Any Winter Runners?

quitmakingexcuses

As we all know, October has come and where I live, that means snow is only about a month away. I'm wondering if anyone runs during winter months (and I'm talking Alaskan winter months, not Florida winter ) How do you go about it? It gets icy and can get below 0 degrees.

In short - any tips for winter running?

jeffrodgers1

Yup... pretty much run year round from 100 degrees Fahrenheit all the way to minus 40. Live in Winnipeg, its a guarantee that I'll experience most types of extreme weather (except Tsunami's and Hurricanes)

Winter here usually lasts from late November to mid March. The harsh months are January and February.

UpEarly

Have you ever been snowshoeing? It's great fun and a fabulous workout. They make snowshoes for racers/runners that will let you keep your intensity up. (although just *walking* in snowshoes is a lot harder than walking on a road or trail)

If you want to run on packed or icy surfaces, there's no need to use snowshoes. Just make a few modifications to your gear - get something like YakTrax or STABLicers. They slip right on over the sole of your shoes and give you excellent traction.

Oh... and add a headlamp to your gear. It's so dark in the winter and a lamp helps you see, and makes you more visible.

lawtechie

Not one now but perhaps next year. Check out this link for tips.

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Winter-Running-Tips.htm

UrbanRunner81

I run year round. It is pretty cold here in Pittsburgh. Gosh it is only 40 out and rainy today when I went running.... big change from the 78 degree weather I had last Sunday.

I guess tips layer up! But don't go too crazy. I find usually tights are good enough for my legs because they warm up fast. For tops, I wear long sleeve wick away layer, a lightweight jacket most days, maybe a fleece over that if it is super cold. A fleece hat, sport wool socks and some kind of gloves.
Oh this year I am getting these: http://www.yaktrax.com/pro

quitmakingexcuses

Those are all awesome ideas. Thanks everyone, looks like I've got a new goal this winter. And snow-shoeing sounds awesome!

clioandboy

Yak trax for your running shoes, layers of clothing lots of warming up and stretching. And enjoy! I live in mountainous France we have severe winters here but I do manage to get out regularly and in the winter visibility tends to be exceptional so I see mont blanc in the distance fabulous. I prefer winter running to overheating in summer!!!!

quitmakingexcuses

Yak trax for your running shoes, layers of clothing lots of warming up and stretching. And enjoy! I live in mountainous France we have severe winters here but I do manage to get out regularly and in the winter visibility tends to be exceptional so I see mont blanc in the distance fabulous. I prefer winter running to overheating in summer!!!!

I have always wanted to go to France!! My boyfriend and I are going on a Euro trip next year and France is my #1. Running in the mountains would be amazing!

gbelltx

Wish I could help. I live in south texas and winter is when it gets below 70.

silkysly

I'm a tready runner in the winter. Brr to the Grr!!!

themyriadthings

Alberta runner here. I find the shoe spikes work really well, better than yak trax because they can also handle ice, not just snow. It gets down to -40C here, although I don't run outside when it goes below about -20C. As long as my ears, fingers and feet are warm enough, I'm fine! I'm hoping to try the running snowshoes this winter as well - I've heard good things about them!