Hi, friends! Remember that the Friday Five format has changed a bit and for this first Friday of the month we’re talking fitness. I wanted to talk about winter running. Now that the days are getting shorter and darker, it’s really important to make sure that you are as safe as possible when running. Be sure you’re following these tips to stay safe during winter runs. Make sure you check out my cohosts, Cynthia and Mar, and visit some new blogs that are linking up as well! Cynthia is across the pond on a massive work trip, so wish her safe travels!
- Use some kind of reflective gear when you run in the dark. And with less daylight, chances are you will be running in the dark quite often. You can buy tons of reflective gear – from arm bands to headbands to lights that clip on to your clothes. I am obsessed with my Oiselle Gilman vest, which has reflective detailing across the front – functional yet stylish and functional.
- Figure out what you will do in snow and ice. For many of us, winter brings with it conditions that are less than ideal to run in. Decide early on if you will take it inside during poor weather conditions or if you’ll deal with the elements. If the latter, prepare yourself. Make sure you have good gear for all conditions. Think about buying something to give your shoes extra traction in snow or ice. I purchased yaktrax this year before our big snow storm and they definitely came in handy! They actually made snow running fun! You can also put screws into an old pair of shoes but for me it was just easier to buy yaktrax. I’m all about DIY but I probably would’ve messed the screws up!
- Run with a buddy. This is extra important if you’ll be running in slippery or very cold conditions. You don’t want to get caught alone in a bad snow storm. As someone who’s gotten lost on a snowy and icy 22 mile run before, trust me on this one. It is NOT fun. I don’t normally run with my phone but it was extremely helpful on that 22 mile run I just mentioned. I literally had to google my location in order to figure out where I took a wrong turn. Had I not had my phone, it would have been a bad day.
- Tell someone where you will be running and how long they should expect you’ll be gone. If you live alone, then shoot a text to a friend saying that you’re going for a run and you’ll text her when you’re back. Again, if you get caught in a bad snowstorm and no one knows where to look for you, you could be in trouble. My motto is always better safe than sorry!
- Carry your phone! I don’t normally run with my phone but it was extremely helpful on that 22 mile run I mentioned above. I literally had to google my location in order to figure out where I took a wrong turn. Had I not had my phone, it would have been a bad day. As I’ve started to do more (and longer) runs solo this training period, I’ve begun carrying my phone on each run. You just never know when you’ll need it (and I’ve yet to bail on a run and Uber home, double bonus!) 🙂
These are all good things to do anytime of year, but I think a few of these are extra important during the winter running season. What tips would you add?
A version of this post appeared on Women’s Running. This post contains an affiliate link.
These are great tips! When I lived in the DC area, it was always so difficult after a big snow storm and the sidewalks weren’t clear. I would always have to drive my routes first to be sure the sidewalks were clear so we weren’t out in the streets!
Great tips!
I need to do better at running with someone. I usually run with someone for my long runs but not so much for my shorter runs.
I get so nervous about running in the ice and snow. I have been fortunate tool not have had any incidents this far.
These are great winter running tips! I’d add to use either Glympse or Road ID’s eCrumb app (or something similar) when out for a run so someone knows exactly where you are. Glympse comes in so handy for team relays like Ragnar.
Thanks for the linkup!
Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Cool Fitness Stuff, And I Need Your Help
These are all great tips! It definitely requires extra preparedness to run in the winter & you have pointed out some very important safety reminders. Have a Great Week!!
Terrific safety tips! Great reasons to bring your phone with you!
Sherry recently posted…5 Reasons To Get Your Workout Done in the Morning
I always carry my phone with me – I’ve gotten lost in the snow before too! All the trails looked the same! I also run with YakTrax/studded shoes and it really does make a huge difference in how easily and safely you can run. Good luck running through the rest of the winter!
Great tips! I wasn’t expecting snow this morning. :-/
Right?! I was like, what is happening?!
I would add to carry Halt on your list. While I carry this year round, it prevents attacks by dogs and hopefully it would never need to be used on humans. Yaktrax are very popular and my sister who lives in WY wears them frequently due to the excess snow they get yearly!
Oh I should look into that – great idea!
I’m dealing with some snow and ice here today and I’m afraid it will be a treadmill day because no school for the kids 🙁 So, I guess that is my added tip (kids or no kids) know when it’s safer and smarter to run indoors!!
Have a great weekend!
So true! I sometimes wish I had a treadmill at home!!
