Reluctant Winter Runner - Part 3

Finally gave the "traction aids" for running on ice and snow a whirl while visiting my mom in cottage country over the holidays. It was minus 20, likely colder than that with the windchill, so I bundled up and gave it a go!

I was surprised at what a difference it made, at least for me! Bare in mind that Mom lives literally on a very "back" road and thus very little traffic but thick ice! Lots of hills and chances to go for a spill! I felt completely solid and safe and did an easy 45 min with some hill repeats (with her Pyranese mountain dog Bella in tow)!

I will say though that since I have been home, I took the shoes with the traction slip-ons on for a run on our city sidewalks and through my local park. I got about 10 min out of the park before I realized one of the aids had slipped off! I made tracks back to retrieve it and had to sit on my duff in the snow to put it back on my shoe! I really didn't notice it missing at first until I looked down!

Placebo affect? For me, I could still feel the other shoe digging in.

All in all I really think they are worth the money. I know you can get a cheaper version at Giant Tiger, not sure if they work as well.

Even just for my own piece of mind, I seem to push myself faster, knowing I won't hit the dirt, er ice!

Love my traction aids and my RunKeeper app!

Reluctant Winter Runner

I like running. I don't have the love for it that some do and never took it up until I was well into adult hood. However, I don't have any joint pain at my age (knocking on wood as I write) and realized that there are alot of folks near my age who do and would give anything to be able to run again. So I figure, why waste good health, right? Cycling, on the other hand, was not only my transportation and independence as a kid, and sometimes as an adult, but I developed a true fondness for it as the sport weaved itself in and out of my life through different people and events.

But you can't cycle in the winter, at least not outside! I'm sure some do, but I'm just not that hearty!

I have always despised running in the winter, not because of the cold, but because of the ICE! I am a clumsy fumbler at the best of times, so have always feared taking a spill on the ice. I chatted up a few running pals and they suggested attaching something to the bottom of my shoes.

I bought these at Costco.

It says "Everyday Traction Aids" but they're attached to running shoes in the picture on the packaging. They may be a crap time but I can always take them back. I had visions of them being like toe picks on figure skates and that they'd mess me up!

I'm giving them a go this afternoon.

I'll be wearing a pink hat.

Please be kind.