Winter ROCKS My Run

Winter can be tough.  I'm not necessarily a fan of constant snow (and crappy road conditions), but I am pretty dedicated to winter running. The cold season drags on longer than anyone wants... and this year is proving no exception to that. But as we all know, running is more mental than physical sometimes. I try to stay positive in order to keep my run intact. So instead of complaining about the current "wintery mix", here is my top 10 reasons to run in the snow...

1. It's pretty.
Seriously, you can't deny the raw beauty of a landscape covered in white. The snow adds a silence to the air, giving extra serenity and peace to any run. Make winter runs an enjoyable activity by taking in new sights and sensations.

2. Improve your stride.
Slow down during snow runs. In fact, leave your Garmin at home and reconnect with your run mojo. Focus on your stride, rather than speed.  The snow practically forces you to shorten your stride, thus maintaining a good center of mass. Stay on the balls of your feet, rather than driving in with your heels.

3. Hide the winter bulge.
Let's face it, you gained a few pounds over the holidays. With cold temps in the air, bundle up to cover those extra rolls... and run it off. You can always add layers in winter; but come summer, there's only so many clothes you can shed before you bare your birthday suit.

4. Hydration on the go.
Winter is an easy time to slack on proper hydration, but it's still important.  Forget your water bottle on a long run? Easy solution... Look for fresh snow and throw a handful in your mouth! Steer clear of yellow snow...

5. New shoes please.
Every runner I know loves to buy new shoes. Winter may be the perfect excuse. Trail shoes have more traction on the bottom than typical running shoes. This may be a good time to invest in a pair to make snow running easier. If you're running in deeper snow, just add YakTrax to your current pair of shoes.

6. Less chaffing.
As long as you don't overdress (a common winter mistake), chaffing is much less of an issue in during the cold months of the year. During summer, I have to lube up before every run to prevent the nasty painful act of chaffing... underarms, inner thighs, under the boobs. Winter is a time to give the BodyGlide a break!

7. Strengthen muscles.
Running in snow will cause you to work muscles in different ways. Snow offers more resistance, making your legs work harder, resulting in a better workout in less time. In addition to creating a forward motion, a runner's body is also working to maintain stability (and preferably, the upright position). To do so, our leg muscles get a more intense kind of strength workout. Your quads, hamstrings, glutes and calf muscles are all responsible for propeling your run forward, but the gluteus medius (the muscle on the side of your hip) activates to control your side-to-side balance. As you pile up winter miles, you will feel those hip muscles more than ever before.

8. Cool new accessories!
Who doesn't like shopping for running gear? Winter is a new season - which means there is a whole new basket of gear to shop... traction aids, hand/toe warmers, stocking hats, gloves, warm socks, face masks, jackets, insulated leggings and more! I love knee-high socks, but summer is often too warm to sport the  running accesory. During winter, knee-high socks are multi-purpose - fashionable and functional for warmth!

9. Less impact.
Cold temps don't necessarily mean harder surfaces. With a layer of snow on the ground, the impact is actually minimized. The white stuff offers a softer, more forgiving running surface that your joints will appreciate.

10. Mental strength.
Most often, getting out the door is the hardest part of winter running. But once you get outside, snow running brings about a certain kid-like attitude, a playfulness. Pushing through poor conditions will test your mental strength... How bad do you want it? And when your miles are finished, you have bragging rights the rest of the day as one badass runner.

Running outdoors in winter can be an invigorating experience. As always, your safety comes first. (See my Safety Tips for Winter Running here.)  Respect your comfort zone and trust your gut feelings... but I also encourage you to try new run experiences. I spent my first winter as a runner on the treadmill and doing circles around an indoor track. With each calendar flip, I'm called to the great outdoors more and more. It is where I feel free and happy. And that is ultimately what's important... The happier you are with your run, the more likely you are to stay consistent with your miles.

How often do you run in snow?
Do you enjoy winter... or struggle to make it through?

My Snowball Shuffle

breakin' tracks in fresh snow!

