Seems like lots of people are amazed by runners who don't quit running for the winter -- or at least spend their winters on a dreadmill treadmill. For me, running is about so much more than logging miles. I don't claim to be amazing by any means. I'm just someone who likes to keep moving (well, until 8pm. Then I like to sit on my couch completely undisturbed.) I seem to find my soul when I run -- and when the weather is inclement, it makes that soul-searching even deeper and more profound. I've always enjoyed being out in nature, regardless of the elements. In fact, the crappier the weather, the tougher I feel. That doesn't change with running. At all.
(Although don't get me wrong. Some days for speedwork I just have to suck it up and watch the news while I throw down my 800 repeats. Because this:
Is far more conducive to speed than this:)
Of course there are challenges. Staying warm, and staying on your feet are perhaps the two most important parts of the puzzle to figure out. I've got no problem staying warm. Some fleecy tights, smartwool socks, and a bunch of layers up top (oh, and smartwool hat and/or headband and gloves). As for traction, that's been a bit more difficult to figure out. In the beginning of the winter, I tried Yaktrax. They worked for a couple runs, but I eventually wore the spikes down from running on sheer ice and gave up on them.
I tried just going without any traction, but that ended poorly on a beautiful, ice day in the mountains.... Hills + ice + snow + no traction = serious frustration.
I'd heard about people screwing theirs shoes, so I went with that theory. I took a pair of retired shoes and a bunch of 3/8" sheetmetal screws.
Shazam. Screw shoes. Best invention ever. Cheap and functional! And no, I've never felt them under my feet and definitely never been poked.
And for these types of trail (or road) conditions, you can't beat them!
Montana winter days can be deceiving. This day was about five degrees (above zero - win!)
My favorite place to run while Makena is at school and Zoe's in preschool is in the South Hill trails and/or Mount Helena trails. There are a couple loops I've found that end up between 5 and 7 miles - perfect to get a little elevation and some alone time in the morning.
The shoes I screwed are summer road shoes... Mostly mesh. Despite wearing super cozy Smartwool socks, my toes always ended up frigid. Enter my second cheap plan for comfortable winter running: Duct taped uppers! Works like a charm. ...unless it's below zero -- the tape only lasts about 8 or 9 miles before it no longer sticks...
And believe it or not, I'm not the only crazy awesome person out there running through the winter. Kari and I ran the Snow Joke half together, and plan on running the Bozeman Run To The Pub in mid-March. Hooray for equally awesome friends.
OK, perhaps *this* four-footed running partner doesn't always get a choice.
Look! It's me on the top of Mt Helena on some random morning in February! One of my goals for this summer is to be able to run all the way up. ALL the way.
So there you have it. Winter running. Love it. And for the record, I'll take this over 80 degrees any day of the year.
...speaking of which... this summer is going to be damned hot. Is there an invention yet to make running in hot weather more bearable???
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