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Last post: Sep 15, 2009 11:00 AM by CDR Spencer Moseley RSS
GerryM715 Amateur
GerryM715
29 posts since
Jan 7, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 22, 2009 8:21 AM

ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

I have been avoiding running on the trails since it started snowing, but i am craving it now that its light out again when i get out of work.

 

So how do you deal with snow and ice on the trails??  I have trail running shoes I love but im not sure how they would be in snow/ice (solomon speedcross 2).

 

I just feel like regardless of gear . . . running on trails with snow/ice just doesnt seem safe at all.  But i know that people do it all the time, so basically, I want to run on trails in the snow/ice, but i'm scared, any advice or words of encouragement?

 

(It is still quite dark when I run at ~ 5:30pm in CT, i heard some runners use headlamps for night trail running, does this really work?  I question it only because I grew up camping and in scouts, the woods is a dark place at night, i dont feel like a simple headlamp can give you enough light to actually run on a trail)

Active Toby Active.com Staff
Active Toby
1,540 posts since
Jun 5, 2007
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1. Jan 22, 2009 10:24 AM in response to: GerryM715
Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

Using a combo of headlamp and handheld flashlight was worked really well for me and other ultra runners I know. Having the light on your head takes some getting used to but having both is a very reliable system. Lot's of my midwest and east coast peeps use some sort of traction control on the trails. Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System is well-know as well as the Yaktrax Pro Sounds like you've got cabin fever!!!




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GerryM715 Amateur
GerryM715
29 posts since
Jan 7, 2009
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2. Jan 23, 2009 7:23 AM in response to: Active Toby
Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

OMG!  Thank you so much for the advice toby!  I had no idea people used spikes like that on their shoes for running!  I Ordered them as soon as I read this haha!  Along with a headlamp, I cant wait to get back on the trail!

 

Unfortunately I have to wait until the spike etc come in, hopefully they come in today (in route!) so I can go out and assess the trails in the daylight before i venture off into the dark on a weekday.

running01 Amateur
running01
27 posts since
Oct 22, 2007
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3. Jan 27, 2009 7:54 PM in response to: GerryM715
Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

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.

GerryM715 Amateur
GerryM715
29 posts since
Jan 7, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
4. Jan 30, 2009 8:35 AM in response to: running01
Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

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

rodhall Rookie
rodhall
6 posts since
Jun 8, 2009
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5. Jun 8, 2009 4:33 PM in response to: GerryM715
Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

 

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.

 

 

CDR Spencer Moseley Pro
CDR Spencer Moseley
129 posts since
Mar 20, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
6. Sep 15, 2009 11:00 AM in response to: GerryM715
Re: ToRun or NotToRun with Ice/snow on trails??

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.

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