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Running in fresh snow?

Im_NotPerfect
Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
edited January 9 in Fitness and Exercise
We're supposed to get about 2" of snow today and I was hoping to get a run in after work. Any thoughts on running in fresh snow? Is it slick or no? We've had a big melt recently, so I'm not worried about ice...

Replies

  • dmkoenig
    dmkoenig Posts: 307 Member
    Typically fresh snow is easier to run in than older snow that has been compacted and has crystallized. If you have trail sneakers (more tread) they work well. I also tend to run a bit more flat footed in snowier conditions and pay more attention to keeping my weight over my feet for balance. If I slip a bit I can typically avoid wiping out. Have fun!
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I agree, fresh snow in my experience has not been a problem to run in.
  • CamillaBeaumont
    CamillaBeaumont Posts: 56 Member
    If you've had a big melt recently I would look out for melt that has refrozen under the fresh snow that you can't see. I don't run in fresh snow here for that reason, I like to be able to see the path so I can avoid potential trouble spots.
  • martinh78
    martinh78 Posts: 601
    I've just been out for a run. Quite a lot of ice here, but we've had the snow/ice since last Sunday. I jogged carefully up to the football field, then did laps of that for 30mins. If the pavements are icy I'd recommend running on a playing field if you can.

    Was good fun actually, worked a fe different muscles with the uneven terrain.

    To tip, warm-up in the house with some dynamic stretches, jumps, push-ups etc, then you can wear minimal clothing. Better than wrapping up and sweating.
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    Love running in snow!!

    2" isn't much, but expect snow to increase the amount of effort it takes to run the same distance. You will slip backwards just a little bit with each step. As the snow gets deeper it takes quite a bit of effort to get your foot out of the snow with each step.

    Waterproof trailrunners are ideal for the snow.
  • martinh78
    martinh78 Posts: 601

    2" isn't much, but expect snow to increase the amount of effort it takes to run the same distance.

    I burned 100 cals more today than normal, wasn't sure if it was the cold, but now you've said it, yes, it was more effort (HR at 85-95% most of the run). Was like doing hlls, but without the hills :)
  • baldzach
    baldzach Posts: 1,841 Member
    Also, don't expect to go at the same pace. You'll probably be 5-10% slower on snow than on pavement, just by the nature of the beast.
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    The only problem I've had with running in fresh snow is that I used to run in a pair of Mizunos that had a a big open space in the heel - the snow would get packed in there and build up like I was running on high heels. I don't have that problem with my Asics though.

    If you live in a place that gets snow regularly - YakTrax are awesome. I just got some for Christmas.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    We're supposed to get about 2" of snow today and I was hoping to get a run in after work. Any thoughts on running in fresh snow? Is it slick or no? We've had a big melt recently, so I'm not worried about ice...

    Define "big melt". After a big melt the sidewalks can be extremely icy.

    What is the temperature? Is it light fluffy snow, or packy snowball stuff. Packy, wet, snowball stuff can be extremely slipery whether it's an inch or 12.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    I ran in about 1 1/2 inches last weekend, but chose to run on the gravel path vs the road.. Not sure where you are running, but I worry more about cars moving around when running city streets when snow is on them, so I chose a path with no cars.
  • rougecrayon
    rougecrayon Posts: 100
    Watch out for the ice under the snow!

    Fresh snow is so light and fluffy, it's easy to not see and slip on the ice that may be underneath. If you have a regular route, that would make it better because you generally know where the ice pilhes up. Otherwise, i'd stick to the snow that has been packed down a little (on suburb side streets). You can generally see patches of ice where someone's foot has pushed away the snow.
  • cynthiatwayne
    cynthiatwayne Posts: 71
    LOVE snow running...especially when its still coming down or when its just stopped. Watch for ice for sure and slow your pace down a bit. You can get Yak Trax but I've always run in my regular running shoes and just stuff with newspaper to dry them if they are soaked...change the newspaper every few hours and they will be good as new in a short while.

    Enjoy!!! Carefully....
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