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Post by spaff on Dec 19, 2008 8:05:10 GMT -5
Something that might help, which we sell like hotcakes at our running specialty shop, are Get-a-Grips ($20) and Yak-Traks ($45), both of which are lightweight strap-on shoe picks.. 1) A bit of snow: Wear a trail shoe with aggressive tread. La Sportiva Crosslites are great...lightweight shoe with big lugs. 2) A bit more snow &/or a bit of ice: screw shoes ( skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm ). 1/2 inch hex head sheet metal screws that you screw into the sole of your running shoes. The lip around the edge gives great traction (much better than Yaktraks or get-a-grips and pennies to make). 3) A little bit more snow again with a bit more ice: Kahtoola Microspikes www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302733919&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455244426276574) More snow still: Dion running snowshoes. Great on packed snow or powder (with deeper cleat)
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Post by crossrunner7 on Dec 19, 2008 15:35:46 GMT -5
Here in Timmins its been hell to run outside, -30 on average for the past 2 weeks and I ran about twice with my warmest gear and was still freezing my butt off. I still run about four times a week though, two agonizing runs outside and two nice toasty indoor practices inside.
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Post by SI on Jan 16, 2009 11:43:41 GMT -5
Even today, I still don't understand the question.
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Post by journeyman on Jan 16, 2009 13:17:53 GMT -5
Even today, I still don't understand the question. Right on. Spaff: I have never worn anything but regular running shoes. Trail shoes are a gimmick, I don't believe the tread makes enough difference to warrant having an extra pair of shoes for running in show. YakTraks and the like also make me laugh. Why ruin a good pair of shoes by putting screws in them? I've logged enough miles in the snow in my regular trainers to know such things are unnecessary. Sorry, I just don't think all the "gear" they sell for running is anything but a cash-grab. You need running shoes, socks, shirt, and shorts. Maybe in the summer you need a hat, but lose to shirt. In the winter, you need more layers. That's about it...
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Post by spaff on Jan 16, 2009 14:45:17 GMT -5
Spaff: I have never worn anything but regular running shoes. Trail shoes are a gimmick, I don't believe the tread makes enough difference to warrant having an extra pair of shoes for running in show. YakTraks and the like also make me laugh. Why ruin a good pair of shoes by putting screws in them? I've logged enough miles in the snow in my regular trainers to know such things are unnecessary. Sorry, I just don't think all the "gear" they sell for running is anything but a cash-grab. You need running shoes, socks, shirt, and shorts. Maybe in the summer you need a hat, but lose to shirt. In the winter, you need more layers. That's about it... Okay, I'll bite. For someone racing trails, especially longer distances or ultras, trail shoes make a huge difference. A more aggressive tread grips far superior in mud compared to most road shoes. Not to mention the added protection of a rock guard (protective plate in midsole) to prevent rocks from biting into your feet. As for running in snow, the difference really is huge. Sure you can get away with running in a regular road shoe, but the traction is much better in a pair of trail shoes with a better sole. Kind of the same idea as trying to go mountain biking on your road bike, or running a muddy XC race without spikes. Regarding traction devices...no, once again, not vital to being able to run in the winter, but if they keep you upright and prevent you from getting injured then I think they are well worth the investment. Especially when having to deal with running on ice. IN the case of putting sheet metal screws in your shoes, it costs practically nothing and doesn't ruin your shoes at all (unless you screw them into an airbag or something...but best to stick to putting them around the edges of the sole anyhow). Can't really see the logic of your arguement by saying that you've never worn anything but a regular running shoe..So my question is, how would you know if it does make a difference? Personally, I'd much rather go for a run outdoors (with screwshoes or microspikes) during a blizzard or ice storm and be safe than having to run on the dreadmill or not run at all.
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Post by HHH on Jan 16, 2009 15:02:54 GMT -5
I like the get a grips, I've found they help tons on the ice, not so much in the snow. Never tried the yak tracks but I hear they help more with the snow. Not so sure about the trail shoes, never really given them a serious go.
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Post by lambert on Jan 16, 2009 18:15:36 GMT -5
I used to think that shoes with extra grip were silly in all situations. Then I raced in old racing flats up a muddy course that gained 1000m vertical. On each step, I'd slip back most of what I'd gained. In that case at least, trail shoes with good grip would actually have made a significant difference.
Then again, when it comes to running on snow for an easy run, I wear racing flats. The only problem is when salty (cold) water soaks into the bottom of the shoes because they have holes in them. That can get cold.
And, come to think of it, I have raced in track spikes on the road in the winter in Edmonton when it's really icy.
