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Original poster

What are regular outdoor runners doing now its too icy to run?

43 replies

dameofdilemma · 15/12/2022 09:17

Am really missing running - the pavements are mostly not gritted and are sheet ice around here. The roads too busy with cars to safely run on (and lots of the roads are also icy and ungritted).

Am really missing my morning runs.....am going out for a walk but its not the same 😕

OP posts:
flamingogold · 15/12/2022 09:24

Dreadmill. I don't like it but use the fancy ones at the gym which have video of running outdoor and adjust the gradient etc.

Original poster
dameofdilemma · 15/12/2022 09:30

I gave up my gym membership during Covid.....
The leisure centre does a pay as you go but its too far to get there and back before work/dd going to school.
The only way I've managed to fit running in between work, dd, chores etc is to go first thing.
I could go at the weekend if its still icy.

OP posts:
FuzzyBrain3000 · 15/12/2022 09:32

Can you go off road? I'm luckily near a canal towpath so run along there, still some slippy bits but because it is a gravel base there is enough grip. I'm v slow anyway so unlikely to slip!

CampervanQueen · 15/12/2022 09:33

I've slowed down a notch and picking routes that are predominantly off-road.

YellowMeeple · 15/12/2022 09:39

I’ve been going out earlier (05:30) so the roads are quieter and I can go off the pavement on to the road if it’s too slippy. Have also slowed down my pace. Can’t wait for it to warm up a bit!

TheOrigRights · 15/12/2022 09:40

I am fortunate to live rurally so I've been off road crunching across the fields.
Glorious. Cleans your trainers and is a very different sort of workout.

Cwcwbird · 15/12/2022 09:46

I've been running at lunchtime when it's less icy. Also used the dreadmill once. And yes, running different routes that are less likely to be slippy.

I'm mostly trying not to get too stressed about it though, I'll do what I can manage and pick it back up when it's less icy. I can pick up the pace and miles far more easily than I can recover from a broken ankle.

emmathedilemma · 15/12/2022 13:06

i haven't run!
yaktrax are quite good for compact snow / ice but you really need it to be continuous coverage as they're not great it you hit clear tarmac.

MsMartini · 15/12/2022 13:10

I'm too scared of slipping - temps increase from Saturday, it just isn't worth the risk. Really missing it though. I normally love fast walking as well. but that isn't the same in clumpy boots and umpteen layers.

I've used the treadmill and X-trainer at the gym and keep meaning to do a Les Mills at home cardio class instead too....

Lazydazey · 15/12/2022 13:10

Several options, off road , a hill session in an empty multi storey car park .. or efforts across a snowy park - try it ..its like running on sand and a monster workout.

FuckabethFuckor · 15/12/2022 13:11

I've switched to the rower. I slipped once while running in the sleet and fucked my knee for months; I really don't want to do that again, so I now have a self-imposed outdoor running ban between November and March.

TokyoSushi · 15/12/2022 13:13

I've been to two dance fitness classes instead, roll on Sunday when we can hopefully get back out!

doodleygirl · 15/12/2022 13:14

I am also missing my run, I have raynauds which makes it even more treacherous as I can’t feel my feet. I’ve been upping my weights and boxing

darkwinterdays · 15/12/2022 13:16

Joined a gym for the rest of the winter- will run outside when possible but permafrost here so opportunities maybe few.

Not a big fan of the gym but prefer falling off the running machine than cracking my head on ice.

GerundTheBehemoth · 15/12/2022 13:26

When I lived in an area prone to snow and ice I ran with Yaktrax on my shoes. I am very nervous about icy pavements but was completely comfortable to run normally when I had them on.

AreOttersJustWetCats · 15/12/2022 13:30

It's never too icy! I run off road and use microspikes if needed.

TheOrigRights · 15/12/2022 13:33

I can't even really get to an indoor venue (that and I hate the dreadmill). I've parked my car on higher ground now, but for 2 days I've had to get a neighbour to give me a shove. It was fine when I was out of our car parking area and our little road, but it's definitely a case of not driving unless I need to. I've missed my circuits class and running club has been cancelled.

But, as I said up thread, the rural location does mean I have the option of heading for the fields! We did have a bit of sun yesterday, but by the time I went out the mist had come down.

I have some bad ass off road shoes (pretty much like football boots) which I am really happy with. It's still tough to sort of high knees it across the fields, but at least I make progress rather than slipping all over the place or getting soaked feet within minutes.

Original poster
dameofdilemma · 15/12/2022 13:52

Nearest 'off road' non-pavement area to me is a common that's a 45min round trip walk (on icy pavements). I only have 30 mins to do a 5k in the morning so just can't fit in a 45 mins walk plus 30 mins run. Its dark in the evening and just not safe to run there.

I hadn't heard of Yak Trak, thanks for that rec, will investigate. I'm fairly fit but pushing fifty so bit nervous about slipping.

Just been for a walk in the area I would usually run in - its still ab out 60% ice but that's better than yesterday. Will try a run tomorrow.

Have to remind myself that pre pandemic I only went to the gym 2-3 times a week max whereas now I usually run 5 times a week so not the end of the world if I miss a week.

OP posts:
Flockameanie · 15/12/2022 14:13

in your situation I’d do an at-home hiit session off YouTube instead. A poor substitute for an outdoor run, but at least it would get the endorphins going a bit.

Iamanunsafebuilding · 15/12/2022 14:25

I'm giving this week a miss, not risking an injury by slipping!

Clouds3898 · 15/12/2022 14:28

Grinded out 10k on a treadmill this morning. I tend to run at the gym in the winter anyway.
I also like the Joe Wicks hiit stuff for a quick burst at home

EveryLittleWish · 15/12/2022 14:33

The roads around my neighbourhood are extremely icy but about 1km away there is this stretch of road ( about 3kms) that has very little ice so I’ve been running there . I did 8kms on Tuesday and 5kms yesterday outside. This morning I ran on my treadmill though as I was doing speed work . I use to run in Canadian winters so this actually isn’t too bad in comparison haha

Original poster
dameofdilemma · 15/12/2022 16:18

Oh I'd forgotten about Joe Wicks! Might need to dig out one of his TABATA workouts...ugh.

OP posts:
Justleaveitblankthen · 15/12/2022 16:42

If you fancy dreaming of sunnier climes, try this one:

Unfortunately, it makes me remember lockdown too much. Ugh! 😣

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 15/12/2022 18:55

Ours are lethal. I went out last night, my buff froze and I had several moments fearing for my life slipping on ice. Dreadmill for me! One of our local Parkruns (too far for an after work jog but justified on a weekend) grits their course so going to attempt that