Winter Discernment

Friday, December 09, 2016 · Mike Davis

Good morning!

Been awhile since I have chatted over coffee on a Friday morning. Life has been a bit weird for me and finding enough thoughts to chat about has been challenging. Anyhow, grab your coffee and pull up a stool!

Apparently the “Polar Vortex” is back across the country and that means sub-freezing temperatures here in North Carolina and then a potential snow storm in the Northeast. Winter is not officially here but, it is here! Running along the streets of Dover will become quite challenging and even dangerous, discernment will be important. The NFLR “Winter Pacers” training group is led by experienced (and certified) running coaches that will pay close attention to the conditions and will use discernment to determine whether running outside is safe or not. That said, it is often an individual determination and so we all must give thought to what is safe and best for us. Here are some of the things I always considered when I was deciding on running outside during the winter.

• Will there be a place for me to run? Sidewalks are low priority for snow removal and that means being forced to run on the side of the road. If there is a large amount of snow, there is often very little shoulder available and that puts you in a very unsafe condition. It can be fun running through beautiful downtown Dover or Portsmouth after a fresh snow but, if you only have the busy roads to run on, better to not run. Vehicles have many challenges on snowy roads and us runners should not be one of them. If you really want to run outside, find a location that is remote or has been cleared enough to safely run.
• Footing. If you do find a safe running route, also consider how safe the footing will be. Dover and Portsmouth do a great job of plowing the sidewalks and that is great for us runners. However, in most cases while it is easier to navigate, it is not always safe. The plow does not totally clean the surface and what is left is often ice or packed snow. Both can be dangerously slippery. Sometimes it can be awesome and clear but it only takes one spot to cause a serious fall! Two things to consider: one is to wear some type of non-slip device such as Yaktrax or two, do I have enough daylight to see the potential dangerous spots? Yaktrax are probably the safest option. A couple of winters ago, we had a NFLR winter training group go out on a Saturday morning after only a slight dusting of snow. As we came down a slight hill, yours truly slipped and ended up with 13 stitches on the forehead! Ouch and dumb for me to have put the group at risk. Also, those clear roads and sidewalks refreeze in the evening and become very dangerous.
• Will drivers see me? We runners like to feel like we are brave, strong, and invincible when we run and some (like me), even enjoy being a little crazy! However, none of that will help if the person driving that car does not see you running! Less than ideal driving conditions often causes drivers to be focusing on other vehicles, obstacles and hazards and noticing a runner approaching is not always a given. We runners know we are supposed to run facing traffic and we also know that we should stay on the shoulder as well. We can be right all the way to the hospital or worse. If the driver does not see me, I can be sanctimonious about my rightness but, I rather be safe. Always see the eyes of the driver in the oncoming vehicle and if you do not, be ready to leap into a snowbank! What we wear is also critical whether it is day or night running. Being seen is the safest strategy in the winter. If visibility will be an issue, stay in or find a safe place to run!

Winter running can be amazing, fun, and more but, it also requires some judgement that will keep it safe as well. Running around the streets of downtown Dover, Portsmouth and some of the other New England towns is special during the winter and I encourage it. Know the routes that make sense and then take the precautions that will insure a safe running. We often focus on reflective gear when it gets darker but it is wise to wear it whenever we must share a road with automobiles. Running in a group is a lot of fun and helps with the visibility piece but also beware of keeping single file and not forcing vehicles to navigate any more than they should.

My wife will tell you that I have not always adhered to my own words and I have a scar to prove her right! Always think about the risk before you determine your plan and then alter your plan if needed. Winter running is a great thing, but only if it can be safely done.

I will talk about everyone’s least favorite alternative next week: The treadmill!

Have a great Friday and be safe!

God Bless!

Mike