There are many things I don’t like about winter. The snow is certainly one of them, and we’ve got about 2 feet over here. But even moreso than that, I hate the cold. I can’t run if it’s below about 35 degrees, it’s just unbearable to me. So when I heard we had a day coming up that was going to be about 42 degrees, I knew I was going to go for a run -outside. A 13 mile run, to be exact.
I needed to get that full 13.1 mile run in before Princess. There’s no way I can do that on the treadmill. And I can’t do it in the cold. So 42 degrees sounded amazing. The only problem – remember that snow we talked about? Even three days after the blizzard there was still a lot of it around. I did some research to make sure I would be safe before going out. And I learned a couple of things too! So here are my best tips for running in the snow:
Run in the streets
Okay, this doesn’t sound like the best advice in a normal situation. But if you’ve had a blizzard and you want to run outside you may have no other choice. The sidewalks don’t really get cleared with that much snow so there aren’t many of them. Even when part of a sidewalk is clear you’ll hit other areas where it’s not. And with the snow being plowed to the sides of the road, well, there’s no shoulder to run on. So it had to be in streets. Obviously you have to be very careful and alert while doing this – choose streets that have been plowed but that aren’t too full of traffic. Run against traffic – that way not only will the car see you coming, you will also see it.
Not all of the streets in my neighborhood were plowed.
Run during the day
Never, ever run at night after a snowstorm. There are so many things you need to look out for and running the dark would be foolish. Patches of ice, areas that haven’t been plowed, and oncoming cars are all things that you need to be aware of.
Use the run/walk method
Even if you don’t normally do this, you’ll need to walk a lot more often just to be careful. If you already do run/walk, you probably want to walk more often than you normally would. Walk through any area that looks like it could be icy or dangerous.
Part of the sidewalk was shoveled – and then it just stopped.
Bring an extra pair of socks
If it’s a long run, you might want to bring extra socks to change into. Snow and ice will melt, and then they will become puddles. There will be lots of water around. I was feeling great until about mile 7 when I stepped in a puddle and my foot got soaked. How I wished for a clean pair of socks.
Go for distance, not time
With all of the things mentioned that we need to look out for, you will be slower than you normally would be. So don’t focus on the time, focus on getting your goal distance in. Better to slow down than to slip and injure yourself.
Don’t run on the actual snow
If the snow is thick, don’t actually run on it. I know some people do, but that option was not for me. The snow would have to be very compact to run on it and not nearly as high as it is here. Another danger of running on top of the snow is that you don’t know what’s underneath it – you could hit a big rock or something like that and not even realize. So stick to areas that have been plowed or shoveled.
Have you tried running in the snow before? What did you learn?
Great tips! Running in bad weather or after is always a challenge!
Yes, especially with this snow hanging around for so long!
It sounds really fun and crazy! God, I love snow! If it snowed in in Mumbai, I’d definitely go for a walk! 🙂
It is definitely beautiful, but after a day or two it just becomes a pain because it makes driving so difficult!
UGH I know this all too well being in WI! I just went of run on the treadmill and wanted to gauge my eyes out. Maybe I’ll try running in the snow tomorrow….
Yeah I’ve had to do a number of treadmill runs… I’m so sick of it!
Love these tips! I wouldn’t run in snow normally, but this is good for reference if I ever need to.
Hopefully you won’t have to in Florida! 😉
You go girl! Get out there and exercise while the rest of us are bums! I need to take a page out of your book.
xx katie // a touch of teal
Thanks… although I’ve been a bit lazy the rest of the week! I need to get back out there tomorrow!
You ran 13 miles!? In the snow?!?! You go girl!
Thank you!! It felt good and awful at the same time haha.
Way to go! I’m always like half running half sliding over patches of ice on the sidewalk on these types of runs. Good work!
It took a lot of concentration! In some ways that was actually a good thing because it distracted me from how far I’d gone and how much time it was taking.
I could not imagine running in the snow for so long, so I’m amazed by you girl! I really like that you focus on not being dangerous- it’s okay to walk when it comes to safety. 🙂
Thanks! I’m a big fan of walking breaks, snow or not – I have a lot of allergies so I don’t breathe all that well – walk breaks are a necessity for me!
I did try running on the snow. I found that I am not coordinated enough to do it! Oops!
Aww! I definitely had to take it slow and pay attention, but it did help that the streets at least were pretty clear.
Have you seen that video of the couple running in the snow and the girl runner says “This is the perfect snow to run in” and proceeds to wipe out two seconds later? It cracks me up.
I’ve had so many issues just even walking to work in my boots because the snow melted a bit, then iced, and is now a big slushy mess. Good luck on your running!