Just joining your linkup for the first time and these are absolutely perfect tips for us right now! It snowed a foot in Denver on Tuesday and we so we’re definitely dealing with the winter weather conditions here! Thanks so much for sharing!
Oh wow – hope you are enjoying the snow!!
My motto is – you can never have too much reflective gear on!!!
Great tips! Glad the YakTrax worked out well, too. I have had my iPhone 6 freeze up a few times this winter which is a huge bummer if you need an uber 😉
Please please please carry your phone! It just isn’t worth it to be out there without one. And put it in an inside pocket, so it won’t freeze (thanks for the reminder, Erica)
Great tips! I still don’t have Yaktrax, I may finally buy a pair this year…this winter has been all over the place! This is definitely a great time of the year to run with friends as well.
These are all really great tips! I never really thought about how dangerous it can get running in the winter, but it definitely is! Usually when it’s super cold and dark, I’ll just run on the dreadmill so I’m at least around other people in a more controlled environment!
These are great tips! I actually just purchased a reflective long sleeve running top–I can’t believe it took me so long to buy reflective gear since I am always an early morning runner. I definitely feel safer. I also used to never run with my phone but now I always have it on me. I totally agree, better safe than sorry!
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Great tips! My sister does Long runs and does not carry her phone which makes me nervous for her!
Great tips- especially the phone on the long run- why I need a belt! I hope my post for the link-up qualifies as fitness related- I think perfection IS not the goal in fitness, but working towards a goal can be about just getting starting and sticking with something…the whole life is a marathon not a sprint!
If I lived somewhere that has winter, I’d definitely get Yaktrax. I finally got a look at them, and they remind me of the chains I’ve seen on tires to deal with winter weather. My mom said it’s the exact same concept.
Good tips! I also talked about safety this week. I feel like it’s something we can’t talk about enough.
I always carry my phone. I got lost one time when it wasn’t snowing (in the days before smartphones) and had to call my husband to tell me where I was LOL.
MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Cross Training for Runners around Washington DC
great tips! I always carry my phone but I should start texting people when I start and stop.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Cost Effective Fitness in DC
Yes! You can text me!
Great tips! I always, always, always carry my phone when I run- winter or not! MY biggest worry in winter is slipping, so I try to scope out the roads in my care before I hit the streets.
Those are great tips Courtney! I always run with my phone, no matter what the distance now. I have a Spibelt that keeps it secure around my waist. I also have a bluetooth tracking feature on my Garmin, so I can send a link to my husband and it uploads where I am throughout my run/ride. It is an awesome feature to have!
Leana recently posted…Phoenix Marathon Training: the final push
Yes! Reflective gear and always run with a buddy!
Smitha-Runningwithsdmom recently posted…#FridayFascinations: 5 Things I am Loving This Week!
Great tips! I think reflective gear is important and always telling someone. I tell or text my boyfriend before runs alone saying where ish I’ll be running and how far I think I’ll be going, just for safety.
These are great tips for any time of the year, too!
Great tips! The gym has been my answer for bad weather during runs. Though the local high school tracks are great for weekday evening runs since the lights are on at certain times. That really helps.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday 5 – Self Care
agree — i always keep my phone on me. i’m def guilty of wearing too many dark clothes tho and prob should get some reflective gear, good call — esp bc i’m always running in the dark in the cold months. (although my sneaks are highlighter yellow and everyone can see those!) how to handle ice: DON’T FALL. i just pray. 🙂
I think telling someone where your running and about how long is a great tip. At least if something was to happen sooner or later someone will come looking for you! Looks like I’m going to have to follow some of your other tips this weekend for sure as it’s supposed to be 25 for a low tonight! Woo wee…. Have a great week lady!
These are all great tips! I’m in Iowa, so we have plenty of snow and cold weather, too. I like to run (short runs…3/4 miles) at night because it’s so peaceful and tranquil…and, actually pretty bright from the streetlights reflecting on the snow. Even though I can see where I’m going easily, I always have a light source (Vizi Belt and/or Knuckle Lights) so others can see me. I don’t do very long runs in the cold, usually no longer than 6-7 miles, and those are in the daylight, usually with a friend. I have a hard time keeping my phone from freezing, though ;-(
Great tips! You know I run outside all winter long. I always carry my phone. But the biggest hazard, IMHO, is black ice. I’m just running along and whooops! I slip on hidden ice. Ugh. Guess you have to keep your guard up.
Great tips there Courtney. especially with this crazy weather which makes me feel like hibernating and come out when it’s a little warmer 🙂 Anyways thanks a lot for the share, loved it.
Cindy