Snow Run * YakTrax Review

Our winter has officially started... on Jan. 12.  I can't remember a winter that has been this mild.  While I was enjoying the mild --almost springlike-- temperatures, it was also exciting to have a snow day.  The kiddos were at the window this morning with a twinkle in their eye.  The school kids were giddy and playful when they stepped off the afternoon bus.  And I was waiting at the door the minute hubby returned from work... dressed to kill run.

It was 19 degrees, windy, still snowing... but I was headed out to play. My husband looked at me like I was crazy.  In fact, I think he actually said it.  With a wave, I was off down the road.  Neighbors were out snowblowing and shoveling.  Cars inched along in appropriate "first snow of the year" style.  I ran my airport loop, that I knew was low traffic.  The roads weren't plowed very well, so it was pretty fun "breaking trail," just like we used to do on snowmobiles back in Wisconsin.  Once I started running, it didn't feel very cold at all, but the wind did hurt.  I was thankful for my new Under Armour pullover with a built-in baklava to keep my face protected.

Three miles in the snow (with hills) felt more like five.  With snow, you have to pick your feet up a bit more.  No shufflin' here!  I trudged along pretty well, keeping my average pace around 10:30 even with a couple photo stops.  Absolutely Exhilarating!

Santa left me YakTrax Pro in my stocking and I was pretty excited to give them a test run today.  Following package size chart, I have a size small.  It took some muscle to stretch them over my size 9 Asics.  The fit was snug, but also no worry that they were going to slip off.

YakTrax Pro boasts the ability to run on slick surfaces with the same stability as dry surfaces.  The frame that wraps around your shoe is made with heavy duty natural rubber with abrasion resistant 1.4mm steel coils that criss-cross on the underside of your shoe.  During my snow run, I never felt a moment of slickness.  In fact, I had no fear of falling whatsoever.  I'm curious how they will feel on actual ice.  The snow we had today was pretty "packy."

Remember that left ankle/foot I twisted back at Thanksgiving?  Halfway through my snow run, I felt that still-healing muscle across the top of my foot.  The YakTrax coils on the bottom were right down the center of the shoe... almost encouraging my foot to slant towards the outside (I'm a natural over-pronators anyway). It didn't bother my right foot, but my already-injured left foot didn't like it.  With that in mind, I'm not sure how many miles I could actually run in these while still nursing that injury.

All in all, I was happy with the YakTrax Pro function.  They're easy to put on and take off my shoe.  And they certainly gave me a sense of security as I ran through the snow.  For the $20 retail tag, they are definitely worth the purchase! There's nothing like having the sense of freedom that you can run - regardless of the white ground cover.  Old Man Winter, you will not slow me down!