Run in the snow . . . because you're worth it

Working up the courage to get out in the icy cold may be the same old struggle every year – but just do it

Surely it’s too dangerous to run in the snow? Would it be better if I wait until the weather improves before I start out running? Mrs O

Some of you have got it already, for others it is in the post – snow and all its accoutrements: slush, ice, a smattering of sleet and travel mayhem, to name but a few of January’s blessings. It is all too easy in the face of such brutal weather to postpone one’s good intentions of shifting all that Crumb lard from January to February (when no doubt those intentions will promptly be adjourned until spring). You know the story. We have all been here before. We are here every year.

It is never better to wait until one’s circumstances have improved before taking the relevant action, whatever that may be. In your case, perhaps it was a New Year’s resolution to start running and in the mild early days of January it all felt possible, but now doubt has settled into your soul along with the snow. Well Mrs O, I have good news: all you need is some grit and a sense of humour and you can continue with your running plans, whatever else is going on in your life, snow included.

Tips for uber gritty winter running, whatever the weather:

Don’t try to make it all fun. It is not. You will fail if you try. Fun is what you can have when you get back from your run.

Assume your motivation to do this will be below zero. Ignore this brutal truth, lace up and go anyway. Any motivation you may have will be experienced retrospectively. You will want to go again because of what you got out of it the last time. Trust me.

Get your clothing right. Waterproof and even windbreak outer layers are ideal. I have a black “anoesia” type item for my top half that I bought from a specialist running shop. It covers my head, a lot of my face, my neck, my hands and regulates my body temperature. It is brilliant for running in all winter conditions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have one. (I look utterly absurd wearing it, so it’s not an item I would recommend for the vain or, indeed, the single.)

A Beenie, lightweight scarf and gloves will do just fine but head, neck and hand coverage are essential throughout winter. We all know that the first 10 minutes of every run is hellish, whatever the weather. But in January, those first 10 minutes are where hell goes to self-harm: icy wind, snow, rain or sleet (possibly stay indoors if it’s hailing) biting around your head, face, neck and ears. It is beyond brutal and an entirely unnecessary grit add-on, so do dress appropriately.

Wear two pairs of socks. This has such a positive impact on the whole experience it warrants its own bullet point. Two pairs of socks has the effect of making your feet feel so warm and toasty in comparison with the rest of your body that it provides a welcome distraction during those first 10 minutes while the rest of your body acclimatises. I really focus on my feet, marvelling at how warm they are, like little radiators, and I envisage them spreading heat up into my legs and ultimately throughout the rest of my body. After 10 minutes I am warm all over and the rest of the run is a pleasure . . . ish.

Always be alert to potential hazards and slipping in mud, slush, ice, etc. Layers of snow can hide icy patches so take special care if you’re running in areas where the snow has been lying for days. Go even more slowly than usual if it has been snowing. That way you can run for longer as once you are out and running, you may as well nail as many kilometres as you can so that you don’t have to go again tomorrow.

A must-have footwear gadget for running in thick snow and ice: ice cleats. Available from backless.co.uk, they offer a good grip on treacherous ice and are essential kit if you are serious about running after heavy snowfall. They are cheap(ish) and easy to order online. Invest in a pair and never again use the "weather excuse". They deliver throughout Ireland.

Always remember the following when you would rather do anything but face the outdoors and go for a run:

The more brutal the physical conditions accompanying your run, the bigger the pay-off at the end and the more calories you will burn.

Try running in deep snow on grassy areas and see just how tiring it is; not dissimilar to running on sand (we wish). Your feet are being continually challenged on bumps and dips, engaging a greater range of muscles and requiring that you utilise stabilising muscles in your abs and back. Inner and outer leg muscles will also need to work harder. Calves and ankles are really put through their paces. I felt pain (in a good way) after my recent run in the snow in muscles I didn’t even know I had.

Running after heavy snowfall is incredibly beautiful and inspiring. Suck it up.

If you can’t run, walk. Walking uphill through snow or going off track into deep snow is brilliant exercise. No doubt about it, those legs are having to work even harder to haul your swollen January body out of the snow with each step, so snow-walking definitely gives you more bang for your buck. Don’t overdo the walking part and jog as soon as the terrain allows.

The Grit Doctor says:

If you can a run in these Siberian conditions, I reckon you can do pretty much anything. So what are you waiting for?

Tweet your running queries to Ruth at @gritdoctor

Ruth Field is author of Run, Fat Bitch, Run