Running on icy pavements

[simonwilliamstutor]

This is probably my biggest concern over the next few months. I suspect I am going to have to change the timing of my runs as it'll be tricky for me to find anywhere safer to run without a bit of driving.

Anyone had a similar problem?

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Last year I never fell running on ice but I fell a few times walking on it. And our icy weather lasts from November to March (minimum) so I got pretty used to it. Make sure your shoes have good grips. The most dangerous ice I've had is after a freeze-thaw cycle. If you're going to be running on ice constantly throughout a run you can look into slip on covers for your shoes. I have some called Yaxtrax that I use for walking the dogs in the winter. They have metal coils which grip in the ice really well. I don't usually run with them though, as I find them more treacherous on clear pavement than bare shoes.

I also try to keep my running really slow and even over the winter. It's not the best time for fartleks :).

[AdamB Graduate]

Where possible, I avoid the pavement and run on frozen grass instead - either on the verge or by modifying my route to run round playing fields, parks etc.

In really bad weather, if the road has been quiet enough, I've run on the road. Round here, roads are gritted, pavements aren't. You have to make a judgement call about the amount and type of road traffic. If I do run on the road I always run on the right - facing the oncoming traffic so I know what's coming and can stop and step onto the pavement if necessary. I also make sure I'm well lit.

[Sazzle44 Graduate]

Simon I'm the same, I've missed two runs this weekend because the pavements have been so bad and I really worry about falling. I run early mornings so have to use streetlit areas and worry a really cold winter will have me missing runs regularly

Anyway, rain this afternoon and 4 degrees tomorrow morning so got done catching up to do!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Take great care if you decide to go out, I found that there could be still frozen stretches on otherwise thawed pavements...make sure you choose a route that has been in the sun for a bit.

[misswobble Graduate]

Yes, we all face this hazard. I have grippers for my shoes but even so I go very slowly. I wait for later in the day when the sun (even a watery one) will have had chance to thaw the ice. You have to weigh up whether it's worth it though as you don't want to risk a broken bone for the sake of going for a jog.

I went out in the snow last Boxing Day as I was going stir crazy. It was great to be out there, picking my way along the main road where cars were bumper to bumper queueing up to get into town for the B & Q winter sale. It made my actions feel totally rational. Oh to be running when everyone else is sitting in a traffic jam.

[Jeleybelly Graduate]

I'm not even going to try running once its icy. I can hardly stand or walk on it so don't want to think what would happen if I tried to run! That'll be my q to head back to the treadmill I think - far more preferable to bruised pride or broken bones,

Take care if you do go out.

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate]

I think I'm going to have to pray for rain, go out before lunch (if possible) and try to find some grassy/gravelly paths.

Thanks everyone!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I found if I ran very early mornings the ice was wrinkled rather than smooth as freshly laid and my son and I went slower and watched our footing carefully. The other thing we did was run ON the road as it was really early so no cars and the road had been gritted. Have fun, it is truly magical running through diamonds...

[Rignold]

When I stepped out at 5.30 this morning it was a glittery winter wonderland. The dog absolutely refused to budge so stayed at home.

[millwalki8 Graduate]

Just avoid the shiney puddles!! They be Ice

Roads were a bit "frosty white" this morning at 05:00, had to put the running gloves on but other than that, all was good in leafy Huntingdonshire

[poppypug Graduate]

This is a fear of mine too Simon .

This is the only weather that stops me in my tracks , all the rest I can cope with but ice , uh-uh no way Jose ! xxx

[Tomas Graduate]

I'm a wuss. I don't run on ice. Nothing gets gritted where I live. So when it's icy I don't run.