Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

I must admit I love running in the cool weather. It is probably a good thing as I live in a very cold country..Canada! We have this winter already received almost 100cm of snow on the ground. Our paths are cleared regularly however their is always a base layer of snow. This is my second year of running and now spend about one hour five times a week outside. This month however has been extremely difficult. I have learned the hard way that I complete my foot strike with a strong push off from my toes this leaves me slipping and in danger of pulling something (very close a couple of times) when I try to shorten my stride and/or lighten up on the push off my run seems difficult and uncomfortable. Any suggestions would be helpful, shoes, technique etc.... Thanks Ana

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Ana']

[Dan]

Hi Ana,

Running in snow or ice certainly is more difficult. You've got the right idea about not pushing off to forcefully, but it needs to be comfortable, too. Keeping your weight centered on your midfoot, slightly toward your toes, will probably provide the best balance and distance endurance. It may take some time to get used to a new technique, so don't give up on it right away.

Dan

[Guest]

I am from Ohio and this winter has been quite bad. I often run on trails and they have been snow covered for about 3 weeks. I know what you mean about not being able to push off. Running in the deep snow is quite tiresome to the quads as well. I have thought about buying a pair of "snow trackers". They fit on your running shoes and have spikes on them that supposedly give great traction in the snow and ice. I think you can find them at roadrunnersports.com. Do you think they'll give me a discount for mentioning their store Dan?

Dave

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Dave']

[Dan]

I don't think the provide any word of mouth discounts, but clicking through to them from one of the banners on Run-Down should net $20 off. It's not clear if that's just for the first order, repeat orders, only running shoes, or all products...

A friend of mine spent some time in Montana and said running snowshoes are great for that sort of thing. I spent two years in an area with fairly heavy snow in the winter, and I can sympathize with how exhausting running in two feet of snow is. I'm told you get used to it, though...

Dan

[Guest]

Hi Ana;
Whereabouts in Canada do you live,myself in southern Ontario.You are right about watching your footfall,one wrong move and you're under a car.Been running outdoors in winter for 7 years.Got bumped by a car,bite by a very small dog in a snowbank,slid down a hill into a mailbox and I can't count the number of times a fell and got a black and blue butt.It's wonderful.
Svend

[Anonymously Posted by: 'svend christensen']