Active Community: Message List - ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:14:14 GMT

I had some trial and error, much error, with the running with a light source at night. First up I tried a cool little flashlight that fits in the palm of your hand and gives great illumination. So of course after the first run it started going off. I guess the jostling of it being in a runner's hand was the downfall. Then I went to the LED things that clip on to your baseball cap. Not bright enough. Then a head lamp that straps on with LED. Not bright enough. Finally I found a head lamp that uses 2 aaa batteries and isnt led. It has two degrees of brightness and can adjust. It works great, I'm quite pleased with it. The only downside is, if its right on your sink its COLD when its cold out, but if you can put it overtop your running cap you will be fine.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 21:40:39 GMT

I think you can use the spikes on road, but remember it will dull them out. I've seen some people with the clip-on ... can't remember the name of them, but they look like springs crisscrossing the soles. They seem to do an adequite job with the snow.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:56:37 GMT

I have a question about the Icespikes that you just screw into your shoes. Some of the places that I like to run are partially clear but then there are sections that are ice and snow covered. Can you wear the Icespikes running on that, where you go from pavement to ice and snow? I think that the answer is yes, but I wanted to hear from you who have used them. Thanks in advance for your answers.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:27:58 GMT

A handheld flashlight is great. You can point it where ever you need to. Its good for smacking the odd coyote, wolf , polar bear on the noggin.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:25:44 GMT

Glad to hear you found Icespike as well. It really is far superior for the reasons you mentioned and for me as a big guy, it comes down to traction. Icespike gives me the confidence to just go, even on sheet ice.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:22:40 GMT

Running inside all winter on treadmill = hamster syndrome!!

Get outside!! I agree with a good LED light (I tape a small "shelf" under mine to keep the glare off of the inside of my glasses).

Forget the YakTrax. Kahtoola's give good traction but are heavy and bothered the ball of my feet (I don't like straps anyways). Screw shoes used to be the winner (used for several years) but did not last nearly long enough -- I was changing weekly while in training for a spring marathon. Tried Icespike last year and will never go back -- by far the best option out there! Lightweight, comfortable, excellent traction, last longer.

Lastly, although I hate the thought of it, I do carry a cell phone (turned off) in case of emergencies if I am going out alone.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:00:03 GMT

I spent three years in PA and ran year-around on the trails. Most of my running as early morning and I used a good Petzel light system. The LEDs would easily show the difference between ice and road. When it snowed, I would back off the speed a bit and take it easy on any turn. For traction, I used tacks put in my shoes more more traction. there are some fancy systems that you can buy, but I used the old-school solutions. Generally running in fresh snow is the best as you will have good traction all around. after it gets beat down a bit the ice really can be a problem. When that happens, I moved to roads that had been salted and plowed.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:33:19 GMT

I used to trail run alot in Ohio in the winter. Fresh snow is a good thing, sleet or a warming trend is a really bad thing. Where the trail slants to the downhill side avoid the trail - run just to the margin (less chance of ice under the snow.

My wife bought a headlight for the dog and I was surprised at how well it worked.

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:35:29 GMT

Actually the spikes i mentioned before were kahtoolas, I go them in but I have not been able to try them out, it is still dark when I get out of work so I am waiting for the weekend to get adjusted to this new style of running in the daylight.

safety first =P

Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

guest — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:54:16 GMT

If you plan to run a lot, I would send your Yak Trax back and get some Kahtoolas. The rubber on the Yak Trax will wear out quick. Kahtoolas are burly but will last. I run in the snow/ice a lot as well and a friend recommended trying screw shoes. I haven't tried it yet but I plan on it.