Running on snow

[tuggyruns]

As I am sure most of you have heard, snowpocalypse 2014 has hit Atlanta, the whole city is shut down and if you're home, you're lucky. Of course what is my marathon obsessed mind doing? Trying to figure out how to get my 8 miles in. I don't think it's going to happen, but I thought it was worth asking. 

I don't have a treadmill and all gyms that are close (and still open) are open as shelters, I'm sure I'd get the side eye if I went to work out. Roads are sheets of ice with no hope of melting and/or a salt truck anytime soon. SO my question is, how safe is it to run on snow? I think most of our sidewalks are just snow. 

Yes, I know, I've lost my mind. Please help me find it.

[joenali]

I don't run in the snow. It's one day. Don't worry about it. Life happens, things get in the way. Just move forward when it's safer to run.

[gt7301b]

I don't have a problem running on snow, but ice scares me. I think the day after a snow storm is the worst day to run because you can't always tell snow from ice. It looks like it is going to warm up tomorrow, I'd just skip running today.

[keweenawlove]

Snow versus ice is a big difference. I can do snow but not ice. If if's a few inches of snow, you should be fine slowing down a little bit. Your footing and traction will worse so you have to pay attention more. I try to focus more on landing on a flat foot if that makes sense. It seems to help with foot. Keep in mind there's always the potential for there to be an ice patch under the snow so just be ready to stabilize yourself a bit.

If it's ice, I wouldn't even try.

[lasagnasshole]

Snow is NBD to run on, as long as you're careful. Ice is a motherfucker and should be avoided.

If it's the former and you go for it, just remember that you WILL be slower, and don't worry about your pace.

[Deleted]

If you aren't used to it, I wouldn't do 8 miles. Although it is possible to run on snow (those of us in winter climates do it), your stride is slightly altered and you risk injury jumping from 0 to 8 miles. Plus, there is higher risk of regular injury from falls, etc., not worth it. 

I wouldn't worry about missing this run. Just jump back into your plan once the sidewalks are melted.

[sadlebred]

I'm going mountain biking instead. Have fun...stay safe out there, tuggy!

[breezy8407]

Snow isn't a big deal. It will slow you down and depending on the temp, your shoes might get wet.

I know this is probably a silly question to you, but what kind of snow is it? Is it light and fluffy or is it heavy and wet?

I would be cautious about ice though. It sounds like you have icy conditions, too?

I run on packed down snow in the winter - and it's been that way since December here if I want to run outside at all. I just don't wear my Garmin because I know I am slower and am cautious and always aware of my footing.

You could always try it and if it sucks, go back home and save the LR for a better day.

[tuggyruns]

Thanks ladies! It sounds like with my lack of experience snow/ice and what is what, trying to guess could just get me hurt. So I suppose I will just wait until tomorrow. Hopefully the city will be a little less of a mess tomorrow.

[andrealynn]

Running in snow is like running on the worst beach ever. It is similar to a sand experience in terms of workout. When I need to run and there is a chance of ice, I always wear yak trax, but I am guessing you don't have those living in GA. I wouldn't try to run in icy conditions.