jogging in winter

[anakiwa]

I've been running on snow covered sidewalks. It's a tougher workout! I only have been doing a 2 mile loop. Usually I run 12 minute miles. I've been doing 13 minute miles. Some sections of sidewalk haven't been scooped, so the footing is a little uncertain. We're talking only about 2 inches of snow, but that still is a little resistence and reduced traction. Then hopping over the drifts at the end of the sidewalk where the street intersects... It wears a person out quicker, I think.

Anyone else have similar experiences?

Running in snow is WAY slower (at least if you want to maintain the traction needed not to fall down). I don't pay a lot of attention to pace on regular runs, but I'm sure I slow down at least that much.

[VeloVT]

I recently bought a pair of Icebugs for running in icy conditions:

http://www.icebug.se/ShowDocument.asp?id=136

They have water resistant uppers and teeny carbide spikes on the soles. I only wear them when it's truly icy, or there's significant packed or new snow on the sidewalks -- they're heavier and stiffer than running or trail shoes and the spikes are noisy on dry pavement -- but for those conditions they're excellent. Even on ice they really improve traction, and are a very stable shoe -- more than I'd normally want actually, but it's good in slippery conditions.

Also tried trail shoes this winter (Brooks Adrenaline ASR) for less severe winter conditions, since I was sliding all over the place in my regular running shoes. The traction is far better than trainers, and I love the waterproof uppers. I don't totally love the shoes (just too stable for me), but I'd definitely recommend giving trail shoes a try for winter running.

I can't wait until spring <<sigh>>.... We've had lots of snow in the past two weeks, so much that I've been reduced to running on the treadmill -- which is just horrible. And I miss riding my roadbike outside. <<longing sigh>>..