Maybe I should call this post Stressful Running? Or Skidding Across Ice? Anyway, it snowed a couple inches last night. I guess it’s about that time of year. Since it’s also that time of year when I need to train for a marathon, I braved the icy temperatures and went out for a 3 miler. I encountered some turbulence along the way though….mainly ice.
I don’t really have much experience running in snowy conditions because last year around this time we were in Dallas which isn’t too extreme. The year before we were in Chicago, but I never had to train during the winter so I did runs on a treadmill. This time around, we’re close to Denver so apparently it snows a lot in these parts? I’m pretty sure the snow hasn’t even begun. <— panic mode: on.
Anyway, it snowed last night, but today was beautiful: clear skies, sun shining, mid-thirites, NO excuses. I went out for my run but was immediately slowed down to a glacial pace because of well, small glaciers? Otherwise known as ice. I’ve never fallen while running, but I see now how I easily could. Ice is killer.
So, I either took it really slow through the icy parts or just walked. The last thing I wanted was to fall on my face especially since my husband is out of town. It wouldn’t be pretty. So, I made it alright but it was definitely distracting and somewhat stressful. Aren’t runs supposed to be relaxing?
I’m seriously considering getting a pair of these:
(source)
Shoe chains! It’s brilliant (I think). It’s either those or a treadmill….hmm 40 bucks versus 700….I’ll go with 40. As much as I’d like a treadmill of my own, we simply move too much to haul around a treadmill.
Anyway, here were my sad stats from today’s run:
Boston Marathon Training: Week 1
- Distance: 3.03 miles
- Time: 29:29 min/sec
- Pace: 9:41 min/sec <– slowwwwww.
- Calories: 263
- Deer Spotted: 2! Yay I saw deer!! The deer around here are HUGE so I get really excited when I see some. I’m still on the lookout for elk…
Some runs are just not good. Today was not a great run, but tomorrow is another day with another 3 miles to go. Friday is my first long run: 6 miles. Pray for good weather!
Do you run in the snow? Any good strategies?
I totally want those trax things for my sneakers for winter running! I’m scared to death of smacking my face on the ground and breaking my teeth or something, seriously! Glad you stayed upright and got that run done! 😉
ya i saw them at costco…i definitely think they’re a good idea bc its only gonna get worse!
I cannot even imagine running in the snow! Aren’t you freezing? I would absolutely fall on my face. Or break my leg. You are my hero for being able to run in arctic (<50 is arctic in my opinion) temperatures and in snow!
well you run over ridiculous hills which sounds just about awful to me …i remember attempting to run when i lived there..it was not good haha. ur buns must be super strong at this point!
Do you find snow running mentally exhausting (as well as physical)? I always am so worried about slipping and killing myself, that by the time I get home I am DONE. While I love a hard run, I run to mentally relax, so snow running is not for me. I am also the most clumsy person in the whole wide world. It is for this reason that the treadmill is my BFF.
YES!! it was definitely stressful which wasn’t very fun. i guess it did take my mind off the actual running haha…but usually i like to think about potential blog ideas or nothing while i run!! certainly not worrying about eating it and knocking my teeth out haha
I’m going to Minnesota for a week during Christmas, so I gotta feeling I’m going to be running in the snow. NOT excited about that!!! 🙂