How to run in the snow

One of the reasons why I became a teacher was for days like Monday - Snow Days!  Not really, but they are an added perk.

Having Monday off was perfect.  It gave me an extra day to be with the kids and hold them closer, because I wasn't quite ready to send them off to their destinations yet after the devastating events at Sandy Hook.

It also gave me another time to run with the husband, in the snow.  I really do love running in the snow.  Especially a fresh new snow.  You know the kind of snow I'm talking about.  It's still white and fluffy.  But there are a few challenges that come with running in the snow.

What do I wear on my feet?  
Shoes of course!  But not any old shoes.  I suggest wearing a pair of shoes with some traction.  My Mizuno Wave Rider 15s were fabulous last winter.  Currently, the only shoe I have with some decent traction are my Saucony Kinvara 3's.  They don't have tons but it was better than nothing.

What if it's slippery?  
Running in the snow is going to be slippery.  If you don't have the greatest shoes for running in the snow, then I suggest looking for some snow gear for your feet - like Yaktrax.  I am a huge fan of the Yaktrax.  I have the kind with the straps that go across the top of my feet and keep them on my shoes.

What about socks?  
Definitely not the little thin summer ones.  Be prepared for getting wet.  Cars throwing snow on you, possible puddles.  You just don't know.  I suggest wearing some warmer socks like WrightSocks.  But on Monday I chose to wear my thick SmartWool socks.  My toes were toasty warm.

What about form? 
I don't know about you, but my form does change in the snow.  My stride definitely shortened and I'm more focused on more precise steps.  I know my glutes gets one heck of a workout after running in the snow.

How do I protect my eyes? 
I suggest wearing sunglasses.  If it's actually snowing when you head out for your run, the snowflakes can definitely feel like ice pellets hitting your eyes.  I've had far too many runs in the windy, cold snow when I've come back with more tears in my eyes from the ice pellet beating, that I've finally smartened up and started wearing sunglasses.  If sunglasses don't work for you, a brimmed hat does work.  You might still have to look down at the ground if it gets too windy.



What else to wear?  
Layers.  While it's cold out there, you really don't know what it's going to be like until you get out there.  I check out the temperatures and then dress based on that, but I'm always ready to shed something like gloves, hat, or my jacket if need be.  It's not that hard to take off a layer or to put it back on if you get cold.

What to watch out for?  
Cars, snow plows, edge of the road.  Monday's snow was super slippery.  Even with the Yaktraks.  I'm also a edge of the road kind of person.  Believe me, the edge of the road and snow are not very kind to runners.  I wasn't paying very close attention to how close I was to the edge and then all of a sudden I went flying hands first (of course I had just taken my mittens off because I was getting quite warm) down onto the road.  I landed quite hard but surprisingly I didn't have any gushing blood or torn clothing.  Ward picked me up, asked if I was okay, and we were on our way again.   If I was hurt enough, I would have definitely walked home and Ward.

And what do you do when you get home from a snowy hard run?  
Aside from taking a picture so you can brag about your kick butt run, take a nice hot shower and put on some compression socks and shorts (trust me, your glutes will love you for this) as well as some comfy clothes.  This is where I will recommend ProCompression socks/sleeves or Tommie Copper sleeves and Tommie Copper Compression shorts.

How about you?  Do you run in the snow?  What are your suggestions?