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Post by journeyman on Jan 16, 2009 20:13:07 GMT -5
Sure, for racing trails, I've worn La Sportiva shoes, but they were not helpful, as far as I could tell. When I raced with my regular racing flats, I had a better experience. Perhaps the tread on the bottom is beneficial, but rock guards...who cares. I've run some pretty crazy trails out west and in the White Mountains in NH, and was never bothered by sticks or stones...
It may make a difference in an ultra, I certainly can't speak for running more than 2-3hours at a time.
As far as the winter stuff goes, well, I haven't been concerned with the performance I've gotten from my shoes, so I don't see why I would need anything else. If I thought my shoes were inadequate, I would try something else, but I just go and run and have no problems that would necessitate screwing something into my shoe, or putting something over them.
I agree with your comment about the "dreadmill" though. Ugh. I hate that thing.
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Post by spaff on Jan 16, 2009 21:43:48 GMT -5
As far as the winter stuff goes, well, I haven't been concerned with the performance I've gotten from my shoes, so I don't see why I would need anything else. If I thought my shoes were inadequate, I would try something else, but I just go and run and have no problems that would necessitate screwing something into my shoe, or putting something over them. Even on ice???
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Post by hom3sl1c9 on Jan 18, 2009 21:57:50 GMT -5
We've had cold spells here well in excess of minus thirty and I haven't shied away from going outside, but I did don a pair of ski goggles on a particularly windy day. Just make sure everything you are wearing is A) warm and B) moisture wicking otherwise you'll be wearing ice instead of clothes.
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Post by timberman on Jan 25, 2009 12:09:36 GMT -5
Interesting threads...For most of the time I go outside except when it is stupid cold. However, I don't have regular access to an indoor track so I use the treadmill for a lot of my workouts. It's not boring when you are running for your life not to fall off the thing.
I really like the YakTraks and it is possible to do workouts with them on. Also, the Asics Trail Attack is a good shoe for winter running.
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Post by journeyman on Jan 25, 2009 16:12:13 GMT -5
I think maybe because I live in the city, I don't see conditions as extreme as would perhaps require the accessories people have been talking about. For example, I ran on the mountain today and had no trouble blowing by some guy in Yaktraxs. Not to say speed on a long run is anything but relative, but conditions were such that at least this guy thought he needed them, but I really could not have been happier on my run in regular shoes. Probably running through the trails of eastern Ontario, spaff, conditions are a little more treacherous. But nothing in the city really sends me to anything but my regular Pumas.
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Post by alan123456789 on Jan 26, 2009 12:09:59 GMT -5
Too cold, unless you bundle up good.
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Post by olddog on Jan 26, 2009 16:51:32 GMT -5
I have been following this tread for a while with interest so I'll add my two cents. Its been cold in Regina and Saskatchewan but I never missed a day of training yet. In recent weeks the long runs are 2:30 hrs/minutes - starting into the wind and tail wind coming back - both in city and grid roads, 2 tempo runs continue on as usual back it gets harder the colder it gets so I focus on effort rather than speed, rest is easy runs of more than hour for a total of 80-90 miles week.
The real key is layers of clothing that block or dramatically cuts wind down, do this, and comfort follows. Shoes are just regular ones, no need for anything else since routes are mostly ice free.
I never wear a face mask but good hat, mitts, and wind shorts are most helpful in wind reduction - if not you are in trouble.
After 35 years of running the fitter you are the easier it is to run in the cold as a rule so in the past when I was not very fit it is very hard to run in extreme cold once you pushed past your limits.
So long for now and keep working hard it keeps you warmer and its still training.
Olddog
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Post by alan123456789 on Jan 26, 2009 21:43:30 GMT -5
It's pretty hard for immigrants to settle to the weather lol
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Post by slamer on Feb 1, 2009 3:02:39 GMT -5
I've once run inside my apartment (when I first starting running) -- running back and forth between the living room, hall and bedroom -- as a substitute for running outside. I've also many times (back when I live in a 17 story apartment building) would run, jump or hop the stairs in the building many times.
As for trail shoes, Nike had these all weather shoes that we great cause they were waterproof. Meaning I could step in a puddle and my feet would be bone dry. You just had to make sure the puddle wasn't higher than the ankle or the feet would never dry. They made great winter shoes cause I find wind is the worst thing about my feet in the winter.
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Post by Opossums on Feb 3, 2009 9:22:51 GMT -5
I almost lost my penis one time. My female friend recommended that I craft some sort of woolly cock-sock so that some day I may still breed children.
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