Running in the snow
superspork2
Posts: 99 Member
So, I just started running outside a few months ago and I love it, but thus it is November and its snowing. So I guess, is there really any advice anyone can give me to how to go about it all? I don't want to stop running all together and I don't always have access to a treadmill... Is it a super terrible idea to run in the snow/What kind of clothes do you typically wear when you run in the cold weather? I really appreciate it!
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No, it's not always a bad idea to run when it's snowing. It's not always a great idea either. Just make sure that you run in concrete or asphalt that has been cleaned / where the snow has melted, and watch out for puddles of water or ice. I would avoid running during really heavy snow or extremely cold weather.0
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Dress in layers, a warm base layer or two and a windproof jacket. thermal tights, wool socks, gloves and an ear band. when it gets really gold I wear a balaclava. for snow and ice, I usually try to pick a route where I can run on the road instead of the sidewalk. You can also get things that go over your shoes to improve traction (like yak trax) but I don't like to wear them unless I know I am only going to be running on hard packed snow or ice. I don't like then on dry pavement. Lots of people in cold climates train all winter.0
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You should go to the local running-shoe store and ask them this question. I used to live in Minnesota. I ran in the dead of winter all the time, as do most runners who live there. But, Denver is different. In Minnesota, it gets cold and stays cold. Denver gets cold, then warm, then cold again. The snow dumps, and then it melts, and then it dumps again.
It is hard for anyone to generalize to Denver who isn't living there.0 -
You should go to the local running-shoe store and ask them this question. I used to live in Minnesota. I ran in the dead of winter all the time, as do most runners who live there. But, Denver is different. In Minnesota, it gets cold and stays cold. Denver gets cold, then warm, then cold again. The snow dumps, and then it melts, and then it dumps again.
It is hard for anyone to generalize to Denver who isn't living there.
You pretty much summed up Denver perfectly haha. Thanks a lot guys, that really helps!0 -
I'm in Durango- and I'm going to try to keep up running all through the winter no matter what! I've never done that, I've always used the snow as an excuse not to run over the winter-- but I'm going to get a good set of layers and kill it this winter!0
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I'm in Durango- and I'm going to try to keep up running all through the winter no matter what! I've never done that, I've always used the snow as an excuse not to run over the winter-- but I'm going to get a good set of layers and kill it this winter!
Go team, go!!0 -
Unless you have asthma or have an intolerance to the cold, like Reynaud's or similar auto-immune conditions that can make being out in the cold downright painful, then go for it ...0
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Colo Springs here.
I ran 8 miles this afternoon. I won't lie. It was kinda miserable.
The key is absolutely dress in layers and be prepared to adjust mid-run. I literally take 2 pairs of gloves, light and heavy, as well as two beanies, light and heavy.0 -
Word of caution: hubby was running in late December (Wisconsin), hit some black ice, fell and broke his ankle.
Two weeks before our daughter was born.
He got six weeks "paternity" leave...0 -
Layers and Yaktraxs if the ground is not clear.
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I live in a snow belt and run during winter. I tried the yak trax but prefer my normal shoes. I wear my under armour pants, under armour bottom layer shirt and then layer everything else. I also wear gloves and a hat. I don't like anything on my face, my sometimes it does get chapped when it's really cold or windy. I don't really like it to tell you the truth. I love it afterwards but when I do it it's freaking cold.
I run on the street and am constantly looking for ice.0 -
I wear a few layers of long johns under sweat pants and a insulated hooded jacket. I didnt want to buy a scarf so i cut the top off a old beanie that i wear around my neck and a pair of gloves. I strip all the clothes off imediately when i get back so i dont get sick.0
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Thank you everyone so much, these are really helpful. I'm less afraid to go out now haha. I knew people had to run in the winter.. I just wanted to make sure everyone else was doing it before I ended up looking more crazy then a person running in snow normally would...0
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Running in cold weather on non snowy days where there is no ice could work, but I am not sure running in the snow is the best idea. On snowy days, indoor activities like pushups, situps, squats, or lunges could be the ticket.0
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They make snow running shoes. I had a pair when I lived near Telluride, CO. and they worked great.0
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I'm in same position....I run 5/6k a few mornings a week, and worried if I have to give it up over winter then it will be a hard slog getting back into it.
