Running in the Snow

December 4, 2008

It’s finally that time of year. Today we finally had our first real snow here – not just the light flurries that have teased us a few times in the past weeks. Some runners dread this kind of whether, but not me. Being outdoors in fresh snow makes me joyful; I just love being the first person to leave a footprint.

Running in the snow is not without its hazards of course. So you can choose to avoid them by hiding indoors on the treadmill or (gasp) by not running at all, or you can go out there prepared and have some fun. Here’s a few suggestions if you opt to get out there:

Dress properly. For me, this means:
- a merino wool cap
- a longsleeve, wicking tee
- tights or pants
- a windproof/waterproof running jacket, preferably one with strategically located zippered vents in case you get too warm
- wool socks
- regular running shoes or trail running shoes
- STABILicers

If the snow is really deep, I’ll substitute snowshoes for the stabilicers and add a pair of gaiters.

Watch your footing. There may be a sheet of ice under that fresh snow, so make sure your shoe traction is good. This means the previously mentioned stabilicers for me. Another option is to make your own screw shoes.
Expect to go a bit slower in the snow, especially at first. You’re going to be using more muscles in your inner and outer thighs than you’re used to, and you’ll be working a lot harder, which will naturally slow you down.
Relax and have fun. There’s nothing like running in the snow to make you feel like a kid again.

Anyone else have any tips for running in the snow?

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Tagged as: cold weather running, running in the snow

{ 10 comments }

Rachel/Fit Mom Twitter: FitMom December 5, 2008 at 8:45 am: No tips for running since I’ve never done it!! Looks like fun though.
sarah December 5, 2008 at 11:38 am: I’m scared!
kch Twitter: kchealy December 5, 2008 at 1:26 pm: Rachel – try it when you get a chance. You’ll love it. Maybe you’ll take a trip to a colder climate soon?

Sar
ah – don’t be. It’s fun, I promise!
Terri Twitter: middlepackgirl December 6, 2008 at 8:38 pm: Thanks very much for the suggestion on the Stabilicers. I have been a bit nervous about the “I-know-it’s-coming-snow” this year, since last year I ran inside on the treadmill the whole time. I’ve only been running regularly outside since March.

I am looking forward to the first snowfall and being out there in it (hopefully it won’t happen while I am trapped inside at work.) Thanks very much for the advice also on the socks, etc., and knowing it will be much slower going. Do you actually run on ice though? I am thinking that would make me stay inside.
kch Twitter: kchealy December 6, 2008 at 11:51 pm: You’re welcome, Terri.

I would avoid running on ice. If there are just a few patches, you can probably get around them pretty easily; if it’s everywhere, that is a good time for the treadmill.
cyberpenguin Twitter: cyberpenguin December 8, 2008 at 11:00 am: Great post, Kristen! And thanks for the tip about the STABILicers.

I’m on the same page as you: Outdoor running in winter can be a fun & enjoyable experience. Of course, wearing the proper gear makes all the difference!

I’d like to add two items to your apparel list:
–neck gators (useful for covering areas not covered by other pieces of clothing, like the neck, chin, nose, lower face, etc.). I particularly like the ones made of fleece.
–waterproof mittens or gloves

I love your comment about being the first person to leave a footprint in the snow. There is something quite satisfying about that! It’s also fun to see the different tracks that animals make in the snow, or the other shoeprints from previous days or hours that have since faded in the snow. There are so many stories that can be told just from looking at the tracks in the snow…..

Enjoy your winter running season!
kch Twitter: kchealy December 8, 2008 at 11:03 am: Cyberpenguin – thanks for the list additions. You’re very right about the waterproof mittens or gloves – don’t know how I could have omitted those! I often wear a pair of light to medium weight gloves with waterproof/windproof overmitts on top. My hands usually get cold before anything else, but that combo usually does the trick for me.
kara Twitter: runnerkara December 8, 2008 at 1:44 pm: I miss the snow! Thanks for sharing.
They say we may get some snow this weekend ; )
kellie December 10, 2008 at 6:42 pm: A snow running essential is the ithreesixty wireless headband for your iPod. seriously…check it out! it’s awesome! http://www.ithreesixty.com.
kch Twitter: kchealy December 11, 2008 at 12:47 pm: Those do look nice, Kellie..