What to do when you're a wimp in winter

Get YakTrax.  I run in them all winter and have never slipped or fallen.  http://www.yaktrax.com/  Works on ice and  snow.

Make sure you get the velcro strap for running so they don't slide off your foot.  I gave a pair to my mom for getting around in Indiana winters and she loves them too!

edited to add: nothing wrong w/ treadmills, but I can't stand them.  Our winters are not bad at all and except when we get 4' of snow overnight we can run and ride outside year round.


Edited by skarl 2009-07-31 6:45 PM

I concur with skarl!  Yak Trax are great and they saved me for the Jingle Bell Run last year (-15 degree windchill and fresh snow on the ground) but our streets clear off fairly quickly so you should at the very least be able to alternate treadmill when it's slippery and then getting outside when it's not. 

One thing to keep in mind with yak traks (from my personal experience)- they work really well on ice and snow. However, you have to take them off if you are going to hit any pavement or rocks that are not covered with snow/ice. I have broken several pairs because the trails were part ice/ part normal trail. At $25 a pair that got expensive pretty fast.
You can also put screws into the bottom of your shoes- the really short hexagon shaped screws. They go right into your tread and then you don't have to worry about where you run. They provide good traction for you just like the yak traks.

Yes, treadmill is always an acceptable option. I really hate the dreadmill and I have been known to run in zero degree weather and blowing snow just to avoid the dreadmill.

Dee

With the proper clothing, winter running is a blast! There is something magical about running on a chilly day with snowflakes dancing around you!  Sounds a little silly but I love it, though I did grow up in Northern Michigan.

Get a good, breathable hat that covers your ears.  I have a Hind beanie I like.  Ear gators work fine too.  Two to three layers up top with a good quality outer jacket.  Don't use cotton products from the waist up as they absorb sweat and can chill you.  Use poly blends or technical fabrics.  I like a jacket that will zip up and cover your neck as needed but also a lightweight neck gator is good for some days.  I usually just wear running tights and am fine.  I like the Sporthill brand because they have a bit more substance to them and make varying levels of cold relief.  I wear normal running socks but you can look into wool (SmartWool) for more warmth.  Light to medium weight gloves or mittens are fine.  I don't use Yaks or stud my shoes; I just am more cognizant of where I step and take stutter steps or walk over potentially slippery spots.

When you get dressed, make sure you're not hot when you start or you'll overheat quickly.  You should be slightly chilled at the start and you'll warm up quickly.  Start your run a little slower than normal to warm up well as your muscles will be a little colder and tighter.  When it's snowing, I like to wear sunglasses with a clear or amber lens to keep the snow out of your eyes. 

I only hit the treadmill when the sidewalks or road shoulders are snow covered or when it is ridiculously cold (less than 10 degrees).  Otherwise, most of the snow has melted by the next day or at the least you can stay on the exposure sides of roads and sidewalks where it melts quicker.  Last winter I was even able to run on a local track nearly all winter long.

Rather than sulk about the cold and snow, I find it easier to embrace it and enjoy it.  You get a better workout, it toughens your psyche, and gets you outside.

Edited by FF Stock 2009-08-01 2:08 PM

FF Stock makes some great points about what to wear.  Layering is key as it traps layers of warm air between them and non-cotton is ultra important.  REI has some great pieces they call MTS Midweight which I use for winter skiing and running.  And I have CWX tights that I use for both as well but also have some other running tight which I'll pull over the CWX tights if it's extremely cold.  I highly recommend Powderfish neck gaitors which can be purchased at Outdoor Divas.  They have a wicking interior fabric then windblock fleece. 

 Here's what I wore for that -15 degree race I mentioned: wicking tank, long sleeve MTS Midweight tshirt, lightweight fleece vest, outer light weight windresistent jacket, powderfish gaiter, hat, CWX tights, extra tights over, Smartwool running socks, lightweight fleece gloves.   The worst part was waiting for the start and then the 1 block walk back to the car.

Wow, I'm surprised at how much of a wimp, I'm turning out to be.  I'm going to take all of this great advice and build my winter wardrobe.  You guys gave me the warm fuzzies this morning (pun intended) and I really appreciate it....