Winter running....

I use the same runners but if it's icy out, I use 'Get a grip' ice cleats or 'Yak Trax' on my shoes.

PS. I like the dog in your pic!

tricky one - really depends on the conditions. on soft packed snow you might get away with trainers, on hard pack you might be better with trail shoes, on ice you will need spikes of some sort. if cant predict the conditions for the whole of your run then there's an increased risk of a slip and injury.

Most trainers/trail shoes are designed to be airy to keep your feet cool and to let water in/out, so therefore not good at keeping you dry and warm. One option might be waterproof socks.

It will need to be very cold though before staying warm is a problem if you are working hard enough. only difference for me is a long sleeve top long leggings and a light jacket and maybe a beanie and light glove.

I plan to run outside through out the winter. Can I wear the same sneakers that I run in now or should I buy trail running shoes for example for better traction in snow and better insulation? I have never run outside in the winter before but would like to start. But I am not sure what to do about my footwear. I obviously want to prevent slipping and causing injury.

What do you advise?

I've run in all weather for over 30 years. I don't wear special shoes, but they will get wet so I wear warmer socks. I only wear more durable trail shoes when running on the trail, and that is regardless of the weather because of sharp rocks, etc.

I use the same running shoes year round. I don't run on ice though, I will only run on clear streets or sidewalks. If it's that bad out that I cannot find clear path, then I run inside (which I absolutely hate)!!

I plan to run outside through out the winter. Can I wear the same sneakers that I run in now or should I buy trail running shoes for example for better traction in snow and better insulation? I have never run outside in the winter before but would like to start. But I am not sure what to do about my footwear. I obviously want to prevent slipping and causing injury.

What do you advise?

Where?

I live in MN, and personally I don't run outside in the winter...don't like it.

I run all year round. I use the same runners(snow, ice not an issue)

Sometimes I wear the under armour gear, but you will be surprised how fast your body heats up. Gloves might be worth getting. If you are running through the autumn(fall) your body will adapt to it gradually

The one thing that does get you is the chest, ice cold air burning into your chest tends to be the side effect I hate.

Yak Trax are pretty good. I did this to a pair of older running shoes that were identical to my normal pair and really like the result:

http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm

I use my regular runners (I have a pair of Yak Tax but haven't used them yet)

Hah, same here.

I ran very, very carefully through the snow and ice, but the week it melted away I stuck my foot down a pothole made by the snow and ice and injured myself for months. Take care out there!

When winter comes along I just switch from running barefoot to wearing a pair of Vibrams just for extra grip and bit of insulation. It's lovely to feel your feet being cooled down when you are hot under all those extra layers.

Be careful not to wear too many layers and start to cool down as the layers trap sweat. I wear a thermal top and Tshirt to cut the wind a bit and nylon racing bottoms (Ron Hill), knitted hat and gloves and carry a wind/shower proof.

Also let someone know what route you will be taking (and when you will be back) and stick to it; carry a mobile.

Oh - and enjoy the experience - nothing like winter sunrise and crisp virgin snow.

I've lived in Minnesota,Chicago, Upstate New York, and Boston, MA. I've run all winter in all three. Never had special shoes. But I have worn more socks -- on really, really cold days only. You would be surprised. My experience is that unless it is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, you warm up if you are wearing adequate clothing.
Oh yeah. I agree. Nice dog.

I use the same runners but if it's icy out, I use 'Get a grip' ice cleats or 'Yak Trax' on my shoes.

PS. I like the dog in your pic!

This'll be my first "real" New England Winter (at least I expect it will be, we can't have two in a row like last year), but this is my plan as well.

Maybe we can, I attribute last year's mild winter to the fact that (for the first time ever) I hired a contractor to clear the snow, I suspect he had a very profitable year.If everyone on MFP sends me a dollar I'll hire him again and we'll have no snow........:laugh:

Hi ya what i do is if its icy go cross country on grass nowhere near as much slippery x :bigsmile:

^^ How does this work if there is 4 feet of snow? LOLOL

I've been asking this question, too, and most people recommend using yak tracks. Personally, I've cracked my knee cap falling on ice before and have found an indoor track in a field house I'll be training in when it's super cold (probably 10d F will be my limit without windchill)

4 feet of snow -- -SNOWSHOE or CROSS COUNTRY SKI! Seriously give them a thought - they are super total body workouts. But if you want to stick to running - do what the others do.

Also -- don't forget the pup -- buy "boots" for him or he will be stopping often to get the snow out of the paws. We even have a neoprene vest for our older lab, a must if it is wet (we use it mostly for hunting).....we have 2 black labs and a golden retriever -- they stay in our heated garage - but neither lab does well with the extreme cold. (the golden will lay in the snow in -40 weather!)