While I love trail running, I hate the snow. I am a southern gal at heart that does not like being cold. I do not run outside this time of year. I also do not use the treadmill (dreadmill). I do more cross training and running on the indoor track – speed work baby!
But, when the girlfriends want to hike I cannot say no. Even if there’s snow. Quality time with amazing people, how could I say no to that? So we hiked, laughed, and bonded. We would have ran the trail but I’m still recovering from surgery and am too chicken to push too hard. Got to listen to the body.
It was gorgeous. The trail was teeming with people and their dogs. The dusting of snow covered the trees and streams. Weird, alien looking sappy icicles hung from limbs. I was glad I put on snow boots instead of my runners.
If I had been cleared by the doctor, running it would have happened. Maybe. My advice for running in the snow, good shoes with good tread. I love my Saucony trail runners for slicker weather. The better the sole, the less likely to fall.
The best part of getting out on that snowy trail was the quality time. We kept a good speed, enough to build up a sweat. We hoofed it up the hills while laughing at how out of shape we all felt. If I’m being 100% honest, our out of shape is still really good shape. My girlfriends run 50+ milers and talk about sub 4-hour marathons. I look up to them.
Getting on those trails in the snow helps with stability and balance for sure! It’s another way of cross training since I’m not running it. I always go back to the basics. Balance is my number one! Without good balance, you have no base.
The Liberty Lake Loop in Liberty Lake WA is so hilly. In the 6-ish miles we did there was almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If I had not gotten lost on my way there we would have done the full 9 miles. It was too close to getting dark and I was starting to slow down (first adventure after having major surgery).
So next time you’re on the trail, try hopping from spot to spot. Work on that coordination and balance. It could keep you from sliding into your tush on the ice. Which there was plenty of on the trail.
Now the good part: Review of my new water pack.
My husband got me a new Geiger Rig for my training runs and longer races. It’s beyond comfortable with its waist strap and air flow back. I have always poo pooed the idea of having pressurized water squirt into my mouth. To be honest, after using my new pack last week, I love it. It quenched the thirst and I could use the mouth piece even with my invisalign braces (they make it hard to bite down). I was able to rinse off my hands.
The new pack comes with a rain cover and fully adjustable straps. I was able to quickly get the fit right. It did not bounce around when we picked up the pace. It has enough space for my wallet, all my snacks (see my post about what I eat on the trail), 2-L of water, and has a loop for my new bear bell.
I have a feeling it will be the only pack I use when on the trail. However, on 100 degree days when I’m just out running with friends, I’ll stick to my smaller pack. Those are shorter runs that I don’t carry my wallet, bear stuff, or snacks. Okay, I always have snacks and there’s just enough room in my smaller pack for a snack. Keep your eyes peeled for my nutrition off the trail post coming this week.
I’ll leave you with this thought today: Find that group of friends that make you not want to bail even when you want to bail. That take it slow with you and laugh at your shenanigans. Fill up your water pack, grab those snacks, pack a headlamp, and get out there.
Trail Running and Wellness 