Let’s talk about running on the ice.
We probably get the—> ‘you are crazy’ a lot when people see/hear about us running outside during the cold winter months.
And if you think about it, we kind of are but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I actually love running on the snow but running on the ice, that is another story. I took a crazy bad fall last winter on the ice and hit my head hard and so I have been afraid of the ice ever since.
What I am doing this winter about the ice:
-I don’t run on the ice that much and hit the treadmill instead when it is really bad out (and also because the treadmill is my only option a lot of the time). An indoor track for speedwork is kind of the best when it is ice city outside.
-I run on the shoulder of the road instead of the sidewalk. Around here I notice that the sidewalks are way worse than the roads as far as ice goes.
-I slow WAY down. If I see ice or know there is a chance of ice where I am running, I slow down a ton. I forget about my pace and focus on staying horizontal rather than falling on the ice because I am trying to go fast.
-I am much more cautious this winter and keep my eyes scanning where I am about to step the entire time. If it is icy, I don’t really take my eyes off of the ground (but I am also pretty paranoid:) I also avoid running when it is icy AND dark like the plague… the combination is just not good for me.
-I really just need to get a pair of Yaktrax because I have heard great things about using them in the snow and ice.
And a picture of me with slippers on the ice because I somehow think that this picture is relevant to this topic.
Our mountains at sunset (no filter, just mountains) because this might have something to do with running on the ice too.
It was my niece’s bday yesterday and she chose to go to Subway for her bday dinner. She just likes to Eat Fresh;)
And because we think that every girl should get flowers and a piñata full of their favorite candy on their birthday:
We attempted a selfie:
And a classy date later on with Megs to McDonald’s so Brooke could play and I could eat a soft-serve.
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What are your tips for running on the ice? Any winter running stories to share with us?!?
If you are a Subway eater, what is your normal order there?
Do you normally run on a running trail, sidewalk or the shoulder of the road?
What are your Friday night plans?
125 comments
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Around me it is mostly possible to avoid the ice since the streets are cleaned up pretty well, the sidewalks are a mess though. I got completely caught in a crazy snow/wind storm this morning that was NOT shown on my weather app! The beginning of the run was clear and by the end there was at least an inch of snow. Not my favorite part of winter.
Erica { EricaDHouse.com }
Brooke wins at selfies.
I couldn’t even WALK on ice when I was in Chicago last weekend!
Kristina @ Blog About Running
My tip for running on ice is to come visit me in South Florida because we never ever have that problem :) Yesterday a cold front came through and it was a frigid 65 degrees and that’s pretty much as bad as it ever gets!
I like to run on the sidewalk instead of the shoulder, it feels safer to me. Plus I usually run at the beach and there are some really nice, wide sidewalks!
Sarah @ KS Runner
I’m always super cautious about running on ice also – I took a bad fall on ice a few years ago and will usually opt to run on the treadmill rather than take any chances now. I also feel like my gait is way, way different when I’m running on ice, and I’d rather not end up injured from altering my running stride just so I can go outside.
Happy Birthday to your niece!!
Kirtley Freckleton @ The Gist of Fit
Ice is scary! My grandparents almost got hit by falling ice walking down the sidewalk. They said it would have knocked them out! So. Be careful.
I’m a trail runner! Any place that’s not by cars is good for me!
Have an awesome day!!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Usually there’s no ice in Phoenix but it has happened a few times and it’s dangerous too because you do not expect it. The roads are always way better or trails if you have one by you. Otherwise sidewalks are off limits and treadmill is safest. Happy weekend girls!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I tried to run outside most of last winter but it was so annoying to have to constantly dodge ice or stop to walk across it! So this year I am just going to run on the treadmill when I know there is ice…its definitely not worth risking an injury and I am really clumsy so I’m sure its just a matter of time before I fall!
Brenda @ Don't Lose the Trail
I prefer trail running (shocking!) but I have yet to hit the trails in slushy/snowy/icy conditions because I was spoiled living in the Bay Area until a few weeks ago. I got some new Salomon trail running shoes that I have high hopes for…this morning it’s supposed to snow here so I am going to take them for their inaugural run in the snow just on the sidewalks in my neighborhood to see how the tread feels, etc.
