Running on ice - help improve form?

Please don't take this the wrong way but my thought is that you are way over-thinking this.  Just run.

More than a small chance!I tried running after an ice storm last year-sprained my ankle almost imediately

But not much of an option right now though-60 degrees and sunny today

I'm still surprised you ran across the lake.  There's clear water in every body of water I have seen!  Must be colder up there...

I definitely use different stabilizing muscles when I run when the sidewalks are very icy.  I quit doing that as much as possible because I am not going to risk a broken ankle.   I'd stick to the road if I were you.

Up here it's been cold enough, unless there's any wind.  The lake I went across the ice was 8-12 inches thick the entire way (about a mile) across.  The lake on the other side of the road where I came out is half open water still.

I'm glad to see I'm not just an idiot for doing it, and that there's others out there that have done this (to an extent) and even find it helpful for form like that one video showed.

And exactly how does one remember to do that when one is falling??

I break falls with my knees all the time, but that's because I spent years playing roller derby and we actually practiced falling correctly at every practice, so it's ingrained. We also wore knee pads. Now I have scars on both knees from tripping over things while running.

I ran in icy conditions numerous times last year as my routes often hit numerous areas of sidewalk and/or bike trail that aren't regularly cleared of snow, and I didn't consider venturing into the street to be a safe option, and I couldn't get to the gym treadmill for whatever reason.  It's different to be sure.  I end up using a short, choppy stride where I don't pick my feet up as much, sort of halfway between running and skating.  The end result is that yes my ankles feel it a bit more from the additional stabilization needed, but I'm not using the big leg muscles I usually need more in running as much like my calves and quads since I'm not really using them to get a push.  I don't feel them as much after those runs.  That could be either good or bad I suppose.  Good in that it's less wear and tear, but maybe bad in that they're not actually getting worked as much as they need to.  It's better than not going out at all but I don't care to make a habit of it.

Dayam! You must be waaaay up Nort! We don't have but a few little frozen bird sized icebergs floating around here in mostly open water.

I run year round and now that you mention it, my stride does get shorter on ice and I engage my core more. I also try to stay 'loose' so not to tense up if I start to loose my edge. I run alot in the wee hours of the a.m. which also impairs my vision even with a headlamp so I run in the road/side because I find that sidewalks tend to be too uneven and those that are not cleared can have big chunks or heaves of ice which tend to make my ankles roll and I'm too dang old to be wiping out LOL! Be safe out there!

I just don't see running on the ice as a fun alternative at all, but to each his own.  If someone is looking for cross training ideas, buy a pair of speed skates, running snowshoes, skate skis, etc.

But the original post was about correcting a perceived problem with his running form (e.g., heel striking).  How bad can the form be that ""ice running" is the solution?  Sounds a little far-fetched to me.

Two words...

"Screw shoes."