Get Out There! Tips For Post-Blizzard Running

Well, we survived the blizzard of 2011. Schools and businesses are reopening and life is getting back to normal. However, I can't help but wonder how long our roads and sidewalks will be buried in snow. Will we ever see clean pavement again? What's a runner to do?

Some runners gladly take to the treadmill, but I am not one of them. I have tried all the distractions known to mankind – TV, music, friends – but I still can't stand it. After 30 minutes, I am ready to feign injury just to have an excuse to stop. I'd rather run outside, even if it's cold. But how does one run in a post-blizzard world? The answer: Carefully and with the proper accessories.

The first task, of course, is to assess the road conditions. Running in snow can be lovely or it can be a trip to the emergency room if you slip and fall. Fortunately, there are ways to help keep your footing. One easy trick is to get a pair of ice grippers, like YakTrax, that go over your shoes. They give the added traction needed to run on packed snow. Be forewarned, however, they may feel a little unstable on dry pavement.

Another choice is to put sheet-metal screws on your shoes. Having nearly failed shop back in middle school, I have always shied away from this approach. However, Dan Medeiros, co-author of the blog and podcast 4 Feet Running swears by it.

“Just four bucks buys me enough screws to last through winter," Dan says. "Screw-shoes have grip on ice, snow or dry sidewalk, and making them is lots of fun.”

Fun for a gal who couldn't make a tin lampshade back in seventh grade? Maybe not, but if you want to give it a try, there are several videos out in cyberspace that can walk you through it, including this one.

A third option is to buy a pair of trail runners, which have soles with extra traction. With trail running gaining in popularity, these once-specialty shoes are now easily available in stores, although they can be pricey. An added benefit to trail runners is that they come in waterproof styles, useful for slushy conditions.

Which brings up the next important piece of gear: Socks. Personally, I don't believe in doubling up. By adding extra bulk, you may excessively compress your feet, leading to injury. A better choice is to find some Mizuno Breath Thermo socks, available at running retailers. The technology is a mystery to me, but somehow the fabric heats up when wet, so if you get caught in slush, your feet stay comfortable. Want a more low-tech approach? Plastic wrap over socks works in a pinch. You may feel a bit goofy, but at least you will stay dry.

Once you are appropriately suited up and head out, the next big choice is: Sidewalk or road? Ultimately, it's a judgement call. Generally, I find streets are less icy than sidewalks, and ice, more than snow, is likely to lead to a fall. However, distracted drivers and slippery roads can be a dangerous combination. If you opt for the street, stick to roads that are well-cleared and lightly traveled. Keep in mind that cars may not see you as you approach an intersection, especially with massive snowbanks limiting visibility. And in challenging conditions, always leave the iPod at home.

But most importantly, be flexible. If you are out for a run and the conditions seem hazardous – the pavement too slippery, the road too narrow, the visibility too limited – revise your agenda and head back home. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the scenery, without ending up in a cast.