Jennifer
I’ll have to go through here and read everyone else ice tips!
I love subway cookies…does that count?
I run on roads, trails and sidewalks.
Friday night: pasta and early bed for tomorrow’s long run!
Sabrina
I have not had Subway in YEARS! Is that bad? I’ve been to other sub chains, but not a Subway.
Kelly M
I seriously HATE running on ice/in the cold! I don’t have a gym membership at the moment so I have been sticking to the spin bike to keep up some endurance.
I have never changed my order at Subway. I have been eating the same thing for the last 15 or so years. I change a few toppings here and there and sometimes I get it toasted. It is Turkey with provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, & some salt/pepper. So good!
I almost always run on the sidewalk. My husband and I bought a house last June and one of the things I was looking for was a nice big neighborhood with sidewalks. There is a bike trail just down the road which I have hit up a few times.
I don’t think I have any plans this evening… which is WONDERFUL! After finishing college and getting a full time job, having no plans are the best plans!
Flower
My tips for running on ice:
Make sure you take off your blade guards…
Wait, you said running on ice?
Gah, I live in Florida. We only have ice at the skating rink in the mall.
Disregard, no advice here. :)
Brooke’s face in that selfie is priceless.
Rachel Runs Music City
My best tip for running on ice: don’t do it.
I usually order a Steak and Cheese on flatbread at Subway (along with almost all the veggies so they can’t close the flatbread!)
I use trails most of the time. Luckily I live where it doesn’t get too icy because otherwise I’d have issues.
I plan on having a gym date with the hubby tonight :)
Diane
Take an old pair of running shoes and put screws in the bottoms. Helps so much on the ice, better than yak tracks. There are certain places in the shoes to put the screws, so look it up on the internet or ask at your running store.. Our local running store had an evening run and put screws in our shoes. I have run in snow and ice here in idaho with them and never slip.
The Hungry Runner Girl
THAT IS BRILLIANT! I am totally going to try this. Thank you Diane!
Terry
I do the same thing as it’s a long, snowy and icy winter up here in Canada!
CarolZ
Runner’s World has a video showing you how to do this. Tried it last year and it saved my runs. Now I can run on snow and ice, if it’s not too bad.
Becky
My boss was just telling me about this yesterday!! I have yaktrax but now I really want to try this!
Nicole@TheGirlWhoRanEverywhere
I hate running on ice! i have broken SEVERALLLL pairs of yaktrax over the years but they are definitely worth it! i just bought the yaktrax RUN this week and i’m now waiting for them (impatiently) to come in the mail! :)
I run on the mill in the winter alot too…i took a bad spill last November and still have bad scars from it..I’m not taking any chances!
Randi
oh my gosh, that selfie!!! Brooke wins at Best.Selfie.Ever!
Typically no snow or ice in SC. And if by some small chance there is I ALWAYS use the gym at work…I’m a wimp. I can run in 40 deg weather but any colder no way!
Have a great Friday!!
Noelle
You really should try Kahtoola micro spikes (way better than yaktraks), I have been able to run up and down hills that are sheets of ice! I seriously love them!
The Hungry Runner Girl
WOW! Those sound amazing. I am totally going to have to look into those. Thanks Noelle! Have an awesome weekend!
Laura
I second this- I just got a pair for x-mas. They are AMAZING!! They stay on my shoe and aren’t even that heavy. I think for us mountain gals (I live in colorado) we need something a little more substantial than yaktraks!
Christina
+1 on the microspikes. Pricey but worth every penny. Living in Montana, they’re definitely necessary. Love love love them (I’ve tried yaktraks too, the spikes do better at digging into the ice). Microspikes are great trail or road, but if you get on any ice-free road, might be annoying. On trails, they just dig into any bare dirt.
Hollie
After I took a nasty spill on the ice , I also like to go inside when the weather is bad out. It’s not worth it to be injured more. Plus like you said, how beneficial can you really be trying to do speed work on ice?
Kaella
I don’t usually run outside of it is icy (or dark!) since it freaks me out. The treadmill is usually my only option anyway since I run before my son wakes up.
I am taking my little guy to a hockey game tonight!