My sneakers hit the snow last week for the Snowball Shuffle virtual race, along with thousands of others across the country. I had meant to run it earlier in the week, but the days slipped by. Then Friday morning, I looked out the window to see snow trickling down. I knew in a second that this was perfect timing to run my Snowball 8K (4.97 miles).

I quickly rearranged some previous plans, dressed and slipped out the door. My feet led the way, winding along my typical route. I absolutely love my neighborhood for running. The roads have a bit of a maze feel to them (I used to get lost when I first moved here all the time!), and there's the perfect amount of rolling elevation to keep it interesting, yet not overly taxing.

The snow fell gently and then harder at times. It was mid-morning, one of the quietest times in my neighborhood - everyone has left for school or work. The falling snow added to the stillness and I felt a tremendous peace as I graced across the freshly-covered pavement. With every footstep, there was a quiet crunch of the snow beneath me. Just me and the road... this is my happy place.

Every once in awhile, a run comes along that is magical... reminds me of why I run and keep coming back for more. I knew shortly after starting that this run was going to be one of them. I kept my pace slow and comfortable, almost stalling, not wanting the run to end. When I reached my street, I turned the opposite way, and kept on going. My Snowball Shuffle 8K turned into a 10K. The extra effort was worth every ounce of the glory I felt that day.

Did you run the Snowball Shuffle virtual race?
Don't forget to report back your finish time here.
If you wrote on your blog about it, comment below with a link so I can read about it.


Pssssttt... Don't forget to VOTE today. Thanks!!

#WinterMiles Wk 1 - Run with YakTrax!

It's Day 4 of the #WinterMiles Challenge. Have you been keeping track of your miles? If you are unfamiliar with the #WinterMiles Challenge, you definitely need to check it out here. New participants are always welcome! It's easy motivation to push your mileage during the toughest eight weeks of winter. Give yourself a mileage goal each week (this is a commitment to yourself). Then at the end of the week (Sunday), report back your results. If you hit your goal, you're entered into the weekly prize drawing. It's just that easy! Sign up now for the challenge here.

What are you running for this week?
The Week 1 prize is a pair of YakTrax Run!  These shoe accessories slip over your regular running shoe and allow you to continue your training outside in the winter snow. If you're like me, the thought of the treadmill or circles around a track is so discouraging. What makes the run invigorating for me is fresh air and the freedom on the road. When I'm stuck inside, my run just doesn't have the same glory. So YakTrax has become my friend, making outdoor runs possible despite the winter powder.

The most important thing to know is that YakTrax come in various styles - depending on what you want to do...

The original YakTrax is the Pro style. I reviewed these a couple years ago -  click here to read my Pro review.  Today, I'm going to discuss the YakTrax Run style, because I think these are more beneficial to the average runner.

See the difference?

If you are running a surface completely covered in snow (especially trail), then the YakTrax Pro would be your best bet. However, if you're like me... running roads where there is a mixture of snow, thin ice and even some clear spots... then the YakTrax Run will be your best friend for winter stability.

In my opinion, the YakTrax Run have the perfect combination of spikes and coils to keep me on my feet. The removable carbide steel spikes under the forefoot make a smooth pushoff possible in your stride. The 1.4mm steel coils along the midfoot and heel provide an unbeatable 360˚ traction as you move through the snow.

As the flurries start to fall, I find myself excited to lace up and get outside... Running in the snow has that special energy - a spirit that says I'm a kid again! Let's go play!  So as the hubby snowblows the driveway and the kiddos work on their snowman, you know where I'll be - RUNNING in the snow!

Don't be afraid of winter running. Give it a try. The treadmill or gym track will always be waiting for you if it's not your thing. But trust me, once you've done your miles in the snow, you'll discover muscles that you may be ignoring. Plus at the end, you'll feel completely badass for logging those miles outside... in winter!

Now get out there and rack up miles for Week 1 of the #WinterMiles Challenge!
Come back on Sunday, Jan. 12th to report in your results. Hit your goal for the week and you'll be entered into the prize drawing to WIN a pair of YakTrax Run!