Let it snow, let it snow...

Sunday, December 15, 2013 · Mike Davis

Good morning! Well for those of you that enjoy a white Christmas, I would guess that you'll have one. I just had to shovel out a path down the steps AND a sizeable area on our lawn so that our little princes Roy has a spot take care of business. He would have no part in going down the steps with the snow on them, nor even think of going on the lawn. The life of a privileged dog! So picture yours truly outside in his shorts (pajamas) shoveling off a path for Roy as he watches out the window! I am so glad it's winter! This is the time of year where we really need to get smart about our running if we intend to be outside. Choosing wisely as to what we wear and considering a heightened awareness of safety are both key to successful winter running. What to wear is always annoying to me in that I am that fool that chooses to wear less in most circumstances even the dead of winter. (It's not even winter yet!) For me I am okay with shorts unless the temperature drops below 25 or the wind is biting. Now that's not my rule for others, just my preference. Warm hands and ears are my main focus, so I am for ever seeking out the best way to take care of those areas. Gloves don't always keep my hands warm initially, so running mittens are my choice. I have gloves all over the place and will wear them but if it's really cold I would rather go with mittens. There have been times when I am wearing gloves that I will pull my fingers toward the front of the glove and make a fist as if my hands were in a mitten. I guess my hands stay warmer when I use the fingers as a team! As for head gear, I have a couple hats and a few headbands all over the house so there's always choices. Thankfully I still have a little hair on my head so in most circumstances I go with a headband. For me a hat warms me up to much and the temptation is to take it off, but then my rather large ears get cold real quick. Wearing a headband certainly helps keep the ears warm while not overheating the head. Also for me the less I feel, the better. The toughest part of what to wear for winter running for me is the torso area. That part of my body definitely heats up rather quickly so overdoing it is something I try to avoid. I have like thousand half zip tops that seem to be my choice of apparel both in and out of running shoes so one of those are definitely my choice. The problem with this choice is that not everyone of them or even most of them are designed with visibility in mind. Depending where you are running it is really important to consider what you are wearing and if those driving will see you? If you don't have a sidewalk available then it is your responsibility to be seen. Yes it is YOUR responsibility to be seen! Eventually Dover clears most sidewalks so for me I have to know this so I can choose my top. I am not going to fib and tell you I wear something bright all the time, but I should if I want to ensure that I'm seen all the time. Definitely during an early morning run or a late afternoon. I generally layer with a long sleeve (not to thick) shirt under my half zip (is that what they call those?). The final consideration for wear is our feet. I wear my running shoes without any aid, but many people wear such devices as Yaktrax to prevent slipping. I believe I may have worn them once but am not positive. I know my wife wears them and encourages her stubborn husband to wear them but again I am a less is best guy. Consequently I have slipped and taken a few falls but overall I am somewhat nimble on my feet. It can be a challenge to navigate the ice and snow, so I have to work at seeing ahead and preparing myself for the next steps. This can be hectic on my running as well as my desired form but I seem to get through it. Maybe I'll give the Yaktrax a shot if I find my gait is getting to compromised. I tend to run on the road (as opposed to the sidewalks) more but that definitely becomes more dangerous. I've mentioned it a few times, winter running is amazing and a great way to enjoy the long New England winters, but it can also be very dangerous. Automobiles can become immobilized by slippery conditions and if you're expecting them to stop at a certain point that may not be always possible. The need to keep this in your mindset is critical so that you always give them the right of way. Also our visibility is vastly reduced by additional factors during the winter. Beyond the usual driving distractions, now there are snow banks, additional hazards and people less focused on pedestrian and more on not sliding. I try to pay attention to there eyes and if I don't see them, I proceed with caution. Again; "My safety is My responsibility!" Sidewalks are not always optimal so when I choose the road for my running, I have to be a defensive runner. Running through a "winter wonderland" is fun and special, but it definitely requires some thought and much awareness. Running with a group is also great but share the road intelligently. I can honestly say that I enjoy winter running but I haven't always been super smart about it. Working with others has definitely helped me to realize a few things about running safely and fun! Enjoy your running! Have a great week and get that shopping done! Mike