I want an ice cream cone now!! Mmm!!
sanaz@runforcake
In South Florida we don’t have an ice or snow problem (don’t hate me) but overall I enjoy running on the shoulder more than the sidewalk especially at night. I find the shoulder has better lighting because of the street lights. I just run against traffic and wear my handy flashing light.
It’s so funny your post is about subway when that was EXACTLY what I was planning on having for lunch. I guess it was just meant to be!
Ashley @ Kickashmom
I’m all about running on a treadmill when it’s cold. I’m in the same boat as you, with kids a lot of the time it’s your only option. I used to get stressed about it but now I know it’s okay.
Rachel
Subway’s Sweet onion Chicken Teriyaki is my sandwich!!
The Hungry Runner Girl
That is what I got yesterday:)
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
My tip for running on ice is to run indoors that day :). I’ve heard so many horror stories that I’ve come to form a loving relationship with the treadmill, Save the Dates coming soon ;).
The Hungry Runner Girl
I really like this tip:)
Lauren @ The Foodie Runner
From your third bullet point about ice – I really hope you meant vertical ;)
And there are no sidewalks near where I live right now so I’m a side of the road runner!
CarolZ
Haha!! She sure was horizontal when she fell!
R
Try the screw tip for running on ice from the bottom half of this blog post: http://www.glitteranddust.com/learned-running-20-miles-freezing/
I found it a little while ago and, although I can’t try it in Northen California, my friends in snowy, icy Colorado reported back that it worked great for them.
The Hungry Runner Girl
THANK YOU FOR THE LINK! I am totally going to try this. Hope you are having a great day and enjoy that weather in N. California for us:)
Elizabeth
No running outside when there is ice. I broke my ankle two years ago and needed a plate with screws put in to repair. I didn’t break it on the ice (slipped on a blanket on wood floor) but my surgeon said the break was the classic slip on ice break and he repairs tons of them in the winter! My ankle seriously hurts even when I see ice outside just thinking about what could happen. Treadmill is a life saver in winter!
Heather @ Run Eat Play
I’m such a baby about running in the winter! I only run on the treadmill in the winter! I’ll take running in the heat over running in the snow any day!!
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner
I’ve never run on ice but that hasn’t stopped me from having narly falls. I couldnt even imagine what to do or how to run. I run either on a marked trail or on the side of the road. For some reason I don’t care about the sidewalk.
Carson
Typically no ice in Alabama, although yesterday our temps didn’t get above freezing, which is super weird. And miserable.
No Friday night plans yet! Right now I am just dreaming of a warm bed.
Kimberly @ Keeping Up With Kimberly
I normally run on the shoulder of the road. In a neighborhood with few cars/a wide shoulder, I feel it’s a better choice than the sidewalk. In my area, the sidewalks are very uneven and there are a lot of tree routes. I always worry that I’ll turn an ankle on the sidewalk. I’d recommend the shoulder as long as you are being safe on the road!
I also try to avoid running on ice. Treadmill/indoor track is the way to go!
Kimberly @ Keeping Up With Kimberly
make that tree roots haha
[email protected].
I do not run on the ice at all – not only am I afraid of falling (I fell last year and almost broke my finger) but I also find that running on snow/ice makes all my muscle imbalance issues 100x worse and I get aches and pains. If it isn’t too bad out – I can run on the shoulder of the road to a small subdivision (that has no sidewalks) and I will do laps there. BUT – it is the world’s most boring run. Running on the major streets in my area is not safe at all. Plus, the roads are snow covered anyways. Treadmill it is!
Kelly
I avoid the sidewalks. Why are they always sloped? Why are they always uneven? Why does no one shovel their sidewalk?
Question for you about our lovely air quality situation along the Wasatch front in the winter. What do you do? I usually head in for the treadmill but I can’t tolerate my long run on the treadmill. Any running locations to suggest? I might start organizing a runners’ bus to Park City every Saturday, lol.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh. The inversion. It is awful. There were a few runs last year that it hurt to breathe. This year I will be indoors more but I would LOVE to join your bus to PC each Saturday. Seriously.
Kelly
It does hurt to breathe! I may need to move the St G permanently. The “bus” will be my SUV tomorrow but you are more than welcome to join!
