WELCOME to a very, very, chilly second week of January !
Hello everyone from a snowy and chilly location, a tad later than usual today, but.... here we are in the Catch-Up Corner again; the cushions are plumped up. the fire is glowing and we are all ready to share, a little or a lot, about what is happening with our running.
Whether you are just beginning the C25K plan, are already on the way, or have returned for a repeat. you are welcome.
So, grab a warm drink and a lovely freshly baked muffin and sit a while.
We are a week into January, and there is a lot to think about for many of us, as the new year evolves...
I do know here that the weather is playing its part in shaping my plans!
I have noticed whilst reading your running reports on here and on the Bridge to 10K , that there have been queries or questions about running in this very changeable, and sometimes challenging inclement weather.
Well, in line with a fair few past post of mine... the Three As... The Three Es... and the Three Rs.... today, I bring you... ( dramatic music playing)...
The Three Ss !
Yes... you read that correctly and this stands for... SENSIBLE...SAFE...SLOW !
I could sign off now, because that is self explanatory, but you know me, I love to ramble on... So!
The Main point;
If you are ANY doubt about the safety of the conditions you are about to run in...then DO NOT RUN.
SENSIBLE... ( Gulp... the word so many of us struggle with ).
You want to run, the sun is shining, the world is a winter wonderland of snow and sparkle. You ate too much over the winterval celebrations, and need to shed a few lbs., you have been stuck indoors with rain and windy conditions outdoors... you simply have to run!
But before you lace up those runners... stop... look... and THINK.
Is that just, white, fluffy, thick snow?
If so, then fresh thick snow that has fallen on the ground can usually, ( usually), be safe to run on...particularly on fields and trails... but, ( as Rachel on Friends would say), there is always a , but; if that snow has fallen on frozen or icy ground... what then ?
Well, it really is obvious. That glorious fluffy stuff, could just be concealing patches of ice, and if you are not expecting to find that hidden ice, then, you could, just like Bambi... find yourself flat on your back!
Should you run on ice? Well, You are the runner... and it is very much your choice, but I, and many of us here, would advise very strongly, that running on ice. is not a good idea. For me, as for many, it is an absolute no go zone.
Running on ice is very, very hard because you have to be so mindful about not slipping. You need the right equipment, the right shoes... and know exactly what you are doing.
Ice is extremely slippery because there is very, very little friction between ice and you and your running shoe, and especially just below the freezing point since there might be water on top of the ice that has yet to freeze or has melted.
An accident, waiting to happen and as a forum friend, JetSetWilly , pointed out this week...” ...the fracture clinics are so busy at this time of year” , and hospitals are under enormous pressure with all the winter illnesses !
Okay...
SAFE:
If you have assured yourself that it is safe to run on the fluffy stuff, then there may be a few things to consider.
The correct gear:
Layer, layer layer? We have posted about this before... and the advice is... you can always peel off, if you get too warm.
Base layers. Thermal tights or leggings, lightweight outer covering, and do keep those appendages warm. Hat, cap, Buff and gloves...and of course...
The right socks and shoes.
Waterproof.... great traction, weather resilient and warm.
Some great bargains out there for winterised runners !
Do please check this post out too. It may be helpful.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5......
Location.
Trail or town... there may be pitfalls to either.
Hidden tree roots stones or fallen branches... slushy pavements and slippery roads in the town.
Is it a safe running location...is it way out in the wilds, is it in town... maybe an idea to let someone know your plans and where you are...just in case of slippage!
Make sure you are fit to run. Running on snow takes more effort, Your eating regime and of course do NOT forget your hydration should be good. Put it in, to get the performance out. If you are under par....wait until you are recovered.
SLOW:
Take it gently.. You will not travel at your normal pace.
Take some time to acclimatise to the new conditions. Feel Your way... get a real sense of what is happening under your feet. Listen to your breathing and listen to your body. It is a whole different experience.
Maybe focus too on what is around you and take time to enjoy the beauty... yes, you need to know where you are if you are on the C25K plan... but do make the most of the run 
AND... most of all be prepared to Stop.
If the run is not turning out as you have wished, if you have wrongly interpreted the conditions, if you feel you are too cold, or are struggling in any way, then stop.
Leave the run and walk away... time to run another day
The runs wait... even the snowy ones
Your turn now. Have you run outside whilst the weather has been, as it is in some parts of the UK. Have you run on snow...have you made a mistake and run on ice? How did you find the run, what did you wear... ?
Please, do pop in and sit and share... we would love to know..
Oldfloss x
PS
The picture is reminiscent of a run I did, where the snow ran out and I inadvertently hit a patch of black ice. I was lucky... and did not fall, unlike Bambi! x
PPS
Maybe some useful tips here?
