Snow and ice!!!

[Happysuz1980]

Hi all, ok I’m a newbie here..still on week one! How do you all do it in this weather? Do you still go out and run? I have my only free night tonight so wanted to get out but the snow and ice is really putting me off

Thanks 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Hello! I would NEVER run on ice - far too dangerous! I just don’t run when it’s super icy. Sorry to not be helpful. 🙁 Do you have access to a local gym and treadmill?

Roll on spring I say!

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Sadie-runs]

That’s ok, I’d rather not be told to give it a try when more experienced runners wouldn’t! All the gyms where I live charge a ridiculously high monthly fee 😪

Definitely bring spring on!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Happysuz1980]

Well, I just couldn’t risk slipping and hurting something and then not being able to run for weeks on end and would hate the same to happen to you, especially at the start of your running journey. Are you in the UK? Risk of ice should abate soon!

Meh. I hate gyms and their ridiculously high fees! Hence my outdoor running addiction - it’s free, and I feel free. 😀

If weather means you cannot run, I highly recommend some strength training. This all go towards making you a better and less injury prone runner. Squats, plank, bridges (that’s a very good yoga pose for runners), knee strengthening exercise (check out the NHS ones, you can google NHS Knee strengthening exercises to find them.) just do a little warm up first - marching on spot, jumping jacks etc). I wish I had listened more to the good folk on here when they mentioned strength training when I first started C25K! It really helps. And it least it will keep you motivated until the weather improves...

Sadie-runs x

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Wow that’s awesome advice thank you! I will definitely have a look at these and give them a shot! Makes me feel less guilty about not heading out! Thank you so much

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Happysuz1980]

Yes I’m Scotland so ice is a regular!

[1slowcoach Graduate]

I don't run if it's icy.I slipped over when walking at the beginning of the month on ice and sprained my wrist so wouldn't fancy my chances running on it....would probably break something instead.

I get on the exercise bike instead.

[Happysuz1980 in reply to 1slowcoach]

Ok I’m going to check out prices for treadmills and bikes haha

[Jude1963 Graduate]

Having said that, when the ice goes away I find colder weather makes me more proud of my achievement. Also.....Menopause means you can actually feel very warm even when it’s cold. (Speaking for myself only...)

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Jude1963]

I think I know what you mean, the weather here has been lovely today so clear and fresh! If only the councils were better at gritting paths and there was no ice. I think I’d enjoy being out in this weather

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Happysuz1980]

When someone says “you can’t go out in this weather...!?” Prove them wrong.

It makes you feel like you’ve really achieved something. And it’s only 30 minutes!

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Jude1963]

Haha I would have liked too but too much ice, I would def fall flat on my ar$e lol

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Happysuz1980]

Fair enough. No ice here at the mo so I guess I wouldn’t run if it was dangerous but I would if it was rainy, windy and cold. But ice.....? Yup. Too dangerous.

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Jude1963]

Yeh it’s been bad here the last couple of days and was really wanting to get out. Someone suggested the strength training so I’m gonna give that a shot instead 💪🏻haha

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Happysuz1980]

Yes, a friend gave me some weights and suggested I do that on nights I don’t run. Bit too much for me at the mo but a good idea if you miss a session.

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Jude1963]

Funny you mention that I’ve been looking at weights on amazon, I have a stepper thing that I’d like to start using

[Jude1963 Graduate in reply to Happysuz1980]

I’m totally new to this exercise thing but anything that keeps you moving sounds good.

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Jude1963]

Yup me too! I’ve been so lazy the last few years

[Gillma Graduate]

Could you run on the spot watching tv? Have been exploring on YouTube ‘virtual C25k ‘ and found ‘rundownunder ‘ and ‘Pahla Bower’ - haven’t tried sitting room running yet!

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Gillma]

Ohh didn’t think about that! Will have a look

[Rignold]

Alternatively just get off those slippy pavements and get out on the trails. Running in snow is the best fun ever, and running off road is a lot more fun than pounding the pavements whatever the weather. You should definitely be doing strength work alongside your running rather than instead of.

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Rignold]

Ideally that’s one of my end goals! But first I def need to build stamina and strength

[Rignold in reply to Happysuz1980]

Do you have a park you could run in? As long as you are on grass you should be fine.

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Rignold]

Yeh but means I’d need to drive to it though, which is poop! Did some strength exercises so hopefully the ice will bigger off soon

[Essandem in reply to Rignold]

My huge flat plying fields are a sea of mud!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I sometimes run ( on the right facing possible oncoming traffic) on the edge of the gritted road -but this is on an extremely quiet street with little traffic in the evening. However I do watch for traffic and get off the road if I see anything coming so it only works if there are very few cars. 😀

[Happysuz1980 in reply to Elfe5]

Thanks for the tips

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I can't offer anything not already said, but in general terms, you may find the guide to the plan useful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Happysuz1980 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Hello! Canadian here chiming on on running in snow and ice. We get those conditions from October to March here, and this is my fourth winter running outdoors.

Snow - no problem. Go for it. It might be harder going if it's deep, but it's a better workout. You'll feel like a hero, even if you don't meet your expectations.

Ice - it depends. A lot of folks here run in slip on grips over your shoes. Yaktrax is one of the companies that makes them this side of the pond, I'm sure you have something similar. And they are fairly inexpensive, and can be used when not running but even just walking around in inclement weather. In the past I ran in plain running shoes all winter, though I usually buy a new pair in October so the grips are good. This year I picked up a studded pair of shoes on discount and they work like a charm. Key points to running on ice are not to change directions quickly, or to pick up or reduce speed quickly. Also not all ice is created equal. Ice from a freezing rain or with a thin layer of melt water on top is treacherous, other ice isn't such a problem at all. Of course, there is always the treadmill or track.

[Happysuz1980 in reply to runswithdogs]

Ah there is a track relatively close to me..why didn’t I think of that!! Noted for future, thanks so much

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

I actually find running on ice easier than walking on it! The only times I’ve fallen (and we’re talking about years ago when I had an earlier running phase) was when taking a corner too sharply - whoom, feet out from underneath me, landed on my side. And then once I miscalculated jumping over a heap of snow, caught my foot and did a lovely face plant. No damage done on either occasion. But it’s not really recommended!

[Mcdon Graduate]

I had to run week 3 run 1 in gym due to snow it wasn’t the same much better out in fresh air hope snow goes soon