Sarah
I took a nasty fall on the sidewalk last year so I’ve since transitioned to running on the shoulder of the road! I remember your post s last year when you were running in crazy cold temps/ice/snow… I’m glad you’re running on the treadmill a little more when the weathers bad… Safety first! ;)
Going out for the first time in a long time tonight with one of hubs colleagues & wife. I hope you have a great night!
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
aww happy birthday to your niece! She looks so grown up in that picture with the flowers! :) I definitely think its better to run on the road rather than sidewalks… no one shovels their sidewalks in my neighborhood, it’s so dangerous!
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
Ugh I ran around way too many ice patches last winter…I try to run in the street during the stormy months because the streets are less icy than my usual path. I also make the treadmill an option so that I don’t risk hurting myself if it’s really bad out! Going to Melting Pot today for the chocolate fondue!
Sarah
I ate Subway everyday (sometimes twice a day) my freshman year of college. In my mind, avoid the cafeteria=avoid freshman 15, and it actually worked, but now I NEVER want to eat Subway haha.
Di
Definitely get the yaktrax! I have them and they really work for me! I even where them walking my dog in the winter so that I don’t end up being pulled like a sled. :)
Sarah
I’m normally an outside runner n the shoulder of the road but in winter I alternate treadmill and outside. I really hate cold weather!
Jenny
I took a bad fall on the ice…hit my head and tweaked my hip/groin area this year! Totally know what you mean about being scared of it! Love my Yaktrax :) definitely worth a try!
Monica
No running on ice stories, but I used to walk my dog three times a day before baby, even in the worst of winter. I slipped and fell so many times, it was ridiculous. My husband bought be Yaktrax, and they were amazing! Seriously! I think I may have slipped once or twice ever after that. I wonder how they would work with running, though?
Lindsay
if you want to see crazy runners watch Desert Runner on Netflix! These runners are CRAZY!
Chelsea L.
In college, the rec center was a mile away so I had to run there in the winter even if I wanted to do a treadmill workout, so I’ve fallen on the ice many times. I usually tried to stay on the shoulder too!
Always get a veggie sub at Subway with every single veggie and sweet onion sauce. Sounds like one of those might be in my Friday night plans now!
Rebecca
I screwed my shoes last winter. Tons of you tube videos on how to do that yourself :). I run slow, don’t run when it is icey and dark..have fun! This is a video that I used to screw my shoes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJBm5PrZjok
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much Rebecca! I am totally going to try this… AWESOME!!
Lindsay
It works AWESOME here in MI!
Laura
YakTrax are a game changer! However they won’t work well on slippery ice / pavement (nothing really can when it’s that bad!). I love, love, love YTx for winter trail running.
Elena
I don’t run on ice anymore. I had a fall too and my head barely missed the curb (was running in the street). Treadmill for me or if I am running and see ice I actually go on the grass thru the snow b/c it seems so much safer.
When road tripping over Christmas we stopped at Subway and they have CHOPPED SALAD! I just told the guy all the veggies I wanted and he put it in a big bowl and chopped it with a tool to make all the pieces tiny. It was AMAZING!
If it’s not snowing and I’m outside I aim for the sidewalk. Some parts of my longer run I have to run on the shoulder of the road b/c no sidewalk. I try to not do that in the dark – I’m very paranoid.
Hubby is home from business travel so cooking in and a glass of wine are on the agenda. Maybe family game night if I can get my teenagers on board :)
Kate @ The Endorphin Junkie
The roads are always better than the sidewalks when it comes to ice, which I don’t totally understand. I ran outside today and froze…but I felt very good after it was over :) We don’t really have plans tonight except to relax and watch Netflix (which is a great night in my opinion!). Have a great weekend!
Lindsay
Here in Michigan we pretty much have to run on ice for 4 months out of the year. We screw an old pair of shoes- works GREAT!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
9 times out of 10 I am running on the road. Sometimes it can get old, but there aren’t a whole lot of local trails in my area. And at least it simulates most race days! And I’ve actually never run on the ice! We just don’t get a whole lot in Texas, and if we do, it calls for a snow day of doing NOTHING.
I am a somewhat frequent Subway eater! I love their chopped chicken salad with a TON of onion and green peppers. But my real favorite thing are those COOKIES! :)
Jillian
I’m with you — I’ve fallen on ice and am terrified. Because I can only really run in the dark because of work and family, I’ll be sticking to the treadmill this winter when it gets icy out.
