Preacher said:
Having recently moved from a warm weather climate to Montreal,
I've run in southcentral Alaska winters for about 20 years now, although
it's just been the last 4 (counting this one) that I've been doing more
structured running with longer runs.
Quoted message said:I'm
curious about how you train in the snow. Presumably, you have to wear
enough layers to protect you from the cold.
It only takes about 2-3 synthetic layers (depending on what layers) down
near about -20C, and probably much lower (haven't tested my new layers
lower than that yet). For me, I usually start with a t-shirt, very light
stretch fleece, windshell (shell usually comes off after 10 min if not
windy) or t-shirt, powerdry, very light stretch fleece and no windshell
(conditions permitting). (t shirt and powerdry weren't enough for me at
0F as I discovered a few days ago - put fleece back on after about 10 min)
When we get dry, cold air, I may put a scarf or balaclava loosely across
mouth and nose to help maintain moisture in breath, which is a loss of
both moisture and heat.
Quoted message said:But what do you do for
footwear?
I use my regular running shoes, although under some circumstances (wind
or deeper snow), I've thought about putting duct tape over the toes. The
real solution for me, though, has been to continue my normal trail
running - with snowshoes. I use a neoprene overbootie over the shoe to
protect from the binding, and I've been plenty warm running at -28C/-20F
for a couple hours (esp. after I figured out how to keep my fluids from
freezing). Trail running also keeps me off the streets where cars may
not always be under control. I recognize trails aren't an option for
everyday running for most people, but most people in snowy environments
probably aren't too far from trails for a weekend run if they're
interested. Sometimes trails may be compacted enough (grooming or snow
machines) that you can run in regular shoes with no problem.
I usually wear Smartwool socks, although I have used Ultimax and
Bridgedale with almost as good results, iirc.
There are ultra trail races up here in winter (50k to 1100 miles), and
I've asked those people what they use since they're out for many hours,
usually over 24 hrs, sometimes in slush. Many just use regular running
shoes, some might use goretex ones, some might put toe covers on. They
do take changes of socks, iirc. Some have used neoprene socks that
didn't work - sweat too much inside. People in this group here (r.r)
have used gore-tex socks or storm socks, I think, but I've never found a
pair to fit my feet right. I've used SealSkinz with mixed results - feet
were dry and cold.
The biggest problem is if it's slushy (wet is bad). I've used vaseline
on my feet, but that's still like having your feet immersed in an ice
bath for the duration of your run.
Quoted message said:Here in Montreal, the sidewalks are sometimes icy, other times
slushy. It doesn't seem optimal for running. Do you run in snow boots of
some kind?
If running on snow or hardpacked snow, I'll either just use my regular
shoes or add yaktrax for better traction, if I want it. If I need
ice-joggers for ice (yaktrax don't grab ice that well), I'll skip the
run or find another place to run since they seem to aggravate my feet.
Many people have found screw shoes to work well, and I think they work
across a broader range than yaktrax and ice joggers. I've had the
traction devices for other purposes so just used them.
http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
Icebug shoes are also being sold in our local running store now. I
haven't used them, since what I have works for me, although I've seen
one person with them.
http://store1.yimg.com/I/gear-west_1825_6445430
(this is just the first one that popped up with easily accessible picture)
More description is at
http://www.icebug.se/
Quoted message said:I've wondered how long she can continue to run outside
(i.e. when is it too cold to do this?).
As long as properly dressed, people have been known to run (and probably
bike) at -45C / -50F. We don't get that cold here.
How did native peoples survive in arctic environments without the
current technology?
Dot
--
"If we reach all our goals, we are not setting them high enough."
- Matt Carpenter
