Winter wonderland

[Decker]

Lovely fresh drop of snow allowed me to test some new sheet metal screw studs in my old trail shoes for Sunday. Seemed to work a bit better overall. Still sketchy on slippery downhills though. 😄

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

It has been so icy lately, I haven't been running so my husband told me last week he wanted to convert my old trail shoes into some studded shoes for me using sheet metal screws but I had left the shoes out at the houseboat. I guess I'm picking them up tomorrow on a planned girl's trip I have. He's pretty gung-ho to try it so I guess I better pick them up 😁. I'm just glad he supports my running (or maybe I've been really grouchy lately since I haven't been running and this is his subtle way of getting me out the door 🤔.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

It’s good you’ve got that support at home. Yes I would guess the studs are even more needed on ice, and if it gets you outdoors its worth it. The only thing I found with my setup was that one of the screws was pushing a bit against my sole on paved surfaces. On softer trail it was fine. I hope it does not cut through on Sunday though. That would be a real problem.

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

That wouldn't be good. Hopefully it works out ok on Sunday for you.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I hope you get out there soon Sask

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thanks. Me, too 😊. The girl’s trip I’m on is with the mom and daughter I’m doing the Banff HM next year with so there will be some trip planning discussed I’m sure and we’re going to one of the run shops so it should get me back into run-mode hopefully 🤞

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I smiled when I read this..my husband is exactly the same.. I am a much better person when I run too.. Hope you get out there soon

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks 😊. I had a great wintery 5k run on Monday bundled in my winter gear but the runs have been few and far between. I just have to try and make it a priority again. I know I’ll find the love again.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Me too, Oldfloss! I am definately a happier person to be around when I am running, so family supportive here too!!🙄😉

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Simply beautiful... I so look forward to the virtual winter runs with all the folk in such beautiful locations. Great run anyway? Thanks you x

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Oldfloss]

It was a great run. Snow is tiring though

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Sounds like fun! Great pics 👍🏻 good luck for Sunday 😊

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks Jo, I will try to take a few more on Sunday

[Macmac Marathon]

Nice pic. Have you considered xc spikes? I have recently got some and used them for a couple of 5k runs but need to build up for longer runs as they have zero drop and my left calf was very tight after. Good luck for Sunday 👍

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Macmac]

I’ve not heard of these. Will look into them for the balance of the season. I also don’t do well with zero drop.

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Decker]

Cross country spikes are removable and you can change them to longer spikes if required. I’m just using the ones they came with which are about 6mm for now.

[alisonx]

Looks beautiful!

I don't think much will help on an icy hill...maybe better to just slide down it 😂

Good luck on Sunday - hope the studs stay where they should be!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to alisonx]

Haha, yes that is my general plan too I don’t have any extras so fingers crossed they stay put

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Snow!!! 😍

Be careful out there xxx

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Thanks Abi - I will - I also talked my ultra buddy into joining me. He just finished his 100k in Mexico last week and is doing a 25 with me this week!

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Decker]

Awesome!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oooh, you're braver than me! I'd need more than a few screws in the bottom of my shoes for snow and ice. It does look beautiful, but I'm always terrified of slipping. Good luck with your event, stay safe 🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

It normally does not snow this early so I was not expecting it, and I’m a little nervous, but I’m hoping we can still make the best of it. Bringing a full set of dry clothes for after the race

[aliboo70 Half Marathon]

Beautiful! Sounds like a good result must be a bit scary (not often snow on the island to practice on!😂)

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to aliboo70]

Yeah I’ve never done a snow race before so it should be interesting. Hope I’m making the right gear choices. 😁

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Good luck you'll be great Decker!😊x

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

It may make for more challenging runs Decker but worth it for the lovely photos! 😉Thank you!🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Hope so Sandra. Will try to take a few more on the day 🙂

[martinhermanus]

Beautiful picture, we had a light drizzle in Hermanus, South Africa and 70 percent of the people stayed away. South Africans are spoiled for good weather. It was lovely in the rain, would have liked some studs on my shoes.

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to martinhermanus]

would love to be in the warm South African weather today! I accidentally stepped into an icy river at the front end of my race and my feet were frozen for the rest of the day my own fault for not paying better attention

[Irish-John Marathon]

How did you do it Decker? Size, placing and above all not going through the sole?

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Irish-John]

weeelll I just guessed really - I put a few at the front end for climbing, and a couple at the heel end for more grip down hills - now that the race is done, I can say they did their job, but the front ones on the thinner part of the sole, did push through a few times when rocks and ice connected directly with a screw, and there were a few painful moments, so I would advise a thick sole, maybe a bit further back from the toe where it gets thicker. The screws themselves are 0.5" sheet metal hex screws - those were the shortest I could find at the hardware store.

[Irish-John Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thank you