Snow/ice running - recommended devices?

[InflatableBuddha]

I'm anticipating another potentially snowy winter (I'm in the Pacific Northwest) and I want to be better prepared for running in wet, heavy snow and ice.

Last year, although I didn't fall, I did have a few slips and stumbles while out on training runs, and I'm fairly certain that they caused a calf strain I suffered.

I'm thinking about getting a pair of YakTrax Pros to put on my training shoes. Does anyone have experience with these - do they work well for running? Any other devices I should look at?

Thanks.

 

[PricklyPete]

A treadmill?

Just kidding. I've heard of people putting very small screws in their shoe soles to maintain good grip...but I've never actually tried this. I generally do just skip to running on treadmills on days where the streets/paths are too icy to run. Not ideal...but I prefer it over getting injured which I don't have time for.

 

[Redfraggle]

I used to do snowshoe racing. They make special snowshoes for running, you might try that. As for your regular routes on streets/sidewalks, I'm not sure anything is going to be foolproof simply because of the type of motion and speed. YakTrax probably wouldn't hurt though. Might be weird to get used to though.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
A treadmill?

Just kidding. I've heard of people putting very small screws in their shoe soles to maintain good grip...but I've never actually tried this. I generally do just skip to running on treadmills on days where the streets/paths are too icy to run. Not ideal...but I prefer it over getting injured which I don't have time for.

Nooooooo! Not treadmills, please . Anyways, my gym has a ridiculous 20 minute limit on them, so I'd have to rotate through at least 3-4 different machines to get a decent run in :laugh:.

Screws might be ok - that reminds me of the metal spikes I used to wear for cross-country running. Those shoes aren't cushioned enough for longer runs though.

Obviously I wouldn't risk doing tempo runs in the snow (those would have to be on the treadmill) but I thought these YakTrax could work for steady runs.

Originally posted by: Redfraggle
I used to do snowshoe racing. They make special snowshoes for running, you might try that. As for your regular routes on streets/sidewalks, I'm not sure anything is going to be foolproof simply because of the type of motion and speed. YakTrax probably wouldn't hurt though. Might be weird to get used to though.

Snowshoes - that's an interesting idea, thanks. I'll look into running-specific models.

Yea, YakTrax claims there's no need to adjust to your running style since you use them on your regular training shoes, but who knows. That's why I thought I'd ask.

 

[zerocool1]

I had a friend that was recommending certain shoes. I think last month's Runner's world had some suggestions on trail-running shoes

 

[Capt Caveman]

I run year round outdoors.

Snow - snowshoes designed for running

Icy Roads - I currently run in something like these

http://www.amazon.com/Sure-Foot-Jogg...ef=pd_sbs_a_47

But will pick these up when the current one's go:

http://www.rei.com/product/760285

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Thanks for the recommendations Caveman.

After a bit more research, it appears that the YakTrax are not entirely durable. I've seen the Kahtoola microspikes highly recommended (http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.html). Any thoughts on these?

Maybe I can narrow it down to the Kahtoolas and the STABILicers.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Thanks for the recommendations Caveman.

After a bit more research, it appears that the YakTrax are not entirely durable. I've seen the Kahtoola microspikes highly recommended (http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.html). Any thoughts on these?

Maybe I can narrow it down to the Kahtoolas and the STABILicers.

Sorry IB for not replying back sooner. The Kahtoola's look like like a more durable version of the YakTrax. My only concern would be how they feel when you're running on bare pavement and not on ice.

From my experience, a lot of runs will be a mix of icy/snow with sections of bare pavement. I think on ice only, the Kahtoola's would probably be your best bet. On mix terrain, though the Stablicers may not provide as much grip/traction on ice, they won't feel as awkward when running on bare pavement.

fwiw - with the Stablicers, you can easily replace cleats(screws) if one pops out.

 

[Megatomic]

A treadmill?

I just tried to imagine the other gym-goers at the gym I went to last winter waiting for me to complete my weekly long run. They'd get impatient when 8 miles was going long.

 

[TallBill]

I just tried to imagine the other gym-goers at the gym I went to last winter waiting for me to complete my weekly long run. They'd get impatient when 8 miles was going long.

Not a problem at a big gym, we have like 40 treadmills. I hate the things though, I'll just not run for 2-3 months.

 

[Megatomic]

There were 4 treadmills at the gym I went to last winter. It's small, but I live in a small town. I have no other gym options.

 

[TallBill]

There were 4 treadmills at the gym I went to last winter. It's small, but I live in a small town. I have no other gym options.

Hehe, not much you can do there

 

[Megatomic]

True. I'll just toughen up and run outside. In the end it's better for my training to run on real trails and roads.

 

[Capt Caveman]

From Runner's World - 4 Devices for Running on the Snow and Ice Safely

 

[32fear]

Yaktrax rock. I also have used 1/2" sheet metal screws. Just screw them into edges of the midsole of a 2/3 worn out shoe (non-Nike or the air will pop) and the hex head grabs when I need it.

 

[Devon Fletcher]

Yaktrax are a great investment, i would totally recommend them. I bought a pair of the walkers about 2 years ago and they are still in great condition. I bought them from this website where they give you a little free carry bag too, which has come in handy a bunch of times. Click on this Yaktrax link if you want to see their current pricing, I did notice they have volume discounts so if you have some buddies you can get good deals and free shipping.