Subway is my back-up because I’m a loyal Jersey Mike’s Subs girl. Do you have any in Utah? Trust me. They’re the best. The #2.
I usually run on the shoulder… I generally find it safer because our sidewalks aren’t all that even and I have a tendency to trip when I’m zoned out. Graceful, I know.
Finally, I’m SO excited for Friday night. This is my first week back to work after maternity leave so tonight we’re staying in and snuggling the baby all night (okay, all weekend) long.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub
I’ve never tried any yaktraks either but I’ve heard good thing. I went to a talk from Martin Parnell who ran 300 marathons in a year in Canada, so he did a lot of winter running. He used trail shoes during the winter and like you said, slowed pace and avoided the most icy sections. That’s about all you can do if you want to stay outside.
chelsea
Vermont is pretty icy in the winter- I usually just run really slowly through icy areas, and try to land flat-footed. I banged my knee about a month ago and its still tender- so trying to avoid ice from now on!
Staci @ Hoosier Running Mom
Yaktraxs or screws!!
I eat subway whenever I forget to bring my lunch to work. Turkey on wheat no cheese with every veggie imagined and sweet onion!
Tonight some ladies I run with and I are having a taco bar and meeting up about what races we may run this year!
Christina
We have to drive hours on end to get near snow I live in CA 20 min near a beach, don’t hate me;) was weirdly 80 degrees few days ago. But with all my kids home still on school break I hit the treadmill a lot lately. My husband hits gym wee hours now. So my kids play basketball or ride bikes while I run on treadmill and watch them.
Friday night we are gonna find a good flick on Netflix and I’ve been making the bomb.com popcorn:)
Oh and I run sidewalk mainly cause cars scare me.
Linda @ TheFitty
I’m weary of runing on ice. I injured my left hip flexor last week running on ice and I thought it healed but the pain is coming back. I can see why you like treadmill running especially in the winter.
Courtney!
I used to give campus tours in college and I once slipped and hit my head on the sidewalk in front of like 75 people. Later my boss asked if I fell and when I asked how she knew, she said it was because I had sand/salt mixture all over my face.
So, no. I do not run on ice.
Barbara
I am in central California, not much ice but TONS of fog, that is FUN to run in as long as your not on the road = cars OUCH! Luckily a pretty nice trail fairly near.
I LOVE the pink daisies what a great idea girls need to get used to getting flowers early and often. :)
I am a HUGE fan of Subway and my go to is either chicken breast with LOTS of jalepeno or eggwhite and cheese with lots of tomato.
jessica
Ouchy.! Falling on the ice sounds horrible. Luckly we don’t get ice that often. And when we do, I’m suuper careful.
And I always get the veggie delite at subway.! My fav.
Annie @ Annie Get Your Run
I love my YakTrax! I wear them to walk to work and it makes me feel so much more relaxed. I fall without ice so I don’t need any help hitting the pavement on my butt! :)
Thea
Yak trax are great! You won’t regret the purchase.
Kerry @ cookcleanrundream
I’m totally a Jordan River Parkway girl myself. I like that I don’t have to worry about cars. But given the gorgeous mountains where we live I REALLY want to get out on the trails some. I just need to figure out where to start. I’m a little afraid of getting lost!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
I chose the treadmill all the time over running on ice! I’m so afraid of falling and injurying myself and then not being able to run. Our streets are usually slushy and slippery, while sidewalks are safer because they’re covered in packed snow.
Those mountains are beautiful!
Kayse Hinrichsen
Our local running store will put screws in the bottom of your shoes and they work great. You don’t take them in and out though so those shoes become your winter shoes. I fell once before too before I got my shoes studded. Fun fact, we stud bike tires up here in Alaska as well:)
Melissa
I bought a pair of yaktrax last winter but never used them because I felt like they were cumbersome, but after some more snow here last night, I finally tried them this morning – and I love them! Once I got a quarter mile out I was totally used to them, and they definitely helped me grip; I didn’t slip or slide once.
I did trip over the sidewalk and fall into a snowbank, but that’s because I’m clumsy.
Right now it’s more snowy than icy here, though I did go over some snowy patches. I recommend the yaktrax, but I think I’m going to cannibalize a pair of old shoes and try out that screws idea.