Great encouraging advice makes me feel better too!!!0 -
I run outside all winter. Snow and ice is the norm here. I use the same shoes that I normally wear but I install Ice Spikes in them. Never slipped last year at all. Don't even think about the conditions anymore when it comes to traction. The layering of clothes is a must. A good pair of wind pants over thermal tights just about handles most temps. Good luck and enjoy the winter.0
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Running in cold weather on non snowy days where there is no ice could work, but I am not sure running in the snow is the best idea. On snowy days, indoor activities like pushups, situps, squats, or lunges could be the ticket.
this is BS. as long as you are careful there is no reason not to run all winter. I've been running through Canadian winters for 13 years and have not had any injuries from running on snow or ice.0 -
agree with all the above, I tend to take it a bit slower if i'm not sure how wet/slippery/icy the roads are or if going up/down a hill or various hazzards like that, but all in all, no issues running in winter.
I actually like it better, because the cold/snow clears up the roads, no dodging dogs, baby strollers, people walking 2-3 wide on the sidewalk.. I have the place all to myself. :bigsmile:0 -
agree with all the above, I tend to take it a bit slower if i'm not sure how wet/slippery/icy the roads are or if going up/down a hill or various hazzards like that, but all in all, no issues running in winter.
I actually like it better, because the cold/snow clears up the roads, no dodging dogs, baby strollers, people walking 2-3 wide on the sidewalk.. I have the place all to myself. :bigsmile:
I'm planing on running with the babe in the stroller this winter (as long as it isn't too cold).0 -
Only advise I'd give for running in the elements is to be concerned more with caution than times ... right now where I live, there's a lot of wet leaves on the ground --- I make sure when I hit these areas, I am sure footed to prevent slip and falls (even if it means slower times)0
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I love exercise outside in all kinds of weather. I do more fast walking if its slippery since its safer. I got shoes and boots with nonslidy soles so I dont break my back again. Dont let the weather keep you inside!!!!! I love my UnderArmour coldgear.0
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http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/10-tips-running-cold?page=single
Also getting Yak Track or something similar is a good idea.
I don't run in the summer anymore, I only run when it starts to get cold, I enjoy it much more.
I live in Quebec, Canada and we do get quite a lot of snow and I never had any issues. Make sure you are well dressed and use tracks under your shoes if there is ice0 -
Gather round kids,
Grampa is gonna tell you a story about how I run year round on the Canadian prairies... for those of you who don't know me, some of my best runs have been 30 below freezing. I actually ran a half marathon at -40. I'm debating whether to run the Polar Bear Run across Lake Winnipeg from Gimli to Grand Marais (think its 30 Km) .... fun.
So if traction is a concern... Yak tracks work well... another that I have used is short hex head screws in the soles of your shoes. A couple of rows of screws ( think long enough to stick in the sole of the shoe, not log enough to go through the sole of your shoe, heel and toe box) will add amazing traction.
One thing to pay attention to is your gait... the longer your stride the harder your run will be. Try shortening your stride and keeping your feet beneath you. It helps to keep you vertical.
Now where was I again... Oh yeah... I prefer to think of winter as endurance conditioning time... running in the winter, I normally see a pace decline of about 1 minute per mile (give or take depending on road conditions, ice, temperature etc). I would never do speed work outside in the winter.
As for how to dress... dress like its 10 degrees warmer outside and wear layers.
Outside shell -> Goretex or other wind resistant textile
Mid layer -> Polar fleece (this is an insulating layer)
Inside layer -> Tech fabric that wicks moisture
Base Layer -> Tech fabric like underArmor
Socks -> Dual layer or smart wool
Shoes -> Normal shoes but add traction
Gloves -> Mine normally come off 10 minutes after I start, but I run hot anyways. If its really cold, I have some convertable gloves that flip over into mittens. They have what I call the "snot patch" a soft fuzzy patch on them for wiping your brow\eyes\nose etc.
