weather is that drivers are MUCH worse and more dangerous when there's snow on the ground.

I don't know if they're concentrating more on the road or just can't handle the elements but I notice a significant difference in near-misses and other situations in which I felt were more dangerous than in normal weather. So much so that I head to the gym/treadmill at that time.

So even if you do use YakTrax please, please, please, be extra cautious of the drivers around you.

That's a scary thought, because I think drivers are pretty bad now, in beautiful, broad daylight! Fortunately, the roads I run on are pretty low in traffic. There is also a trail that I can run on assuming the snow isn't too deep.

And I wear all of that "dorky" night gear too!

Around here, it seems the parking lots get plowed earlier/better than residential streets. When there is a lot of snow, there are usually still huge piles of snow on the sides, especially near corners, and I just don't feel safe running down the middle of the street.
So sometimes I'll try and find an empty parking lot (like a school parking lot, if it's a weekend or school is cancelled) and run laps in there. Boring, but better than a treadmill.

I don't mess with ice at all. If roads are icy, no running for me.

Depending on the size of the parking lot, I would probably rather use the treadmill! That is a really good idea though.

 

[luvformickey]

I lived in Alaska and trained for a New Year's Race in the ice and snow. I ran outside for most runs and used ice cleats on my running shoes with no problems. Just be sure they fit tight. I liked the cleats that were pointed more than the YakTrax (they are like a spring coil)--I felt like they got better traction.

Be safe! I didn't have much traffic to contend with (just wild animals).

 

[Novinha]

While I was training for the WDW full last year, we had a weather system come through on Friday night (my long run scheduled for Saturday). It dropped a layer of freezing rain, sleet, then snow. I put the Yaktrak Run on my running shoes, went to a local park (no cars!) and ran the snow/ice covered track. I was amazed at how well it worked out. Keep in mind, you will likely be MUCH slower than your usual pace. But I got it done!

 

[appleorchard]

I'm also in NJ and did all three Princess races in 2014. I wore Yaktrax at least 10 times during December and January, maybe more, since we had such as lousy winter last year.

Some days it wasn't possible, even with Yaktrax; it was just too slippery/deep or otherwise complicated. It also slowed me down some. But it was MUCH better than nothing!

 

[Jewel3k]

Its the ice you have to watch out for. Running through the snow feels like sand. I did nothing extra to my shoes, but am considering a good pair of trail shoes for the rough days. Also a nice pair of warm socks is a great investment as well. I did most short runs on the treadmill at the gym and all long runs outside.

 

[RnbwSktles]

I'm also in NJ and did all three Princess races in 2014. I wore Yaktrax at least 10 times during December and January, maybe more, since we had such as lousy winter last year.

Some days it wasn't possible, even with Yaktrax; it was just too slippery/deep or otherwise complicated. It also slowed me down some. But it was MUCH better than nothing!

I am so glad my race was in January and not February! What a difference a month made!

Its the ice you have to watch out for. Running through the snow feels like sand. I did nothing extra to my shoes, but am considering a good pair of trail shoes for the rough days. Also a nice pair of warm socks is a great investment as well. I did most short runs on the treadmill at the gym and all long runs outside.

I've been considering trail shoes, too. I wasn't sure how much of a difference that would make.

 

[SgtTibbs]

I'll agree, Ice is the real issue. You have to watch out for that most of all.

Last winter I switched to a pair of New Balance trail runners. Running wise, I'm not sure how much of a difference they really made over regular running shoes but I sure felt better for having them. Certainly they were much better at keeping the wet stuff out.

 

[BriarRabbit]

Whew! I thought that this was going to be another Frozen thread!

 

[RnbwSktles]

Whew! I thought that this was going to be another Frozen thread!

Yes, I asked because I've been slipping on the ice trail I make when I run

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

I have used trail shoes the last couple winters here in Canada and they have worked well. I know a lot of people that make their own "screw shoes" as well and they have good results with them. I'm fortunate that the main pathway in the park I run in is often plowed out before a lot of the roads are!