Kiara Provenzano
I seriously give you all so much credit for running in the snow and ice! Reading these posts make me see how grateful I am to live in South Florida and be able to run Ocean Blvd every morning! Seriously after reading about runners in the single digit degrees, I will never complain about a run outside ever again haha
And tonight my plans are probably to go to dinner and a movie with my mom :) I’ll be 25 in 6 days but you’re never too old to have a date with your mother (also best friend)! :)
Hope you have a great weekend Janae! Stay warm!!!
Jessica @ Laces and Lattes
Tips for running on ice? Sloooow down. I am always afraid of getting injured if I am too speedy on the ice.
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
I don’t mind running on snow and/or ice, as long as I have screws in my shoes. They work like a charm, are super gripping, and I’ve never had any problems with running since using them. You don’t even know they are there and no, they do not ruin the shoes. When it is icy or snowy, I almost always run on the run and will run in areas that don’t have a lot of traffic.
I LOVE Subway and will typically have the club or chicken breast loaded with veggies. Oh So Good!
Friday night? That is a good question. This is left to be determined. ☺
tess
You know, I fell on rocks in the street a few years ago when out running (it was too early for the sun to be up) and I am now SO NERVOUS to run in the dark. Ironically, I run in the dark all the time. It’s my favorite. But if I can’t see very well, I’m super cautious and will even walk over iffy patches. It’s just smart. I twisted my ankle so bad I had to ditch a marathon and was off running for months.
I’m iffy about yak traks (I’m in Denver) because sometimes the ice is patchy and there will be just sidewalk/street. I bet it’s way better for trails. I don’t live on the pretty easily accessible trail side of Denver.
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
I am so clumsy that running on ice absolutely terrifies me :( These tips are awesome though!! My regular Subway order is black forest ham on Italian herbs and cheese bread or flatbread with pepper jack cheese and all of the veggies except olives and onions :) So good!!! Happy Birthday to your sweet niece yesterday!! :)
Cathy
Great post! I am definitely going to ask my local running store about the screws and the yaktrax. My favorite compliment is also you are crazy, only I get it after taking classes at the gym. Friday night? I am supposed to go to candlelight yoga after work with my friend/trainer and then get tacos. He had me doing a ton of arm work this morning so I have a feeling doing planks and down dog is going to be a little bit of a challenge! Hmmm, I think he did that on purpose!
Cat @ Breakfast to Bed
yaktrax are great for short distances. (<5mi) after that, they feel like running on the ghosts of ever porcupine ever.
Leslie @ Life Begins @ 30?
I usually run on sidewalks or running trails…neither of which get treated for ice. So I stick to indoor workouts. I fall when it is not icy, so better safe than sorry for me!
Angela @ North Idaho Runner
Yak Trax are great for spots of ice and snow. If you have a solid sheet of ice, I would recommend investing in some microspikes; they are like Yak Trax in that they slip over your shoes but they are definitely more serious (offer better protection). I’ve been using them this winter because we had about four inches of ice buried under snow. I have not fallen once. The day before I got them, I ran in Yak Trax and was slipping everywhere.
I think it depends on where you live. Where I’m at, the roads are 10x’s worse than the sidewalks / paths. Plus…I am terrified of running on a slick road with cars that may slide. I avoid roads like the plague, especially because I run with my dog.
My Friday night plans involve sushi carb loading then being in bed at 8PM….50k fun run @ 8 AM tomorrow!
Suzy
Okay that story of you hitting your head freaks me out! I’m so glad you were okay. You’re right about shoulders being safer than sidewalks. When it’s icy here, I stick to the dreadmill. Stay safe!
shelley
Skip the YakTrax! I live near Buffalo so we get a lot of snow and ice in the winter. I tried the yaktrax pros three separate times and after the third pair broke I gave up. They all lasted five or six runs and that was it. For icy weather I either use screws for my shoes as already mentioned and this year I picked up a pair of ice spikes at walmart (in the shoe department) for $12 that work so much better than the yaktrax ever did (and they are about $30 cheaper). I think you can only get them in store. I wore them just this morning in fresh snow/ice and didn’t slip once and I am 21 weeks pregnant so my balance is already a little off!
