Monday, December 29, 2014

He Who Runs in Snow….

Confucius say lots of things. He who stand on toilet is high on pot. He who walk through airport door sideways is going to Bangkok.

Yet, one of Confucius’ truest and most popular sayings:

He/she who run uphill in snow is slow. Clever.
He/she who run in snow have icicle butt. Clever also.

Running in snow can be a total body workout yet be rather tricky. But, here’s why you need to do it (If you live somewhere warm where it doesn’t snow just find some quicksand).

The Benefits:

  1. You get outside. While the first mile or so can be mentally challenging and a physical shock (feel free to use the “f” word), you will then warm up and get into a groove.
  2. Snow running gives you an added cardiovascular benefit (which is a nice way of saying it is freaking difficult at times – almost like running in sand).
  3. Snow running builds stabilization muscles, all the way from ankles to hips.
  4. Anyone who sees you out there running will think you are a badass.

How To Do It To Maximize The Workout And To Not Fall On Your Face:

Make sure you are running with good form. Overstriding and poor traction make it more likely you will fall. If you overstride (i.e., land with your leg out in front of you), you can lose your balance, as you are putting your center of mass ahead of you. Make sure your feet are landing below your hips.

What Gear You’ll Need To Make It Easier:

  1. Trail shoes can provide a bit of added traction and protection.
  2. Find an older pair of running shoes and put screws in the bottom of them for a better grip (for a tutorial, check out this video).
  3. If you’re not into the screw thing (who isn’t into that??) try a pair of Yaktrax. For really tough conditions, consider snowshoes.
  4. Use Vaseline to protect skin from the elements (but only if it’s cloudy. If it’s sunny, this could cause you to burn. In that case, just use a good sunscreen).
  5. Wear a brimmed hat and glasses for extra protection.
  6. Have some Fireball whiskey or peppermint schnapps available immediately post-run for your après-run party.

Snow (not ice) vs. treadmill. Who wins? Snow every time.

When was your last snowy run? Sunday. In slow motion.

For more fun, follow me on Instagram HERE.

SUAR

30 comments:

  1. Couldn't get out today (kids in tow), but ran both days over the weekend. I'd much rather run in snow and cold than in warm, muggy conditions. Love your blog! :)

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  2. 5+ today in the snow & 10 degrees. Ran in my Yaktrax for the first time & they were awesome!

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  3. Have you ever tried or heard of Kahtoolas? Never heard of them before and had the chance to try them out on an icy and hard packed snow trail and loved them. Another runner in our group used her Yaktrax and then tried the Kahtoolas and liked the latter much better. I bought a set and since then all the snow melted and there's no sign of snow in the near future.

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    Replies
    1. Never heard of them, but going to check them out. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  4. +1 for the Kahtoolas (microspikes). They're amazing. Wouldn't be so fun on a road run if you hit some dry spots. But for snow and/or ice on trails or road, they're outstanding. Dry spots on trails aren't so bad, since the spikes will sink into the dirt. Pricey but worth every penny.

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  5. No snow running for this California native. 37 this morning - my coldest run of 2014! I can confirm that running in the sand is a great workout.

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  7. Not a single bit of snow here in Toronto and I'm LOVING it. My last run in the snow was last winter and even though I"m not a fan of running in the snow, I hate the treadmill even more so snow wins every time.

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  8. No snow here, just COLD. Since I'm not into the screw thing, that makes me very happy.

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  9. I've had 3 sprained ankles in as many years, all of which happened while running outside on paved roads in the summer. Out of fear of hurting myself again, I'm a treadmiller. And have been since August. Maybe next year.

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  10. I've never run in snow :( I feel like I'm missing out.

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  11. Snow is nooooo joke. I think my toughest runs have been in snow! Since I haven't run trail lately, I think my last snowy run was over a year ago!

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  12. We've had little snow lately, so it's been a while, but I will definitely try the slo-mo suggestion next time.

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  13. It has been so cold in Utah lately, and there is ice every where so I have been forced to use the treadmill. On Saturday I ran outside in the snow and even though I was freezing it was really fun.

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  14. I'm a wimp when it comes to ice, snow, and cold weather in general. I used to love it - I was always proud of the days when I ran more miles than degrees on the thermometer. Now I just head to the gym, hop on the treadmill, and enjoy the warmth. There's gotta be something wrong with me - I've even done a TM marathon a couple times. As long as you have videos to watch or some good magazines to peruse, it's all good. Maybe I'll move south someday...

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  15. This is too funny ... as I was running last night when it was a balmy 7 and snowing. Snowballs formed in my shoes, but it was mystical and beautiful and super slow, but totally worth it!

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  16. How do I keep my sunglasses from fogging up when I run in the cold (zero to 10 degrees)?

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    Replies
    1. I've heard you can try rubbing them with a vinegar/water mix before heading out. Not sure if it works. Let me know. There is also something called Cat Crap (for real!) that is supposed to work (it's an anti fogging thing, hopefully not made of cat crap).

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    2. thx i'll try that

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  17. It is so freaking cold here (freezing and then a strong wind) that I am either going to have to invest in some lined running tights or putting two pairs on at once. My thighs ached from the cold after my last run!

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  18. Thank you so much for this post! Just at the right time. After 2 runs in snow I was ready to buy a one day pass at the gym so that I can do my tempo run on the threadmill. But then I saw your post and decided to forget about tempo and go for another snow run. It was so nice!

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  19. My favourite Confucius gag : Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

    B'dum tish!

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  20. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. LETS ALL HAVE A GREAT 2015

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  21. I have YakTrax though they do fall off occasionally. Fixed that buy either spending more money on the Pro version or simply securing across the top of your shoe with velcro straps. Also occasionally use "Screwed Shoes" - sheet metal screws in your shoes provide amazing traction. Of course you can't use that pair for anything else but ice/snow running.

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