Outdoor Runners - What do you do when it Snows?

Hope winter is not too harsh for you!
I run outside all year long. For me, winter is a more enjoyable running experience than in the heat of the summer. (I live just outside Montreal, Quebec)
How to do it? First, don't stop in the fall. Keep up your running schedule as the seasons change. My thought is that this allows your body to adapt to the changing temperature and not be shocked by cold winter temperatures.
The next issue is when is it too cold to run outside. Personally, I have run outside in temperatures below -25 Deg C. But, I do not recommend anyone follow my example. My opinion is that running outside for 60-90 minutes at temperatures down to -15 Deg C is safe for most people who take the time to acclimatize during the fall and early winter.
The next issue would be the snow. If you are primarily a road runner. Invest in trail shoes. These will give extra traction to help you avoid slipping on ice and snow. There are also many different types of grips you can put on street shoes during the winter. I have a set but use them only after freezing rain. My experience is that they clog up with snow and slush quickly and become uncomfortable.
Last thought, adjust your clothing as the seasons change. You will certainly need to add layers as the temperatures get colder. And, because your heart rate will increase despite the cold. Once you finish running, get inside quickly. When it is really cold out, sweat turns to ice in seconds! Take it from my experience, this is not a pleasant situation.
Hope this helped and hope you have fun running all year long!

...as it should have been the hottest summer in the last 30 years

I'm concerned as well, not for the temperature, rjust a few degrees below 0, but for the snow

footpaths and roads will be full of melting snow, difficult to walk, impossible to run on!

I actually prefer running in winter than summer. In Ottawa it gets very cold and snowy, just like the Layering properly is definitely key and good footwear. For my preference, the Asics 1000 G-TX are the best for winter runs. They are Goretex with extra traction. I also wear smart wool socks. Snow isn't as much as a concern as the ice is I run in my neighbourhood with the Running Room and prefer the road to the sidewalk as it tends to be clearer.

KyleB65 wrote: »

Just in case there was any question about my running in the cold! ;-)
A picture from last January. A Saturday morning 10K @ -26 Deg C (A selfie while waiting for a train to go by)

Nice to see I'm not the only crazy one around here!

There's no such things as bad weather only bad clothes and equipment. Get the right stuff and you'll be fine.

If you have an old pair of sneakers you can make screw shoes! They give you better grip on icy/snowy sidewalks, and it sounds like you're tapdancing when you run.

Cold weather running is fabulous once you figure out your layering needs. I personally need to cover my face with a balm for skin protection and always wear eye protection.
I use trail running shoes most of the winter season and like another said above the smart wool socks. Probably my craziest moments have been running in freezing rain but if you're careful with foot placement it's a blast.

The only time winter kept me from running last year was in February when the temps in my area of the US were below zero F when just stepping out the door took your breath away.

My recommendation is if you run now just keep on running and add layers as needed. You'll either like winter running or you won't no harm is trying. If not, run inside and get a pair of snowshoes for some good leg workouts in nature.

As a new runner (4 months now) I am REALLY looking forward to winter running in Minnesota. I love winter and think that running in the snow and cold will be a blast.

I complain. Where I live, we rarely get snow, so when it does come, everything grinds to a halt. No plows, no salt. I don't have appropriate shoes, and it's hilly. The last time I went for a run when it was frosty, I slipped and got reeeaaally lucky. That took care of my runs on any pavement that isn't wet or dry.