Christina (Sisters Running the Kitchen)
I just got done doing my 20 mile long run outside- it was cold, windy and snowing outside. two people took my photo (creepy but probably did it because they thought hey look at that crazy person! lets take their photo! haha). My tip is that even though it is harder to run through…to run through the snow (assuming its not too deep) versus the slick sidewalk, etc. kind of like your tip for running on side of road. you get more traction that way. I too slowed down a bit as well…although it felt just as hard as it usually does when you factor in running through snow, wind and cold temps haha. man im glad to be done that run!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Running on the ice is intense, so I stay away. I don’t run much, and there is no ice in San Francisco. :) Tonight I have a wine date with a girlfriend. Happy weekend to you and Brooke!
Lindsey C
Best advice for winter running – live on the coast in California ;) I happily have NO CLUE how to run in cold weather!
My weekend plans – I’m heading out of town for a girls weekend with my best friends from high school!! We are all pushing 40 now but we are still so close, even though we rarely get all of us together. We’ll have twelve girls in a beach house in Capitola. We’re going wine tasting tomorrow for a few hours, and the rest of the weekend will be spent in our pajamas talking & laughing. I’M SO EXCITED!!! :)
Have a great weekend!!
Sam
I have never tried to run on ice. Knowing me, that wouldn’t really end well :)
As for Friday night plans, they are pretty boring because I’m working this weekend.
Kay
I can barely manage to walk on ice usually, so running indoors for me!
Tracy
I live in Alaska, so running on ice is kind of the norm… I finally bought studded shoes this year, as I had a bad fall on the ice last year too.. It was a great decision! :)
Kay @ goaloflosing.com
I love subway, but for a while during my pregnancy, I tried not to eat lunch meat. Now that I’m 38 weeks pregnant, I’m going for it! I love turkey and provolone with lettuce, tomato, black olives and mayo!
Nikki @ will run for pizza
I need a pair of Yak’s too. I avoid ice too. And I also avoid temps below about 25 or so. Although I’m living in those temps and it’s in the negatives right now, so plan isn’t going so well…. :( Tonight? Working my 2nd job. :( From home. :) And HOPEFULLY purchasing a TM! Used, but I don’t even freaking CARE!
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I only run on trails when it’s icy/snowy out – roads/sidewalks are too questionable and I don’t want to wipe out any more than I do on level ground ;)
I usually run on trails if I’m not on my treadmill
I’m babysitting tonight – wild Friday night! :)
icurunner
We just had a massive ice storm where I live… making my best winter running option the treadmill (dreadmill?) Not fabulous, but I haven’t fallen yet this winter!
Danica @ It's Progression
I have lazy Friday night plans to cook dinner and watch a bunch of Parks & Rec episodes with my husband :)
Amber
We rarely get ice here, but a friend in a northern state swears by putting screws in the bottom of an older pair of shoes!
Laurie
I live in Dallas and am scared to even walk on the ice (much less run). I’m in awe of anyone who can run in snow (so my method of running when it’s snowing would be on a treadmill).
Tonight, the family and I will be watching a movie and laying low since tomorrow is my birthday and we may even stay up until 10:30 to be crazy!
Lauren
I’m totally scared to run outside right now not because of the cold, but the icy sidewalks! I want to invest in some yaktraks for sure!
AmyD
I have a pair of YakTrax you can have! I bought them for a friend who moved to Baltimore, but her brother bought her a pair too. I can take a picture when I get home and you can see if they’ll work for you. AmyD
kristin | W [H] A T C H
i am also afraid of the ice!
Amy @ Life to the Full
Yaktrax have been absolutely amazing for me! This my second winter running with them and I haven’t slipped yet. Plus, I can hardly feel them on my shoes :) I’m from about an hour south of the Canadian border and they are a must up here!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job
I would like to say that I am amazing and run outside in the cold all the time, but I don’t think it’s my thing. I think I will pick a treadmill over the terror that I feel stepping outside in the Chicago cold. I think it’s been something that Ive been trying to prove to myself, but I don’t know that I’m even enjoying myself which is not what I want out of my running.
Good tips!
Valerie
Janae, can you recommend some winter running tights? I have long legs and everything I’ve tried is too short and leave exposed and cold lower legs and ankles. I’d like to try getting out there in the snow sometime.
