Even though I would love to move to a warm place and spend all my time training on trails and roads with the temperature outside staying at about 75 degrees, I gotta tell you that I love running in the snow. Once I move I will have to find an alternative for snow running, it will be hard but I am willing to make the sacrifice and trade it for sun 365 days a year.
But for now I live in a place where it snows, sometimes a lot, sometimes even schools have to close. And I am not talking about the 1 inch of snow that stops traffic in some U.S. states and shuts down countries, I am talking about 20+ inches where if you didn’t keep up with the snow, you will have a hard time finding your car the next morning. For the most part this kind of weather happens only once in a while which is just enough to allow for some great snow running.
Love going out for a run in a forest preserve, on the trails where no one has been yet and making your way through the snow and the snow covered trees. I prefer not to listen to music on those snowy trail runs, just like to stop and listen to the birds chirping or just listen to the quiet. Stop in the middle of a wooded area and listen to nothing, really helps you forget all your problems. All your worries disappear, no cell phone, no email or computers, no work, no people…we love people but sometimes even we, the social beings, have to be left alone. Not the case in this picture but that is a great race in Gilberts, IL, called Cross County Challenge 8k. All snow, hills, a wire to keep you on your toes and tons of mud if the conditions are just right.
Winter running is great but several weeks ago I was in some danger of getting frostbite on my thighs, which is a first for me. Have been running in temperatures close to 0 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the winters and never had a problem. So I have decided to share with you the gear I use or will be adding on for my future runs.
The gear..
I don’t do anything specific to protect my running shoes from getting wet, it will happen either way. Pick up a pair of Smartwool running socks to keep my toes thawed out and some Yaktrax if they are needed. The next thing that is pretty important for me is the base layer and a good pair of running tights. For the base layer I use Craft proWarm, keeps me nice and cozy if the temps are anything below 30′s. The CW-X Insulator Stabilyx tights have a front panel that protects the parts that you want protected and has compression webbing throughout to help support your abs, back and hips.
Some other things that I never leave the house without are an Under Armour hat, some simple gloves, a Sugoi Firewall 220 (got a good closeout price) running jacket that has a breast pocket to hold a gel and a few dollars for the “in case stuff happens” money. I love listening to music so I take my iPod with me, a good fast song can get you some speed work and a nice tune can help you appreciate the beauty that surrounds you better.
Be careful out there, watch out for cars and mother nature.
Would love to hear your thoughts. What kind of gear do you use? Any frostbite stories?
