Running Like a Kid in the Snow
My final post from last week was about my current motivation level and the suggestion that I had from a fellow runner to list the ten things I loved about running to help. I did and it definitely helped, it made me remember why I love running and the things that made me continue to lace up my sneakers. Others of you seemed to be in a similar place lacking motivation and you too shared your ten things. Check out these two great lists from Running Because I Can and MyLife….Live, which is a great blog by self described as “One Canadian’s life journey of working, running, and writing (while dealing with a little thing they call cancer)”. I was happy to see that this idea was helping others as well.
After kicking myself in the ass and posting my ten things about running I felt a renewed interest in running and motivated to tackle my last long training run on Saturday before my half marathon in Miami. I woke up Saturday morning to our first real snow storm of the winter and I instantly became even more excited for my run. You see there are not many times where NYC is quiet, you either need to be stumbling out of a club at 4:00 am or stuck in a snow storm to witness this. There is something awesome about NYC when it is quiet.
I prepared myself with my winter running gear and ventured out for my ten mile run. During the run a few amazing things happened. First, I was having fun. There was no motivational issues. There was no complaining or bitching to myself. I was enjoying being out again running and it was due directly to the snow. I was feeling like a kid again, out and about in the snow, just playing and running. The miles just seemed to fly by.
Second, I realized that running on half plowed packed snow is one of the best thing for runners. Let me explain. In these types of conditions you need to have absolutely perfect form, foot strike and control or you will totally wipe out. When I started it took me a mile or two to understand that any sort of heel-strike and I would slip and a midfoot strike made it possible to run comfortably. Next, I used my arms a lot more to remain balanced and kept my hips and mid-section much more upright without too much of a lean forward. It wasn’t awkward, in fact it was very comfortable and I was relaxed more than I thought. The conditions made me focus on my foot strike, body movements and control. It made for the perfect training conditions for working on my running form.
I have the snow to thank for helping me get out of my funk and for bringing fun back to my running. I also have the snowy conditions to thank for keeping me focused on my form and training me to stay under control from my feet to my head.
Have you run in the snow? Did you feel the same way about perfect form while running in the snow or bad conditions? What do you do to help get out of your running funks?
- Scott
(image Luke Sharrett/The New York Times)
I did 9 in the snow (first snow run of the season for me) last weekend. It kicked my butt! Not only were my ankles and calves more sore the next day, but my abs were as well from engaging my core to stabilize.
I’m glad you had such a great run. I can only imagine how beautify NYC would be covered in snow.
And that is the perfect reason why the snow running is a great workout!
I can barely walk in the snow, don’t plan on trying to run in it either!
#RiskyRunning ?
Yup, totally risky, but the alternative was the treadmill and I’d rather risk falling.
Fresh snow? Yes! Packed Snow? Be careful. It’s easy to miss ice patches, some YakTraxs might be a good idea.
Yes, there were spots when I was saying to myself “be careful”, part stupid- Yes. The YakTraxs are great but I would probably only use them a few times a year.
I’m having a running funk this week and it is entirely related to my menstrual cycle (sorry for the TMI, there, but it’s true). I intend to force it’s end by going out and kicking butt tomorrow. Sheer stubbornness at its best!!
As for snow, I live at a low elevation and have never run in it.
Total TMI, but thanks for sharing
I did a 14 mile snow run last weekend and complained about the weather the whole time… now from unrelated events, I have a hurt back and cannot run and would now give anything to run for 2 1/2 hours in the snow again. Perspective shift!
Glad your run went well! Hopefully spring is near
Oh no! Total perspective shift, hope you are back out there soon.
Interesting! I end up on plenty of snowy roads here in upstate NY. And I enjoy it! The first step when you leave the house is the only difficult one. I totally agree that it helps improve your form. You feel a slip and you know your balance if off, your footstrike isn’t right, etc. But…plan on running a bit slower with shorter strides to avoid falling.
My favorite favorite time to run is during a snow storm. It’s so peaceful , quiet , and calm. I feel powerful. I love when people drive by and have that look like that lady’s crazy!! It’s great for abs and buttocks especially on the hills.