I don’t have plans for tonight, yet… Probably dinner with the bf and a movie, like usual :)
Amy Lauren
No ice here in SC. Chilly temps and I had to wear pants yesterday, but other than that it’s been fine. I normally run on the actual road itself but I live in suburbia… if I’m running in the city of Charleston, downtown, where there’s traffic, I usually run on a sidewalk. We don’t even have sidewalks in my neighborhood.
Tantra
I refuse to run on ice I fell a few years ago and now I’m terrified!
So the treadmill and I are kinda bffls, lol.
I heart subway.. I get the spicy Italian on Italian herb and cheese bread with mayo(yes mayo, no judgement)..
I run everywhere but on trails because I’m a clutz and I will fall! It happens EVERYtime so I avoid it at all costs!
Happy Friday I’m doing nothing!!!! Well running and laundry… Lol
debbie
my apologies if anyone already mentioned this. I live in Juneau alaska wheer we have a LOT of ice. I know of runners who have a lot of success screwing running spikes into their running shoes. The onyl downfall is that you can’t remove them. So you would need to dedicate one pair of shoes to snow/ice running. Something like this: http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
Yaktracks can affect your gait — which might cause inury.
Amanda
You can also check out La Sportiva Hobnails, which allow you to remove the nail after the winter season is over and voila..you have your shoes back again!
Angie Jerde
I can relate with you on the ice issue since I’m avoiding it here too in FRIGID MN!!! Thanks for this awesome giveaway : )
Carissa
I love Brooks and the PureCadence are my favorite!!!!!!
Damarys
I can totally relate on running on ice…I don’t do it. And when there has been leftover snow, I run slower. I’m very panicked about falling :(
thanks for this giveaway
Tammy
Get the YakTrax! This is my first winter running outside. I bought the Yaks and I am just falling in love with winter running. You still have to be careful on ice, but the Yaks rock! I love the crunch crunch with each step. I am still careful as you are and watch each step and my pace has slowed to about 2 minutes slower per mile. Winter running is so refreshing though! All those years I did the treadmill… ugh! The treadmill is still necessary for some days and I will love it dearly on those days, but if the conditions are good and it works for me to get outside I am going to enjoy every step of every mile. Good luck!
Traci
Running on ice sounds scary to me! My Friday night plans are to catch up on things and get together with friends, too. A nice balance.
Gracie
Friday night plans: Making a huge batch of meatballs for the fridge. I’m that boring.
Coffee u
I made screw shoes for my non-ideal winter running, and they work pretty well. As I run with my dog, he tends to get confused if I move to the shoulder, so I reserve that for passing other people with dogs. I’ve found that even if I misjudged the sidewalk conditions and am out in normal shoes that if I pretend to be breach running (no push off at the end of the stride), and don’t overstride that I can slip a bit, but keep my feet under me enough to not fall. My record is four steps sliding without falling; set a few days ago.
That said, when we do have freezing rain I keep telling myself that I’d be stupid to run. Sadly, I don’t have a treadmill backup.
Kathee
I love running when it’s cold! I try to stay away from ice. I’m with you, the roads can be in better shape then the sidewalk. I have yaktraks but I can’t see wearing them unless your actually on the trail. They are pretty substantial. When I see ice I’m like you, I slow down and take really short steps. It’s really hilarious.
Amber
Those mountains sure are beautiful! Just spent some time travelling through Utah and Arizona and it really is a beautiful part of the world. Tried running through the Grand Canyon but it was also very icy so it was super hard! I’m from Australia so not used to this kind of Winter!
Aubrey
I usually just hit the treadmill if it’s icy, but I came across these recently: http://kahtoola.com/product/nanospikes/
I use Microspikes for winter hiking, but these are designed for runners!
Molly@This Life Is Sparkling
That picture of you and Brooke is ADORABLE.
Amy @ Mama Running for God
I don’t run outside much at all in the winter, especially if it’s icy. I spend lots of time on the treadmills at Planet Fitness! So I have no great words of wisdom. I am the odd woman out when it comes to treadmills, since I don’t mind them at all. Unlike most runners who despise them.
Friday night we just stayed home. Nice quiet night at home. :)