Running on the Winter Roads

Winter running presents many challenges to even the most diehard runners. Among the worst are the frigid temperatures, shorter days and icy roads. We can put on more clothing to combat the dropping temperatures and we can run later in the morning or earlier in the afternoon to avoid the dark, but the icy roads present the greatest threat.

Icy or snowy roads mean two things: poor driving conditions and slippery surfaces. Let's cover them one at a time.

It pays to be a defensive runner. Jump in the snowbank if you have to! Drivers often forget you might be out there. Often times they are hurriedly making their way to work and have only a small area of windshield from which to see the roads as their defrosters try hard to clear the rest. Couple that with the slippery conditions and poor manueverabiltiy and it's really scary to be out there. YOU must be watching for THEM. It doesn't pay to play chicken with a 2 ton vehicle.

Runners also have slippery conditions to contend with. It can be difficult just staying upright and on your feet. I have found an easy way to combat the slippery roads. This solution costs almost nothing- a few hexagonal metal screws and an old pair of running shoes. One thing to note: I did develop a blister on one foot where the screw caused some pressure. I moved the screw to another location and the problem went away.

Check out this video from Runners World:

Benefits of Compression Socks

Men's CEP Classic - White

After battling with tendonitis in my big toe for a month and a half, I have become vigilant about injury prevention. I warm up, cool down, and try to be better about stretching in general. I also discovered compression socks.

My first thought was: Really? I'm going to pull my socks all the way up to me knees. This must be what getting old looks like. You know,  that point in your life where function surpasses form and style is replaced by practicality.

The first time I tried them on was after a ten-mile tempo run. I immediately liked the feeling of the compression around my sore muscles. I wore them under my pants for the rest of the day and I think it really helped with recovery. I was ready for my workout the next day and ran surprisingly well.

After that first experience I decided to take them out on the road during a nine-mile run on a very cold New England day. It was great for the first 1/2 mile or so, but I just couldn't keep my socks from falling down. I even tried a larger size sock and had the same result. Bummer.

For me, the compression socks will probably be a post run recovery strategy. I feel faster running races in the tiniest socks possible and I like to let my legs breathe a bit.