Running in the snow can be quite a challenge...
To learn to run in snow it's a good idea to look at the weather.
Precipitation, temperature and even the humidex are one of the many things to watch for.
Precipitation, temperature and even the humidex are one of the many things to watch for.
This will give you a good idea of the type of surface you will be running on.
It's also great for making your running schedule for the week.
It's also great for making your running schedule for the week.
When Temperatures are (only) freezing when running in the snow!
I say only because I don't think of this as cold in the winter, there are so many days that we live with much colder temperatures! This is the temperature I wait for, it makes for a great surface to run on! Love that January thaw.... It's my favorite!
Everything is frozen, crusty and that slightly hard crust makes for great traction.
It's not too hard and still packs down nicely while you run! This is a great time to venture on the trails and pack down a good spot for running. If you've been missing out on interval training, (like the LEARN TO RUN run/walk intervals or RACE/DISTANCE TRAINING) it's good to get out. This temperature in the middle of winter brings good fun and tests your fitness running. When temperatures sit on the freezing mark there are also some hazards to watch out for, especially locations in the sun that may start to melt and form black ice.
When the Temperatures rise above freezing running in the snow.
These conditions tend to be slightly easier to run on, because every step will pack down onto other melting layers or if the layers are minimal will splash away from your step. At times it will be dryer in already melted or plowed areas like roads and sidewalks. Where there is melting snow on paths it can get kind of slippery like running on a wet beach. Be careful to avoid ice, wet melting ice as you probably already know can be very dangerous. Don't get yourself in trouble by attempting one dodged step.
Temperatures diving way below freezing!
Temperatures that are below freezing tend to be a little harder to run because paths that are already made tend to be bumpy and can cause an ankle to turn, thus more dangerous and a little more work. It is best on these days to venture to really well-plowed paths, quietly plowed side roads, or even test yourself in a non-tracked open field. The difficulty with this kind of snow is it can get silty making it very hard to run on, even worse than loose sand. This last is quite a test and usually has you finished much sooner than later, especially when snow is knee deep. Lastly, pay particular attention to slippery ice and make sure you dress appropriately
The best way to protect yourself from the slippery ice, silty snow, packed and slippery trails is by using Yaktrax. Yaktrax is coiled based rubbers that nonchalantly fit right under your running shoe. The coils grab nicely onto the ice and slippery silty snow and make running so much easier on your legs.
Features and Benefits Of Yaktrax:
Features and Benefits Of Yaktrax:
- Removable performance strap: Help keep the Yaktrax in place
- Vertical and horizontal coil pattern: Provides side-to-side, forward and backward stability
- Material: Steel coils and natural rubber base
- Ultralight weight: Pair weighs 5.1-5.5 ounces
- Heel tab: Provides easy on and off
Here's a video of me showing how much better Yaktrax were a few years ago from a no-name brand.
What do you do to stop slipping on the running trails? Please leave a comment.
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