Hat -> Ok in Canada we call them Toques... T OOO K but really a decent quality hat that will wick moisture and provide some wind proofing. It is true that you will lose a great deal of body heat thru your head... protect your noggin. Frostbitten ears suck too.
For your cheeks, a thin layer of vaseline will protect your face from wind burn.
Don't forget a head lamp and some way of letting drivers know you are there.
Other tidbits.... hmmm... I'm sure I'll think of something.
Oh yeah... your lungs will not freeze from breathing cold air. I have people ask me this all the time... the coldest I ever ran in was -55 up in Edmonton way back in December of 09. (That was with the windchill and was done on more of a dare). I ran a 5K... I had a little frostbite on my nose and yes it was uncomfortably cold, but my lungs were just fine. (I think you actually need to be dead before your lungs will freeze.) I remember it because I ran the Honolulu marathon about 5 days later... talk about a contrast of extremes... But that is a story for another day..
I have rambled on enough.
Hope some of this helps.
Happy Running!0 -
Thank you everyone so much!0
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I started running trails in the dead of winter. As has been said nothing to stop you medically then go for it. ive been out in -30c with windchills driving it colder to plus 30c with humidex into 40s.
Its not much but heres what i find works
Dress in layers, many advantages to this including if you start to get too hot you can take a layer off.
wear appropriate shoes for the weather and if there is any chance of ice cleats or crampons of some sort for sure. My preference are kahtoola micro spikes. they are AWESOME! i had them on last year trail running going full tilt down a trail that was packed snow with good footing when we blew out of the woods onto a steep side slope across a field that was a sheet of ice. with our momentum there was no way to stop before hitting the ice and with out the micro spikes it would have been one heck of a ride. With them it was like having super glue on your feet.... it was one of the most bizzare sensations i have ever had, running in full control and full speed across steep pitch ice just blew my mind lol. Any way you can get em any where but heres a link to their site http://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/ . They are a bit weird to run on at first but i got use to them fast.
Keep your head covered and glasses seem to help my eyes from watering in the cold air. for a hat i prefer this thing i got at a race called a buff, multiple ways to wear em and i suspect i'll end up with another one so i can wear one over my face and one on my head. heres a link to them http://www.buffcanada.com/
I like those hot pockets packs or something similar for my gloves/mits on really cold runs. I also prefer mitts over gloves and usually end up tucking my thumbs in with my fingers.
Dont forget a suplly of kleenex lol
same as any run, listen to your body and run accordingly.
Most importantly keep running and enjoy being outside maybe see if you can find a group of other folks crazy enough to get out there in the cold with you. Trail running is awesome in the winter too, no worries of if the road is plowed etc and no worries of if there is ice or not, there is, its just a fact lol 0 -
https://player.vimeo.com/video/69880098
cool, got looking around and i dont need a second one for my face lol, can use the same one for your neck and face and head at the same time .... may get a second one any way 
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I live in MN and run in the winter. However, I don't run on snow days. I wait until the roads are cleared and then run. I can usually get in 2 runs a week unless we are getting tons of snow. I don't like to run on icy roads either.0
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Dont forget a suplly of kleenex lol
same as any run, listen to your body and run accordingly.
Most importantly keep running and enjoy being outside maybe see if you can find a group of other folks crazy enough to get out there in the cold with you. Trail running is awesome in the winter too, no worries of if the road is plowed etc and no worries of if there is ice or not, there is, its just a fact lol
I would never thing to bring kleenex on a run, but seriously.. best idea ever haha. And I did just do my first run in the snow and it was awesome. I never thought I could really enjoy cold weather running as much but I did. Thanks a lot for your advice!0 -
I live in MN and run in the winter. However, I don't run on snow days. I wait until the roads are cleared and then run. I can usually get in 2 runs a week unless we are getting tons of snow. I don't like to run on icy roads either.
I think thats just going to be how I have to plan my runs. I'm just sure how much longer I can run on my trail but then again I do live in colorado so who knows. But the city tends to do a pretty good job of keeping the streets and sidewalks clear0
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