Ok half marathoners, we are into our training. I want to share some recommendations for winter outdoor training.
Before you head outside you need to do an inventory of the route you expect to take. Most of my shorter runs, 4 miles or less, I do in my neighborhood. As I drive thru I take notice what the side walks look like. If mostly covered in sow, I might head out in an old pair of running shoes and just enjoy a nice slow shuffle. If the sidewalks look very wet and full of puddles from melting snow, I head to the treadmill. If the sidewalks are a combination of snow, ice and clear side walk, I head to the treadmill. I only had a fall once under these conditions for me not to repeat. It was a horrible experience. I took my dog with me, thinking I was doing her a favor by getting her out of the house, but we both fell. I don’t know who was more scared. I was scared she was hurt and she was scared I was hurt. Fortunately neither of us did get hurt. But not fun.
Another thing to consider is what kind of run you are setting out to do. If you want to do a tempo run or intervals you need to ask yourself can you do that kind of run in the conditions that are presenting themselves today. Many times the treadmill is going to be your best bet for the kind of run you want to do.
Some runners will put screws in an old pair of running shoes. I have never done it, and I don’t know anyone who has done it. But you can find information on how to do it on Active.com. If you have done it, let us know on the THS Facebook page.
Don’t forget about Stoney Creek Metro Park. They do plow the running path there. Sometimes there are some wet or slick spots but as we get into longer training runs I recommend heading out there with a nice clear path versus the boredom of long miles on a treadmill.
Next week we will talk about how to make the most of those treadmill training runs.
